Mastering Your Instagram Privacy: How to Turn Off “Discover People”

Tired of Instagram constantly suggesting people you might know, sometimes a little too accurately? You’re not alone. While Instagram’s “Discover People” feature aims to expand your network, many users value their privacy and prefer to control who finds them. The good news is, you can manage this.

How to Turn Off “Discover People” on Instagram?

Actually, you cannot completely turn off the “Discover People” feature on Instagram in the way you might expect. There isn’t a single button that eliminates it entirely from the app. Instead, you need to implement a combination of strategies to significantly reduce its effectiveness and minimize your discoverability. Here’s the multi-pronged approach:

1. Disconnect Your Contacts: The most significant factor driving the “Discover People” suggestions is Instagram’s access to your phone’s contact list.

   • If you’ve already granted access: Go to your profile, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), then “Settings.” Navigate to “Account” then “Contacts Syncing.” Toggle off “Connect Contacts.” This prevents Instagram from continuously uploading your contact list.

   • If you haven’t granted access (and want to keep it that way): Simply ensure you never authorize Instagram to access your contacts when prompted.

2. Remove Suggested Contacts (One by One): The “Discover People” section also populates with suggestions based on mutual connections, accounts you follow, and other data points. While you can’t eliminate the section itself, you can actively manage the suggestions it presents.

   • In the “Discover People” section: Tap the “X” next to each suggested profile to dismiss them. Over time, this provides feedback to Instagram’s algorithm, signaling that these types of suggestions are not relevant to you.

3. Adjust Your Account Privacy Settings: A public profile is inherently more discoverable.

   • Consider making your account private: Go to “Settings,” then “Privacy,” then “Account Privacy.” Toggle the switch to make your account “Private.” This means only approved followers can see your posts and stories, significantly limiting your discoverability outside your existing network. Note, businesses may see a drop in engagement if their accounts are private.

4. Review and Revoke Third-Party App Permissions: Some apps you’ve authorized to access your Instagram account might be sharing data that influences the “Discover People” suggestions.

   • Go to “Settings,” then “Security,” then “Apps and Websites.” Review the active and expired apps. Remove any apps that you no longer use or don’t trust with your data.

5. Block Specific Accounts: While extreme, if you’re consistently being suggested to, or seeing suggestions of, specific individuals you want to avoid, blocking them will prevent them from finding your profile and vice-versa.

6. Regularly Review Your Followers and Following Lists: Who you follow and who follows you provides data to Instagram’s algorithm. Periodically review these lists and remove any accounts that are irrelevant or that you believe might be contributing to unwanted suggestions.

By implementing these strategies, you can regain control over your Instagram privacy and significantly reduce the visibility of the “Discover People” feature. It’s about actively managing your data and providing feedback to Instagram about your preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often does Instagram update its “Discover People” suggestions?

Instagram’s algorithm constantly updates its “Discover People” suggestions. The frequency varies depending on your activity, new contacts, and changes in your network. It’s a dynamic process, so expect to see regular updates.

Will making my account private completely stop people from finding me?

No. While a private account drastically reduces your discoverability, it doesn’t eliminate it entirely. People can still find you through mutual friends or if they know your username. However, they won’t be able to see your posts or stories without your approval.

If I disconnect my contacts, will Instagram delete the contacts it already has?

Instagram states that disconnecting your contacts will delete the synced contacts within Instagram. However, information derived from those contacts (e.g., mutual connections) may still influence the “Discover People” suggestions for a period.

Does Instagram use location data for “Discover People” suggestions?

Yes, Instagram uses location data, if you have granted it access, to suggest people nearby or those who frequent the same locations as you. This is especially relevant if you’ve enabled location services for Instagram. Disabling location services can help reduce these types of suggestions.

How can I see which apps have access to my Instagram account?

Go to “Settings,” then “Security,” then “Apps and Websites.” This section displays both active and expired apps that have been granted access to your Instagram account. Regularly review this section to ensure you’re only granting access to trusted apps.

Can I report a suggested account in “Discover People” if I find it inappropriate?

Yes, if you find a suggested account to be inappropriate or violating Instagram’s community guidelines, you can report it. Tap the three dots next to the account in the “Discover People” section and select “Report.”

Does blocking someone prevent them from seeing my profile if it’s public?

Yes, blocking someone prevents them from seeing your profile, regardless of whether it’s public or private. They will not be able to find you in search, view your posts, or contact you through Instagram.

Will Instagram notify me if someone reports my account from the “Discover People” section?

No, Instagram does not typically notify you if someone reports your account. They will only contact you if they take action based on the report and it affects your account (e.g., content removal or account suspension).

Does using a VPN affect the “Discover People” suggestions?

Using a VPN can influence the “Discover People” suggestions by masking your actual location. However, the effect may be minimal as Instagram relies on other data points as well.

If I change my username, will it affect my discoverability?

Yes, changing your username can temporarily affect your discoverability. It may take some time for Instagram’s algorithm to update and reflect the change in the “Discover People” suggestions.

How does Instagram use mutual connections in “Discover People”?

Instagram uses mutual connections – people you both follow – as a significant factor in suggesting accounts. The more mutual connections you have with someone, the more likely they are to appear as a suggestion.

Is there a difference between the “Discover People” section and the “Explore” page?

Yes. The “Discover People” section specifically suggests accounts you might know based on contacts, mutual connections, and other data. The “Explore” page, on the other hand, showcases content (posts, reels, etc.) that Instagram thinks you’ll be interested in based on your past activity and the accounts you follow. They serve different purposes, one focused on networking and the other on content discovery.

By implementing these strategies and understanding how Instagram’s algorithm works, you can effectively manage your privacy and control who finds you on the platform. Remember, it’s about being proactive and taking charge of your digital footprint.