how to hide your following list on instagram from friends
Social media has become an integral part of our lives, allowing us to connect and share our experiences with friends and family around the world. One of the most popular social media platforms, Instagram , has gained immense popularity since its launch in 2010. With over 1 billion monthly active users, Instagram has become a hub for sharing photos, videos, and stories.
However, with the increase in privacy concerns and the growing need for control over our online presence, users have been looking for ways to hide their personal information from prying eyes. One such feature that has been in demand is the ability to hide your following list on Instagram from your friends. In this article, we will explore the reasons why someone might want to hide their following list and the steps to do so.
Why Hide Your Following List on Instagram from Friends?
There could be various reasons why someone might want to hide their following list on Instagram from their friends. Some of the most common reasons include:
1. Privacy Concerns
Privacy has become a major concern in today’s digital age. With the amount of personal information we share on social media, it is understandable why some users might want to keep certain aspects of their lives private. Hiding your following list on Instagram from friends can give you a sense of control over your online presence, allowing you to share what you want with whom you want.
2. Avoiding Judgement or Comparison
In the world of social media, it is easy to get caught up in the numbers game. Many users feel the pressure to have a certain number of followers or to follow a certain number of people. By hiding your following list, you can avoid the judgement or comparison from your friends and focus on the content you want to share.
3. Maintaining Professionalism
For those who use Instagram for professional purposes, hiding their following list can help them maintain a certain level of professionalism. It allows them to keep their personal and professional lives separate, and avoid any scrutiny or criticism from colleagues or clients.
4. Avoiding Unwanted Attention
Some users might want to hide their following list to avoid unwanted attention from certain people. This could be an ex-partner, a stalker, or even a nosy acquaintance. By keeping your following list private, you can avoid any potential issues or drama.
How to Hide Your Following List on Instagram from Friends
Now that we have established the reasons why someone might want to hide their following list on Instagram from friends, let’s explore the steps to do so. There are two ways you can hide your following list on Instagram – by making your account private or by using a third-party app.
1. Make Your Account Private
One of the simplest ways to hide your following list on Instagram from friends is by making your account private. When you have a private account, only your approved followers can see your posts, stories, and following list. Here’s how you can make your account private:
Step 1: Open the Instagram app on your device.
Step 2: Go to your profile by tapping on the profile icon at the bottom right corner.
Step 3: Tap on the three lines at the top right corner.
Step 4: Go to Settings > Privacy > Account Privacy.
Step 5: Toggle on the button next to “Private Account.”
Step 6: Tap on “OK” to confirm the changes.
Once you have made your account private, your followers will have to request to follow you, and you can choose to accept or reject their requests. This way, you have control over who gets to see your following list.
2. Use a Third-Party App
If you do not want to make your account private, you can use a third-party app to hide your following list. These apps allow you to hide your following list while keeping your account public. Here are some popular third-party apps you can use:
a. Followers & Unfollowers Analytics for Instagram
Followers & Unfollowers Analytics for Instagram is a free app available on both iOS and Android devices. It allows you to hide your following list from your followers and even unfollow multiple users at once. Here’s how you can use it:
Step 1: Download and open the app on your device.
Step 2: Log in with your Instagram credentials.
Step 3: Tap on the “Hide Following” option.
Step 4: Tap on the “Hide” button next to the users you want to hide from your following list.
b. Private Photo Vault
Private Photo Vault is another popular app available on both iOS and Android devices. It is primarily used to hide photos and videos, but it also has a feature to hide your Instagram following list. Here’s how you can use it:
Step 1: Download and open the app on your device.
Step 2: Create a passcode to secure the app.
Step 3: Tap on the “+” icon at the bottom of the screen.
Step 4: Select “Hide Following List” and log in with your Instagram credentials.
Step 5: Tap on the “Hide” button next to the users you want to hide from your following list.
Other Tips to Keep Your Following List Private
Apart from making your account private or using third-party apps, here are some other tips to keep your following list private on Instagram:
1. Be Selective of Whom You Follow
Before you hit the “Follow” button on someone’s profile, ask yourself if you really want them to see your following list. If not, it is better to avoid following them in the first place.
2. Remove Followers
If you have accepted a follow request from someone you no longer want to share your following list with, you can remove them as a follower. This will also remove them from your list of followers.
3. Use Close Friends List
Instagram has a feature called “Close Friends” that allows you to share your stories with a select group of people. You can add people to this list whom you trust and do not mind sharing your following list with.
4. Regularly Check Your Privacy Settings
It is important to regularly check your privacy settings on Instagram to ensure that your account is secure. You can also review the list of people who have access to your following list and remove anyone you do not want to share it with.
