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.
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