Instagram Privacy Settings Checklist: 21 Hidden Features to Protect Your Account in 2025

Instagram isn’t just a photo-sharing app anymore—it’s your digital identity, business hub, and personal diary rolled into one. But here’s the problem: in 2025, Instagram accounts are prime targets for hackers, scammers, stalkers, and data miners. One wrong click or missed setting could expose your private life to strangers, or worse, lock you out of your own account.

Think about it—your photos, DMs, location, email, phone number, and even shopping preferences are sitting on your Instagram profile. Without the right privacy controls, anyone from cybercriminals to creepy stalkers could access more than you realize.

That’s why I’ve created this ultimate Instagram Privacy Settings Checklist for 2025. Inside, you’ll find 21 hidden features, tools, and settings that most people overlook—but that can make the difference between a hacked account and a secure one.

Ready to lock down your profile? Let’s dive into the checklist.

Instagram Privacy Setting

✅ Instagram Privacy Settings Checklist 2025

1. Set Your Account to Private

How to do it:
Go to Settings → Privacy → Account Privacy → Toggle Private Account ON.
Why it matters: Only approved followers can see your posts, stories, and reels.
Scenario: Stop strangers from lurking on your vacation pictures or copying your content.

2. Control Who Can See Your Stories

Steps: Settings → Privacy → Story → Hide Story From [Select Followers].
Why: Not every follower needs to see your day-to-day life.
Pro Tip: Use Close Friends for personal updates.

3. Restrict Who Can Comment on Your Posts

Steps: Settings → Privacy → Comments → Allow Comments From (Everyone, Followers, or Custom).
Why: Stops spammers and trolls from hijacking your posts.
Example: Block fake crypto bots from leaving shady links.

4. Hide Online Activity & Last Seen

Steps: Settings → Privacy → Activity Status → Toggle Off.
Why: Prevents people from knowing when you’re online.
Scenario: Avoid being pressured to reply instantly.

5. Turn Off Activity Status in DMs

Similar to above, but specific to direct messages.
Reduces pressure from “Why didn’t you reply?” friends.

6. Manage Tagged Photos & Approvals

Steps: Profile → Menu → Settings → Privacy → Tags → Manually Approve Tags.
Why: Prevents embarrassing photos from appearing on your profile automatically.

7. Limit Who Can Mention You

Steps: Settings → Privacy → Mentions → Allow mentions from (Everyone/Friends/No One).
Why: Avoid spam mentions from strangers.
Example: Stops scammers from tagging you in fake giveaways.

8. Restrict Unknown Followers

Steps: Use the Restrict feature by visiting a profile → Menu → Restrict.
Why: Restricted users can still comment, but their comments are hidden from others.
Perfect for quietly muting toxic people.

9. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Steps: Settings → Security → Two-Factor Authentication.
Options: SMS codes, Authenticator apps, or WhatsApp login codes.
Why: Even if someone knows your password, they can’t log in without the second code.

Steps: Settings → Security → Login Activity.
Why: Instantly see if someone is logged into your account from another device.
Action: Log out of unknown devices immediately.

Steps: Settings → Security → Apps and Websites.
Why: Old apps (like quiz apps or shopping tools) may still have access to your data.
Pro Tip: Remove apps you don’t use anymore.

12. Hide Sensitive Content Filters

Steps: Settings → Account → Sensitive Content Control.
Why: Stops Instagram from showing explicit or harmful content on Explore.
Safer browsing experience, especially for teens.

13. Limit Personalized Ads

Steps: Settings → Ads → Ad Preferences.
Why: Reduce data tracking for ads based on off-app activity.
Scenario: Avoid those creepy “I just mentioned this, why is it in my feed?” ads.

14. Review Blocked Accounts Regularly

Steps: Settings → Privacy → Blocked Accounts.
Why: Keep your block list updated. Sometimes unblocked accounts sneak back in.

