Have you ever wondered how you can restrict someone on Instagram without completely blocking them, hiding your followers or your posts from them? If yes, that’s where the ‘Restrict’ feature of Instagram comes in. 

This lets you control what certain people can see and interact with on your account without realizing. However, to gain detailed knowledge read this guide till the end.

It will explain what does restrict mean on Instagram and show you step-by-step how to make use of this feature. So, let’s dive into the details—

What Does Restrict Mean on Instagram?

Restricting on Instagram is a way to control interaction with other users without unfollowing or blocking them.

This in-built feature on Instagram lets you manage how someone interacts with your posts and messages. It changes the way they engage with your account, giving you the power to control their comments and how they send you messages.

Using ‘restrict on Instagram’ feature can safeguard you from unwanted attention by secretly handling comments and messages without the restricted person realizing it. Basically, it allows you to control their interactions without them knowing about your actions, thereby creating a safer and more controlled online environment for you. 

In essence, it’s a method to limit someone’s involvement without fully blocking them and to provide a sense of control over interactions while reducing the risk of confrontation or escalation.

Read This Also: Instagram Profile Viewer: Can You See Who Views Your Instagram Profile?

What Happens When You Restrict Someone on Instagram?

If you’re still uncertain what happens when you restrict someone on Instagram, let’s tell you :-

  • They will not be notified, but their interaction with you will be limited.
  • They won’t be able to see when you’re online or when you’ve read their messages.
  • Their comments on your posts will only be visible to them unless you approve them for everyone to see.
  • Their direct messages go into Message Requests

So basically ‘what does restricting someone on Instagram do’ is that it allows you to limit their interactions by managing their comments and messages privately without unfollowing or blocking them.

How to Restrict Someone on Instagram?

After knowing what restricting on Instagram is and what happens when you restrict someone on Instagram, let’s learn how to do it.

Restricting on Instagram Through Profile

  • Step 1: Firstly, go to the Profile of the user you want to restrict.
  • Step 2: Then, tap the Three dots (•••) on the top right of their profile to open the Menu options.
    Tap the Three dots on the top right of the user profile
  • Step 3: Now, simply choose Restrict from the menu options.
    Select the Restrict option from the menu

So, this is how you can take control of your interactions on Instagram by restricting someone through the profile.

Restricting on Instagram Through Messages

  • Step 1: Go to your Instagram inbox.
  • Step 2: Once you open the Direct Messages on Instagram, find and select the conversation with the person you want to restrict.
    On your Instagram inbox find and select the conversation you want to restrict
  • Step 3: After that, tap on the username of the person.
    Tap on the username of the person
  • Step 4: Now, you’ve to tap the three dots icon.
    Tap the three dots icon
  • Step 5: From the options that appear, simply choose Restrict.
    Select Restrict from the menu options

By restricting someone on Instagram through messages, you can maintain focus on important conversations without interference or disruption.

Restricting on Instagram Through the Comments Section

  • Step 1: Go to your Post and tap on view all comments.
    Tap on View all comments on your Post
  • Step 2: Then, find a comment made by the person you want to restrict.
  • Step 3: After that, tap and hold the comment until the exclamation point icon appears.
    Tap and hold the comment you want to restrict
  • Step 4: Tap that restrict point icon that appears on the screen.
    Tap the exclamation point icon
  • Step 5: Now, a pop-up appears indicating that you’ve successfully restricted someone on Instagram through the comments section.
    Restricted someone on Instagram through the comments section

This way, restricting someone on Instagram through comments, helps you block out negative or unwanted comments and maintain a positive environment in your comments section.

Restricting on Instagram Through Your Settings

  • Step 1: Go to your Instagram profile.
  • Step 2: Tap the three lines (hamburger icon) located on the top right.
    Tap the three lines on the top right of your profile
  • Step 3: Then, tap Settings and privacy option from the menu to access your account settings.
    Tap Settings and privacy option from the menu
  • Step 4: Inside this section, tap on Restricted.
    Inside Settings and privacy tap on Restricted
  • Step 5: Next, hit Continue on the Restricted Account page.
    Tap Continue on the Restricted Account page
  • Step 6: Now, use the search feature to find the account you want to restrict.
    Using search feature find the account you want to restrict
  • Step 7: Once that account appears in your search results, tap on the Restrict option that appears next to their username.
    Tap on the Restrict option next to the username you want to restrict

So, this is how you can restrict someone from settings also.

What Is the Difference Between Restricting and Blocking Someone on Instagram?

Among users, there is also a lot of confusion surrounding the ‘Restrict’ and ‘Block’ features on Instagram, making it challenging for them to understand how these features help them manage interactions on the platform. 

So, let’s break down their differences in a straightforward way—

FactorsRestrictBlock
Interaction LevelLimited interaction.Complete cutoff.
CommentsRestricted users’ comments are private.Blocked users can’t comment or interact.
MessagesMessages move to Message Requests.Blocked users can’t message.
AwarenessRestricted accounts on Instagram aren’t aware they’re restricted.Blocked users know they’re blocked.
Connection StatusBoth users remain connected.There is no longer any form of communication between the users.
Profile VisibilityProfile remains visible to restricted users.Blocked users can’t view your profile.
ContactRestricted accounts on Instagram can still be contacted, but restricted.Blocked users cannot contact or interact in any way.

Also, Read About Share Other Blocked Instagram Feature: Does This Hack Work on Instagram?

Bottom Line

That’s all. Hopefully, you now have enough understanding of what does Restrict mean on IG or what does it mean to restrict someone on Instagram!

Instagram’s ‘Restrict’ feature empowers users to manage conversations discreetly. It provides control by hiding the restricted user’s comments, moving their messages to a separate folder, and hiding the status indicator.

Unlike blocking, it maintains a connection while protecting against unwanted interactions. 

Overall, the Restrict on Instagram promotes a more peaceful online environment, allowing users to finely control their social interactions on the platform.

FAQs

Ans: When you restrict someone on Instagram, their comments on your posts will be visible only to them, and you can privately approve or delete these comments.

Furthermore, their direct messages will be moved to Message Requests, and they won’t see when you’re online or if their messages have been read.

Ans: No, Instagram does not notify the restricted accounts users.

Ans: No, if you want to disconnect from someone completely, you can block them, but if you want to limit your interactions with someone, you can restrict them.

Ans: If you are restricted by someone, you may notice changes in your interactions, such as your comments being visible only to you on their posts.

Ans: Restricting someone on Instagram lets you handle their interactions privately. Their comments become private, and their messages go to a different folder. Consequently, blocking completely cuts off interaction. The blocked user can’t view your profile, posts, or contact you.

 

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