Instagram shares user data, including location and preferences, with its parent company Meta (formerly Facebook). While you can't stop all data collection, you can adjust settings to enhance your privacy and control how your information is used. Here's a step-by-step guide to managing your Instagram privacy settings:

---

1. Limit Location Sharing

Instagram uses your location for tagging posts, content suggestions, and targeted ads. Restricting GPS access makes it harder to track your exact location.

• iPhone:
  Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services > Instagram > Never.

• Android:
  Go to Settings > Location > App Access to Location > Instagram > Deny.
  (Note: Location settings may vary depending on your Android device.)

---

2. Make Your Account Private

By default, Instagram accounts are public. Setting your account to private ensures only approved followers can see your posts.

• On the App:
  Go to Profile > Menu (top right) > Settings > Privacy and toggle Private Account on.

---

3. Control Who Sees Your Stories

Prevent others from sharing your Stories or restrict them to close friends.

• On the App:
  Go to Profile > Menu > Settings > Privacy > Story.
• Turn off Allow Sharing to Story and Allow Sharing to Messages.
• To share Stories with a select group, use the Close Friends List option.

---

4. Adjust Ad Settings

While you can’t opt out of all targeted ads, you can restrict how Instagram uses your data.

• On the App:
  Go to Profile > Menu > Settings > Ads > Data About Your Activity From Partners and turn off the toggles.

• On a Browser (Facebook settings):
  Log in to Facebook > Settings & Privacy > Settings > Ads > Ad Settings > Ads Shown Off Of Facebook and toggle off.

---

5. Reduce Ads on Certain Topics

Limit ads related to sensitive topics like alcohol, parenting, and politics.

• On the App:
  Go to Profile > Menu > Settings > Ads > Ad Topics. Select topics and choose See Fewer Ads.

---

6. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Add a layer of security by requiring a code when logging in from a new device.

• On the App:
  Go to Profile > Menu > Settings > Security > Two-Factor Authentication and follow the prompts to set it up with a text or an authenticator app.

---

7. Manage Third-Party App Access

Third-party apps linked to your Instagram can access your data. Remove unnecessary apps to reduce risks.

• On the App:
  Go to Profile > Menu > Settings > Security > Apps and Websites > Active. Tap Remove next to apps you no longer use.

---

8. Control Direct Messages

Fine-tune how messages from different groups (e.g., strangers, Facebook friends) are handled.

• On the App:
  Go to Profile > Menu > Settings > Privacy > Messages and set preferences for different groups.

---

9. Stop Syncing Contacts

Instagram uses contact syncing to suggest accounts. Disable this feature to prevent Instagram from scanning your phone’s address book.

• On the App:
  Go to Profile > Menu > Settings > Account > Contacts Syncing and turn off the toggle.

• To Delete Contacts (Browser):
  Log in to Instagram > Profile > Settings > Manage Contacts and click Delete All.

---

10. Hide Online Status

Stop others from seeing when you’re active on Instagram.

• On the App:
  Go to Profile > Menu > Settings > Privacy > Activity Status and toggle off Show Activity Status.

---

11. Reduce Account Recommendations

Stop Instagram from recommending your account to others.

• On a Browser:
  Log in to Instagram > Profile > Edit Profile > Similar Account Suggestions and uncheck the box.

---

Protecting Your Online Privacy

While Instagram offers tools to manage your privacy, it’s essential to stay vigilant about how your data is shared. Regularly review and update your settings to maintain control over your information.

---

Next: Read 2500+ consumer guides to shopping, electronics, appliances, home services, cars, money and more.

❤ If you liked all this, consider supporting us by checking out Tiny Skills - 250+ Top Work & Personal Skills Made Easy