Instagram, with its photos, stories, reels, and, of course, direct messages, has become an integral part of our digital social lives. However, along with the fun of sharing and viewing, comes a tiny feature that can sometimes become a cause for social anxiety for many: the "seen" receipts. Ever been in a situation where you didn’t want someone to know you had viewed their message yet? We've all been there. This blog post will address several queries you may have regarding this feature:
- How to turn off 'seen' on Instagram?
- How to turn off 'seen' on Instagram DM?
- How to turn seen off on Instagram?
- How to turn off seen messages on Instagram?
- How to turn off last seen on Instagram?
- How to turn off seen receipts on Instagram?
Let's dive right in and address each of these concerns!
How to Turn Off 'Seen' on Instagram?
Before we break down the steps, it's essential to clarify that Instagram doesn't currently allow users to disable 'seen' receipts for stories or posts. The 'seen' feature in stories is integral for users to know who has viewed their content. However, when it comes to direct messages, there are some workarounds.
How to Turn Off 'Seen' on Instagram DM and Seen Messages?
Instagram Direct Messages (DMs) notify the sender when the recipient has read their message, just like many other messaging platforms. But there are some tricks you can employ to avoid sending that 'seen' receipt:
-
Use Airplane Mode: Before opening the DM, switch your device to Airplane mode. This will disconnect you from the internet. Now, open Instagram, read the message, and then close the app completely. Once done, you can deactivate Airplane mode. This way, you've read the message, but the sender doesn't receive the 'seen' notification. However, ensure you've closed the app before turning off the Airplane mode.
-
Use the Peek Feature: On devices with 3D touch or similar features, slightly press on the message in the DM list to "peek" into it without fully opening it. This way, you can get the gist of the message without actually opening it and sending a 'seen' receipt.
Remember, these methods are not foolproof, and there might still be instances where a 'seen' gets sent, so use them with caution.
How to Turn Seen Off on Instagram?
As mentioned earlier, Instagram doesn't provide an official way to turn off the 'seen' receipts across its platform. The techniques described are essentially workarounds for DMs.
How to Turn Off Last Seen on Instagram?
While 'seen' receipts are for individual messages, the 'last seen' or 'active now' status in the DM section is another feature that some users might find intrusive. Luckily, Instagram allows you to disable this. Here's how:
- Go to your profile and tap on the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top right corner.
- Go to 'Settings.'
- Tap on 'Privacy.'
- Under 'Connections,' you'll find 'Activity Status.' Tap on it.
- Toggle off the 'Show Activity Status.'
Voilà! Now people will not see when you're online or when you were last active on Instagram.
How to Turn Off Seen Receipts on Instagram?
To reiterate, the platform does not offer a direct way to turn off 'seen' receipts across stories or posts. The workarounds provided work primarily for DMs. One can hope that with user feedback, Instagram might offer more flexibility regarding this feature in the future.
In Conclusion
Instagram, like any other social media platform, evolves based on its user base's needs and preferences. While the 'seen' receipts can be a useful feature for some, others might find it a tad intrusive. Using the tricks and settings adjustments detailed above, you can gain a bit more control over what you share about your activity on the app.
Remember, while these workarounds can offer some privacy, always be respectful and communicative in your digital interactions. If someone is expecting a response, it's courteous to reply when you can, regardless of 'seen' receipts. After all, social media should foster genuine connections and interactions.