15. Report and Restrict Spam Accounts

How: Tap the three dots on a profile/post → Report.
Why: Helps Instagram filter out bots and scams for everyone.

Rule: Never log into Instagram through links in DMs or suspicious emails.
Tip: Always use the official Instagram app or website.
Example: Fake “verification badge” emails steal login info.

17. Control Visibility of Reels & Explore Activity

Steps: Settings → Privacy → Reels and Remix → Toggle Off.
Why: Stops random remixing of your reels by strangers.

18. Manage Instagram Location Permissions

For iPhone: Settings → Instagram → Location → Never/Ask Next Time/While Using App.
For Android: Settings → Apps → Instagram → Permissions → Location.
Why: Prevents apps from tracking your physical location constantly.

19. Archive Posts Instead of Deleting

Steps: Tap post → Menu → Archive.
Why: Safely hide old posts without losing them forever.
Scenario: Great for business accounts doing rebranding.

20. Regularly Review Privacy Updates

Tip: Instagram adds new settings almost every quarter.
Action: Check the Privacy menu monthly to stay ahead.

21. Advanced Tip: Use Meta Account Center

Steps: Settings → Accounts Center → Password & Security.
Why: Secure Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger in one place.
Pro Move: Sync 2FA across apps for maximum security.

📊 Quick Comparison Table

Setting	Where to Find It	Protection Level	Who Should Use It
Private Account	Privacy → Account	High	Everyone
2FA	Security → 2FA	Very High	Everyone
Story Controls	Privacy → Story	Medium	Teens, Businesses
Location Access	Phone Settings	High	Travelers, Parents
Restrict Users	Profile → Menu	Medium	Influencers, Creators

🔒 Pro Tips for Extra Instagram Security in 2025

Use a password manager for strong, unique passwords.
Store backup codes in a secure notes app.
Avoid logging in on public Wi-Fi.
Regularly check email alerts from Instagram for login attempts.
Teach kids/teens about scam DMs before they fall for them.

🙋 FAQs About Instagram Privacy Settings

Q1: What is the most important privacy setting on Instagram?
A: Two-factor authentication (2FA) is the #1 setting for account security.

Q2: How do I stop strangers from messaging me on Instagram?
A: Go to Privacy → Messages → Only People You Follow.

Q3: Can I hide my followers list?
A: No, but setting your account to private limits visibility.

Q4: How do I block someone without them knowing?
A: Use the Restrict feature—they won’t know they’re restricted.

Q5: Can businesses use privacy settings too?
A: Yes—especially comment controls, mentions, and 2FA.

Q6: What if I forget to review my privacy settings?
A: Set a reminder to check once every 3 months.

Q7: Can Instagram staff DM me about my account?
A: No. Instagram never sends DMs—check Emails from Instagram in Settings.

Q8: How do I hide my online status?
A: Toggle off Activity Status in Privacy settings.

Q9: Do ads track my off-Instagram activity?
A: Yes, unless you disable Ad Preferences.

Q10: Can I recover deleted posts?
A: Yes, via Recently Deleted in your profile settings.

Conclusion: Secure Your Instagram Before It’s Too Late

Instagram in 2025 is more powerful than ever—but also more vulnerable. From hackers to spam bots to privacy-invasive ads, threats are everywhere. The good news? You now have the 21-step Instagram Privacy Settings Checklist to lock down your account.

Don’t wait until you’ve been hacked or embarrassed by a leaked story—take 10 minutes today to update your privacy settings. Your future self will thank you.

👉 Call to Action: Go through this checklist now and secure your Instagram account before it’s too late

Dilip Chouhan

Dilip Chouhan is a passionate content creator from Rajasthan, India. At 22, he has successfully completed his graduation and is dedicated to sharing valuable knowledge and insights through his writing. With a focus on delivering informative, engaging, and reader-friendly content, Dilip aims to help his audience stay updated, inspired, and empowered.