Final Thoughts
Hiding your following list on Instagram from friends can help you maintain your privacy, avoid judgement or comparison, maintain professionalism, and avoid unwanted attention. Whether you choose to make your account private or use a third-party app, it is essential to have control over your online presence and share only what you are comfortable with. We hope this article has helped you understand the process of hiding your following list on Instagram and the various options available to do so.
how to tell if youve been blocked on iphone
Being blocked by someone on your iPhone can be a frustrating and confusing experience. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or acquaintance, it can leave you wondering why and how it happened. If you suspect that you have been blocked, there are a few ways to confirm your suspicions and move forward. In this article, we will discuss how to tell if you have been blocked on iPhone, the different types of blocks, and what to do if you have been blocked.
What is Blocking on iPhone?
Before we dive into how to tell if you have been blocked on iPhone, let’s first understand what blocking means on an iPhone. Blocking is a feature that allows users to prevent specific contacts from calling, texting, or FaceTiming them. When someone blocks you on their iPhone, it means that they no longer want to receive any form of communication from you. This can be for a variety of reasons, such as wanting to end a relationship, avoiding a stalker or harasser, or simply not wanting to talk to someone anymore.
Types of Blocks on iPhone
There are two types of blocks on iPhone: call and message blocking and FaceTime blocking. Call and message blocking means that the person you have been blocked by will not receive any calls or messages from you. When you try to call or text them, it will appear as if the call or message was never sent. On the other hand, FaceTime blocking means that the person will not receive any FaceTime calls from you. They will also not be able to initiate a FaceTime call with you.
How to Tell if You Have Been Blocked on iPhone
1. Check for the Dots
One of the first signs that you have been blocked on iPhone is that you no longer see the “Delivered” or “Read” notification when you send a message. Instead, you will only see the three dots indicating that the message is still in the process of being delivered. This means that the message has not reached the recipient’s phone, and it’s possible that you have been blocked.
2. Try Calling the Person
Another way to tell if you have been blocked on iPhone is to try calling the person. If you are blocked, the call will not go through, and you will hear a single ring before it goes to voicemail. However, keep in mind that this could also happen if the person’s phone is turned off or they are in an area with no reception.
3. Send a Text Message
Similarly, if you try to send a text message to someone who has blocked you , it will not go through. However, this could also happen if the person’s phone is turned off or they are in an area with no reception. If you have been blocked, your message will not be marked as “Delivered” or “Read.”
4. Check the Profile Picture and Status
If you have been blocked by someone on iPhone, you will no longer be able to see their profile picture or status on iMessage. Instead, you will see a blank profile picture and “No Status” under their name. This is a strong indication that you have been blocked.
5. Observe the Ringing Tone
When you call someone who has blocked you , the ringing tone will sound different. Instead of the usual ringing tone, you will hear a single beep or a busy tone. However, this could also happen if the person is on another call or has their phone turned off.
6. Try Adding the Person to a Group Chat
Another way to tell if you have been blocked on iPhone is to try adding the person to a group chat. If you have been blocked, you will not be able to add them, and you will receive an error message saying that the person is not available to be added to the conversation.
7. Check the Call History
If you have been blocked by someone, their name and number will no longer appear in your call history. This means that you will not be able to see the date and time of the last call you had with them.
8. Check the Contact List
Similarly, if you have been blocked by someone, their name and number will no longer appear in your contact list. This is a strong indication that you have been blocked, especially if you were previously in contact with the person.
9. Use a Different Device
If you suspect that you have been blocked, you can try using a different iPhone or a different device altogether to call or message the person. If the call or message goes through, it means that you have been blocked on that specific device.
10. Ask a Mutual Friend
If you have mutual friends with the person who you suspect has blocked you, you can ask them to check if they can see the person’s profile picture and status on iMessage. If they can, it means that you have been blocked.
What to Do if You Have Been Blocked on iPhone
If you have confirmed that you have been blocked on iPhone, here are a few things you can do:
1. Respect the Person’s Decision
First and foremost, it’s essential to respect the person’s decision to block you. It’s their right to choose who they communicate with, and if they have chosen to block you, it’s best to accept it and move on.
2. Don’t Keep Contacting the Person
It can be tempting to keep trying to contact the person who has blocked you, but this will only make matters worse. If the person has decided to block you, it’s best to give them some space and not try to reach out to them.
3. Don’t Create a New Account
Creating a new account to try and contact the person who has blocked you is not a good idea. Not only is it a violation of their boundaries, but it can also lead to further consequences, such as being reported for harassment.
4. Don’t Spread Rumors
It’s important to handle the situation maturely and avoid spreading rumors about the person who has blocked you. This will only create more drama and can damage your reputation.
5. Move On
Lastly, it’s crucial to move on from the situation and focus on yourself. Being blocked by someone can be hurtful, but it’s important to remember that it’s not the end of the world. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family and engage in activities that make you happy.
Conclusion
Being blocked on iPhone can be a difficult experience, but it’s essential to handle it maturely and respect the other person’s decision. If you suspect that you have been blocked, there are a few ways to confirm your suspicions, such as checking for the dots, trying to call or text the person, and observing the ringing tone. If you have been blocked, it’s best to respect the person’s decision, give them space, and move on. Remember, there are plenty of other people to connect with, and it’s not worth dwelling on someone who has chosen to cut off communication with you.