Step-by-Step Guide: How to Hide Followers on IG
So, you’ve been scrolling through your Instagram and thought, “Wait a minute… I don’t want everyone seeing who I follow!” Maybe you’re trying to keep things private, surprise someone with a follow, or you just like some peace and quiet online. Whatever the reason, you’re in the right place.
TLDR: Quick Summary
Table of Contents
Instagram doesn’t give you a magical button to hide your followers completely. But there are a few smart workarounds. You can switch to a private account, block specific people, or hide your activity. It’s all about privacy settings and being a little clever. Keep reading to learn how!
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Hide Followers on Instagram
1. Make Your Account Private
This is the simplest and most effective solution. When your account is private:
- Only approved followers can see your followers list.
- Random users can’t peek into your activity or connections.
How to do it:
- Open the Instagram app.
- Go to your profile (tap your picture icon bottom right).
- Tap the three lines at the top right (hamburger menu).
- Go to Settings > Privacy.
- Toggle on Private Account.
Now you’re incognito to the outside world. Only your followers can see who you follow and who follows you.
2. Remove Followers You Don’t Trust
Already have a private account but still have some people lurking in your followers list? Easy fix: Remove them.
Steps to remove a follower:
- Go to your profile.
- Tap on Followers.
- Find the person you want to remove.
- Tap Remove next to their name.
They won’t be notified. It’s a low-drama move!
3. Block People (When Necessary)
Some folks just won’t take a hint. If someone keeps making new accounts or finding ways around your privacy, it’s time to block them.
Here’s how to block:
- Go to their profile.
- Tap the three dots on the top right.
- Select Block.
Blocking hides your followers, posts, and stories from them completely. It’s like you vanish in their Instagram universe.
4. Use Close Friends for Stories
Want to share cool stuff without the whole gang seeing? Use the Close Friends feature for Instagram Stories.
Why it helps: While it doesn’t hide your followers, it limits who can see what content you post.
Setting Up Close Friends:
- Go to your profile.
- Tap the three lines > Close Friends.
- Select who you want to add.
- Post your story and choose Close Friends.
This way, your Stories stay private, just how you like it.
5. Hide Activity Status
This one’s for you if you don’t want people snooping on when you’re active.
To turn off activity status:
- Go to Settings > Privacy > Activity Status.
- Toggle off Show Activity Status.
Now, no one knows when you’re online. Mysterious, right?
6. Limit Third-Party Apps
Some sketchy apps might be trying to sniff out your followers list.
To cut them off:
- Go to Settings > Security > Apps and Websites.
- Remove any apps you don’t recognize.
Stick to official Instagram apps and partners. No third-party spying!
7. Consider Finstas (Fake Instagram Accounts)
Have something you want to keep super private? A Finsta might be your answer.
What’s a Finsta? It’s a second, hidden Instagram account where you control the audience 100%.
Use it to follow accounts or people without letting the world know. Just be sure not to link it to your main account!
Bonus Tips to Keep Your IG Life Private
- Turn off suggestions: Go to Settings > Notifications > Followers and Following. Disable some suggestions to keep a low profile.
- Avoid tagging and mentions: You can control who can tag or mention you under Privacy settings.
- Review tagged photos regularly: Un-tag yourself if needed.
But Wait… Can You Really “Hide” Followers Completely?
Technically, no. Instagram doesn’t have a feature that lets you hide your entire followers list from *everyone*, not even from your real-life cousin Sharon.
So the key is in controlling who can see your profile in the first place. That way, you snooze the snoopers before they snoop.
Heads up: Even with a private account, people who already follow you can still see your followers count and list. That’s why it’s crucial to prune your follower list from time to time.
Final Thoughts
Staying private on Instagram isn’t just about hiding a list—it’s about setting boundaries. Whether you want alone time or just want to avoid questions like “Why did you follow that dog meme page?”, using these steps keeps your Insta world safe and yours.
Recap Time:
- Switch to a private account.
- Remove or block suspicious followers.
- Use Close Friends and turn off activity status.
- Clean your connected apps and maybe start a Finsta.
Do all this, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming an Insta-ninja. Go forth and protect your vibes!
