Almost everyone has considered blocking an acquaintance on Instagram.

But, although blocking is an easy fix for quieting the content you don’t want to see, it can be awkward when you bump into that person in real life if they’ve realized what went down.  

Instagram’s “Restrict” feature offers a much-needed alternative for those who want to limit interactions with someone’s account – and potential confrontation.

The app allows users to limit specific actions and prevent them from impacting your Instagram experience, whether that’s shielding your comment section from a family member’s cheeky comments or hiding your active status from a chatty friend.

Restricting followers provides many of the same benefits as blocking without severing ties. And the best parts are they’ll never know, and you can undo it anytime. Read on to learn the key differences between Instagram’s restrict versus block features and what happens when you restrict someone on Instagram.

What does “Restrict” mean on Instagram? And how is it different from “Block?”

When you block someone on Instagram, your profile becomes invisible to that user. They can no longer search for your username, visit your profile, send you messages or see any of your content from their primary or secondary accounts.

Restricting, on the other hand, limits the user’s interactions with your account without removing them as a follower. In this case, users are unaware that they’re restricted, while blocked users can spot when they’re blocked when suddenly unable to find your account.

Here are five contrasts between restricted and blocked users so you can decide which feature to use and when:

1. Commenting

Restricted followers can comment on your posts, but their comments are only visible to them. If you want to see their comment, you have to press “See comment.” Tap “Approve” if you want their comment to be visible to the rest of your followers or ignore it for it to remain invisible. You also don’t receive notifications when they comment on your posts.

Blocked users cannot view or comment on your posts from their primary account or any new account they create.

2. Profile visibility

Restricted users can still search for your username and visit your profile page. Your username is visible to them everywhere on the Instagram app, such as your comments and likes on others’ posts.

Blocked users cannot visit your profile, search for your username or see your profile anywhere on the Instagram app.

3. Direct messaging

When restricted users message you, you don’t receive a notification. Instead, Instagram moves these messages from your inbox to your “Message requests” folder. The app doesn’t notify restricted users if you read their direct message (DM) without accepting the request. And if you’re in a group chat, Instagram informs you that there’s a restricted user in your conversation.

Blocked users, on the other hand, cannot access your profile or send you direct messages.

4. Instagram Story views

Restricted users can still view your Instagram Stories, but if they react to your story, their message will appear in your “Message requests” folder.

Blocked users cannot view your Instagram stories.

5. Tagged posts and notifications

You receive notifications when a restricted account mentions you in their Instagram Stories and tags you in posts.

Conversely, blocked users cannot tag you in anything.

How to restrict and unrestrict someone on Instagram

Whether your close friend sends too many memes during your workday or your coworker’s Instagram Stories don’t align with your political views, restricting someone limits your interactions without burning a bridge.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to restricting someone on Instagram and unrestricting them when the time is right:

Restricting users through DMs

1. Open the Instagram app
2. Tap the “Direct message” icon on the top right corner of the home page
3. Click on the chat of the user you want to restrict
4. Tap the user’s name at the top of the chat
5. Tap the “Options” button
6. Click the “Restrict” option
7. Press “Restrict account”

Restricting users through comments for iOS

1. Open the Instagram app
2. Click on your post and select “View all comments”
3. Swipe the comment from the user you want to restrict to the left
4. Click on the exclamation mark (!) button
5. Tap “Restrict”

Restricting users through comments for Android

1. Open the Instagram app
2. Click on your post and select “View all comments”
3. Tap and hold the comment of the user you want to restrict
4. Click on the exclamation mark (!) button
5. Tap “Restrict [username]”

Restricting users from your account settings

1. Open the Instagram app
2. Visit your profile
3. Click on the settings icon at the top right corner of the page
4. Select “Settings and privacy”
5. Click on “Restricted” under the “How others can interact with you” category
6. Tap “Continue”
7. Search for the user you want to restrict and press “Restrict” next to their username

How to unrestrict someone on Instagram

1. Open the Instagram app
2. Visit your profile
3. Click on the settings icon at the top right corner of your page
4. Select “Settings and privacy”
5. Click on “Restricted” under the “How others can interact with you” category
6. Tap “Continue”
7. Search for the user you want to unrestrict and press “Unrestrict” next to their username

How to block on Instagram

Sometimes, blocking someone is the only way to achieve peace of mind. And no matter the reason, you deserve a positive social media experience.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to block a user on Instagram (and how to unblock them if you change your mind):

Blocking an account on Instagram

1. Open the Instagram app
2. Visit the profile of the user you want to block
3. Press the settings icon on the top right corner of their profile
4. Tap the red “Block” button
5. Confirm you wish to “Block”

How to unblock an account on Instagram

1. Open the Instagram app
2. Visit your profile
3. Click on the settings icon at the top right corner of your page
4. Select “Settings and privacy”
5. Click on “Blocked” under the “Who can see your content” category
6. Press “Unblock” next to the username you want to unblock

5 tips for building a more positive community on Instagram

The great thing about Instagram is that you can curate your feed with the people you follow. And you can remove users who contradict what you want to experience on the app.

But creating a positive community isn’t always easy, especially if you’re a brand in front of the public eye. Here are a few tips for building a welcoming space on Instagram, whether you’re running a personal or business account:

1. Be authentic: If your content is genuine, users will resonate with you. Try sharing behind-the-scenes moments in your day-to-day and don’t be afraid to chat face-to-face over Stories or Lives.
2. Communicate with positivity: When users comment kind words on your posts, return the favor and create a positive dialogue with them. When others see this positive interaction, they’ll be more inclined to keep things positive on your account.
3. Engage with your followers: Whether building a personal brand or running a business account, your followers are your greatest asset. Share user-generated content to celebrate your community, engage with the comment section and show gratitude through polite thank-you messages.
4. Moderate carefully: No matter how positive your content is, an internet troll will be waiting to ruin your day with a negative or offensive comment. Stay on top of your notifications to remove comments that may upset your followers. You can also block specific words in your account settings to prevent users from leaving potentially harmful phrases.
5. Face concerns head-on: If you’re running a business account, your customers may comment on your social media pages raising their concerns. On a personal account, someone may publicly criticize your work or views. Always address these concerns respectfully and politely. This shows your followers you take their perspectives seriously.

Make the most of your Instagram experience

When it comes to restricting versus blocking people on Instagram, use your intuition when determining the best course of action. And don’t be afraid to take any measure you feel is right.

Of course, there’s still plenty more to learn about Instagram – and our blog is a great resource for all things social media. If you’re an avid Facebook user butting heads with someone you’d like to keep away from your account, we can teach you how to block someone on Facebook. And if you want to go incognito on Instagram, we can show you how to turn on vanish mode and hide your likes.