How to Make Your Instagram Private (2018): Your Fortress of Content

Making your Instagram profile private in 2018 was a straightforward process, and this guide, coming straight from a seasoned social media navigator, will show you exactly how to do it. Back then, as now, taking control of your online presence was key, and privacy settings were your best friend.

How to make your Instagram private (2018)? The process was simple: navigate to your profile, tap the three horizontal lines (or dots, depending on your phone) to open the menu, then select “Settings,” followed by “Privacy and Security” (or just “Privacy” in some older versions), and finally toggle the “Private Account” switch to the ‘on’ position. Once you’ve done this, only people you approve can see your posts, stories, and profile information. It’s like having a VIP list for your digital life.

Understanding the Need for Privacy

Before diving deeper, let’s understand why you might want to lock down your Instagram. In 2018, like today, the social media landscape was – and still is – filled with various actors. From bots and spammers to overly curious onlookers, the internet can be a wild place. Making your profile private offers several benefits:

• Control Over Your Audience: You decide who gets to see your content. No more random strangers lurking on your vacation photos.
• Enhanced Security: Reduces the risk of your images being misused or your profile being scraped for data.
• A More Intimate Community: Creates a safer space for sharing personal moments with your close friends and family.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Instagram Private (2018)

Here’s a detailed walkthrough of the process, ensuring you remember the steps for any nostalgic trips back to Instagram’s 2018 interface. Remember, the general principle remains the same even with interface updates.

1. Open Instagram: Launch the Instagram app on your phone.
2. Go to Your Profile: Tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.
3. Access the Menu: Look for the three horizontal lines (often referred to as a “hamburger menu”) or three vertical dots in the top right corner of your profile page. Tap it.
4. Navigate to Settings: In the menu that appears, scroll down and tap on “Settings” (it usually has a gear icon next to it).
5. Find Privacy Settings: Within the “Settings” menu, look for an option labeled “Privacy and Security” or simply “Privacy.” Tap on it.
6. Enable Private Account: You should see an option that says “Private Account” with a toggle switch next to it. Slide the switch to the right to turn it on. It should change color to indicate that it’s enabled.
7. Confirmation Prompt: Instagram may prompt you to confirm your decision. Read the message carefully and tap “Okay” or “Confirm” to proceed.
8. Review Followers: Once your account is private, you’ll see a list of pending follow requests. You can choose to accept or deny each request individually.

Post-Privacy Checklist

• Review Existing Followers: It’s a good practice to occasionally review your follower list and remove anyone you no longer want to have access to your content.
• Be Mindful of Tags: Even with a private account, if someone tags you in a post, their followers might see the tag, even if they can’t see your profile.
• Understand Story Settings: Your Story settings are separate from your account privacy. You can choose to hide your story from specific people, even if they follow you.

12 FAQs About Instagram Privacy (2018 Edition)

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Instagram privacy back in 2018, offering insights into common concerns and misconceptions.

1. What Happens When I Make My Account Private?

Only approved followers can see your photos and videos, your follower list, and the people you follow. People who don’t follow you will only see your profile photo and username.

2. Can People Still Search for Me on Instagram?

Yes, people can still search for you by your username or name. However, they won’t be able to see your posts or stories unless you approve their follow request.

3. Will My Old Posts Be Visible to New Followers?

Yes, once you approve a follower, they can see all of your past posts, unless you have archived or deleted them.

4. Can I Still Be Tagged in Posts if My Account Is Private?

Yes, other users can still tag you in their posts, even if you have a private account. However, only your approved followers will see the tag on your profile. Their followers might still see the tag on the original poster’s post.

5. How Do I Approve or Deny Follow Requests?

When someone requests to follow you, you’ll receive a notification. You can go to your “Follow Requests” list (usually accessible from your profile or notifications) and either “Confirm” or “Delete” each request.

6. If I Make My Account Public Again, Will Previously Denied Follow Requests Be Automatically Approved?

No, previously denied follow requests will not be automatically approved. People will need to send a new follow request if you switch back to a public account.

7. Can I Make My Account Private Temporarily?

Yes, you can switch between public and private as often as you like.

8. Does Making My Account Private Affect My Direct Messages?

No, your direct messages are separate from your account privacy settings. Anyone you have allowed to message you will still be able to do so.

9. Will My Comments on Other People’s Posts Be Visible if My Account Is Private?

Yes, if you comment on a public post, your comment will be visible to anyone who can see that post, even if your account is private.

10. What Happens if I Block Someone?

When you block someone, they can no longer see your profile, posts, or stories, even if your account is public. They also cannot message you or find you in search.

11. Can People Still See My Profile if They Are Logged Out of Instagram?

No, people who are not logged in to Instagram will not be able to see your profile if it is private.

12. How Do I Remove a Follower From My Private Account?

To remove a follower, go to your follower list, find the person you want to remove, and tap the three dots next to their name. Select “Remove” and confirm. They will no longer be able to see your posts or stories.

The Evolution of Privacy: A Brief Look

While the core functionality of making your account private remained consistent, Instagram has continuously refined its privacy features over the years. 2018 was a pivotal time, as users became more aware of data privacy and demanded greater control over their online presence. This led to improvements in granular privacy settings, such as the ability to restrict specific users without blocking them entirely and more nuanced control over story visibility. Even today, staying informed about these updates is crucial for maintaining the level of privacy you desire.

Conclusion: Mastering Your Digital Domain

Taking control of your Instagram privacy is a proactive step towards managing your digital footprint. By understanding the settings available and staying informed about new features, you can create a secure and enjoyable online experience. Remember, your profile is your digital space – treat it with the care and consideration it deserves. Making your account private in 2018 (and even now) was a smart move for anyone looking to curate their online presence and foster a more intimate community. Use these tools wisely, and enjoy your carefully controlled corner of the internet!