Instagram is the most used social media application and in some cases, you might not want everybody to know your followers, or those that you are following. You might also consider having a more personal profile or you just want to have your following be under the covers, whichever is the case, this article will offer you the step-by-step process of how to hide the followers on Instagram in 2025 whether you want to switch to the personal account or otherwise.
Can You Hide the Followers on Instagram?
Instagram is, unfortunately, unable to provide the option of keeping your followers completely off-view. However, it is up to you who is looking at them by changing the privacy settings, removing the followers or blocking the users.
Hide Followers by Making Your Account Private
This is the least complex and best way.
On setting your account as private, only approved followers will be able to see your followers and following lists.
- Open the Instagram application and visit your profile.
- Tap the three lines (☰) in the top-right corner.
- Go to Settings and Privacy → Account Privacy.
- Toggle Private Account → ON.
Once your profile is private, only the people you approve can view your followers.
Hide Instagram Followers Without Making Account Private
If you run a business or public page, you might not want to go private. Here are other ways to limit who sees your followers list.
Hide Instagram Followers by Restricting a User
Restricting a user limits how much they can interact with your profile.
Steps:
- Visit the person’s profile.
- Tap the three dots (⋯) on the top-right.
- Select Restrict.
They won’t know they’ve been restricted, but their access to your content and interactions becomes limited.
Hide Instagram Followers by Blocking a User
Blocking is a stronger privacy measure. When you block someone, they can’t see your followers, following list, or profile.
Steps:
- Go to their profile.
- Tap three dots → Block.
- Confirm the block.
They will be unable to find or follow you again unless you unblock them.
Hide Instagram Followers by Removing Manually
Even with a public account, you can remove followers you don’t want.
Steps:
- Go to your Followers list.
- Tap Remove next to the username.
- Confirm the removal.
They won’t be notified, but they’ll no longer see your followers list.
Extra Privacy Settings for Instagram
If you are serious about privacy, you can also tweak other Instagram settings:
1. Hide Activity Status
Stop showing when you’re online.
- Go to Settings → Messages and Story Replies → Activity Status → Turn Off.
2. Control Comments and Messages
Limit who can comment or message you.
- Go to Settings → Privacy → Comments/Messages → Adjust preferences.
3. Hide Stories from Specific Users
- Go to Settings → Privacy → Story → Hide Story From → Select users.
4. Manage Tags and Mentions
Manually approve tags before they appear on your profile.
- Go to Settings → Privacy → Tags and Mentions → Enable “Manually Approve Tags.”
Best Practices to Stay Private on Instagram
- Remove unwanted followers gradually to avoid sudden account activity flags.
- Regularly review your privacy settings.
- Avoid third-party apps that claim to hide followers because they can steal your data.
- Follow only accounts you trust or that align with your interests.
