How to Turn Off Active Status on Instagram: Complete Guide 2025

we’ll explore exactly how to turn off active status on Instagram, along with related topics like how to hide active status on Instagram.

How to Turn Off Active Status on Instagram: The Ultimate Privacy Guide

Instagram is one of the most widely used platforms for sharing photos, videos, and direct messaging. However, with increased connectivity comes increased visibility, and not everyone is comfortable with letting the world know when they’re online. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn off active status on Instagram, you’re not alone. Many users prefer to browse in peace without the pressure of being seen as "Active now" or “Active 15 minutes ago.”

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore exactly how to turn off active status on Instagram, along with related topics like how to hide active status on Instagram, what the feature really means, and why you might want to disable it in the first place.

What Is Active Status on Instagram?

Before explaining how to turn off active status on Instagram, it’s important to understand what this feature does. The active status on Instagram shows your followers and people you've messaged when you were last online or whether you're online right now.

You’ve likely seen labels like:

• “Active now”
• “Active 5m ago”
• “Seen just now”

These indicators appear under your name in the direct messages (DM) section and are visible to anyone you follow or have previously messaged unless you’ve adjusted your settings.

Knowing how to turn off your active status on Instagram helps you take control of your privacy and browse without being tracked.

Why You Might Want to Turn Off Active Status on Instagram

Not everyone wants others to know when they’re online, and there are several reasons for that:

• Privacy: You may prefer to use the app privately without being watched.
• Avoiding Pressure to Respond: Being seen as “active” can pressure you to reply instantly.
• Peace of Mind: It lets you enjoy content quietly without interruptions.
• Managing Boundaries: It’s a helpful tool to draw digital boundaries in relationships or professional connections.

Understanding these reasons makes it clear why knowing how to turn off active status on Instagram is so valuable for many users.

How to Turn Off Active Status on Instagram (Mobile App)

Most users access Instagram via mobile. Here’s a step-by-step guide for how to turn off active status on Instagram using the official app.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Open the Instagram App
• Ensure you’re logged into your account.
• Go to Your Profile
• Tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner.
• Access Settings
• Tap the three horizontal lines (menu) at the top right.
• Select Settings and Privacy.
• Navigate to Activity Status
• Scroll to Messages and story replies.
• Tap on Show activity status.
• Turn Off the Toggle
• You’ll see a switch labeled “Show Activity Status.” Toggle it off.

Once done, your followers and connections will no longer see when you were last online. This simple setting is the core answer to how to turn off active status on Instagram.

How to Turn Off Active Status on Instagram (Desktop/Web)

Instagram's desktop version also allows you to control your activity status.

Here’s how:

1. Go to Instagram.com
2. Log into your account.
3. Click on More
4. It's located in the lower-left corner of the screen.
5. Open Settings
6. Click on Settings and then navigate to Messages and story replies.
7. Click on Activity Status
8. Uncheck the option that says “Show activity status.”

And just like that, you’ve learned how to turn off active status on Instagram on both desktop and mobile.

Important Note: It’s Mutual

When you choose to turn off active status on Instagram, you’re also giving up the ability to see other users' activity statuses. This mutual condition ensures fairness and privacy for all users.

This means if you're looking for how to hide active status on Instagram, be aware that once hidden, you won't be able to monitor when your friends or contacts are online either.

Can You Hide Your Activity from Only Some People?

Currently, Instagram does not allow selective hiding of your active status. It’s all or nothing. If you're searching for how to turn off your active status on Instagram for just one person, that option doesn’t exist yet. When you disable the feature, it applies to everyone across the platform.

How to Know If Active Status Is Turned Off

After you follow the steps to turn off active status on Instagram, there are a few signs that confirm it’s disabled:

You won’t see any timestamps like “Active now” in your DMs.

Your contacts will no longer see your status under your name.

You’ll stop receiving real-time updates on when others are online.

You can double-check by going back to the setting menu and confirming the toggle is off.

Troubleshooting: What If You Can’t Turn Off Active Status?

If you've followed the steps and still can't seem to turn off the setting, here are a few things to check:

Update the App

Go to the App Store or Google Play and make sure you’re using the latest version of Instagram. Outdated apps often cause settings to glitch.

Log Out and Log Back In

Sometimes changes don’t take effect immediately. Logging out and back in can refresh your preferences.

Clear Cache (Android Users)

• Go to your phone’s app settings.
• Tap on Instagram and clear cache.
• Then restart the app and check the setting again.

Check for Multiple Accounts

If you're logged into more than one account, be sure you’re adjusting the settings for the correct profile.

These fixes are often overlooked but can be vital when learning how to turn off active status on Instagram and ensuring the change takes effect.

Difference Between Last Seen and Active Now

When discussing how to turn off active status on Instagram, it's important to understand the difference between:

Active now: The user is currently using Instagram.

Active 1h ago: The user was online one hour ago.

Last seen: A general indicator of recent activity.

Once you turn off your status, none of this information is visible to anyone else. The setting completely removes any sign of when you were last active.

Active Status and Message Read Receipts: Are They the Same?

No. Many users assume that disabling active status will also hide message “seen” receipts, but that’s not true.

When you learn how to turn off active status on Instagram, you’re only hiding your online presence, not your read receipts. If you open a message, the sender will still see “Seen” under their DM.

Currently, there’s no native way to disable read receipts on Instagram unless you view the message from notifications or airplane mode and never open the app directly.

Can You Turn Active Status On and Off Anytime?

Yes, Instagram allows you to toggle this feature on or off as often as you like. If you temporarily want to go invisible and then resume being visible later, that’s completely fine.

This flexibility makes it easy to manage your digital presence and learn how to turn off active status on Instagram depending on your mood or needs.

Privacy vs. Engagement: Weighing the Trade-Off

Some users feel that turning off their active status makes them appear distant or disinterested, especially in close relationships or professional networks. But that isn’t always true. Maintaining control over your time and interactions is a form of self-care.

Choosing to turn off active status on Instagram doesn’t mean you're hiding. It means you're choosing when and how you engage, which is essential in today’s hyper-connected world.

If you're worried about people misinterpreting your offline appearance, consider sending a brief message to explain your preference for privacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will people be notified if I turn off my active status?

No. Instagram does not send any notifications when you disable your activity status.

2. Can I turn it off for one person only?

No. You can’t selectively hide your status from individual users. The feature is global.

3. Can I still receive messages after turning it off?

Absolutely. Turning off your active status has no effect on your ability to send or receive DMs.

4. Can businesses and creators turn off active status?

Yes. Creator and business profiles also have the option to disable this feature.

5. Does turning off active status affect Instagram Stories?

No. Your story views, uploads, and interactions remain unaffected by your active status settings.

Summary: Taking Control of Your Instagram Presence

Learning how to turn off active status on Instagram is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to take back control over your online experience. Whether you want more privacy, less pressure to reply instantly, or simply need quiet time without digital interruptions, this feature lets you control how and when you appear online.

To recap:

Go to your profile settings.

Navigate to Messages and story replies.

Disable Show activity status.

Log out and back in if necessary to confirm changes.

Whether you call it how to hide active status on Instagram, how to turn off your active status on Instagram, or simply turn off active status on Instagram, the goal is the same, more privacy, less stress.

Now that you know how the active status on Instagram works and how to manage it, you can browse the platform with the confidence that your presence is yours to control.