How do I turn off active status on Instagram?

This topic has 5 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 1 month, 2 weeks ago by Carlos.

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- September 15, 2025 at 6:20 am
Ethan
Participant

Hey folks, I need a little help figuring something out. I’ve noticed that Instagram shows a green dot or “Active now” status whenever I’m using the app, and honestly, I don’t always want people knowing when I’m online. Sometimes I just want to scroll in peace without feeling pressured to reply instantly. I’ve looked through the settings but wasn’t totally sure where to go. Can anyone explain step by step how to turn off this feature? Also, if I turn it off, does that mean I can’t see when other people are active either? I’d love to know if anyone here has tried it, how it changes the way you use Instagram, and if it really helps reduce the pressure of always being “available.”

Viewing 5 replies - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)

Replies

- September 15, 2025 at 6:22 am
Alex
Participant

Go to your profile → three lines (menu) → Settings & Privacy → Messages & story replies → Show Activity Status. Toggle it off. Once it’s off, nobody can see when you’re active, but you also won’t see others’ activity.
- September 15, 2025 at 6:24 am
Sophia
Participant

I turned mine off about six months ago, and honestly, it changed how I use Instagram. I used to feel guilty when friends saw me “active” but I didn’t answer right away. People would message, “Hey, I see you’re online,” and I hated that pressure. One night, I was scrolling at 2 AM and got called out by a friend the next morning. That’s when I decided enough was enough. The process was simple — I went into settings and turned off the active status toggle. At first, I missed seeing when my close friends were online, but after a week, I realized it didn’t matter. Now I check messages when I feel like it, not when Instagram says I’m “supposed to.” It honestly gave me more freedom to enjoy the app without the anxiety. If yo
- September 15, 2025 at 6:25 am
Marcus
Participant

Instagram’s active status operates as a real-time presence indicator, reinforcing synchronous communication and immediacy. While this promotes responsiveness, it also creates social pressure. Disabling the feature through privacy settings grants users greater autonomy, though it eliminates reciprocal visibility. This trade-off reflects broader digital well-being practices, where individuals balance connectedness with boundaries.
- September 15, 2025 at 6:26 am
Luna
Participant

Easy fix — flip the switch off in settings and boom, you’re invisible. Downside: you can’t stalk when others are online either 😂.
- September 15, 2025 at 6:27 am
Carlos
Participant

I get it — being “seen online” can feel like someone’s watching you. Turning it off is totally valid. You’re not being rude, you’re just protecting your peace.