What does restrict mean on Instagram?

In October 2019, Instagram introduced a brand-new feature named "Restrict."

So, what does Restrict mean on Instagram? What is the difference between restricting, blocking, and muting? And more importantly, how to restrict someone on Instagram?

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Let’s find out now via this post!

What does Restrict mean on Instagram?

The restriction function on Instagram was created to keep bullies, abusive or otherwise annoying comments and messages from showing up on users' public accounts.

Restricting on Instagram is not the same as blocking. When you restrict someone, it means that you’re restricting them from interacting with you in just certain ways.

Well, to put it simply, restricting on Instagram, as an anti-bullying function, enables you to have more control over the comments that you and your followers see on your posts by limiting which restricted users are allowed to post on your profile.

That’s “what does Restrict mean on Instagram”. Next let’s see how to restrict an unwanted account on the platform.

How to restrict someone on Instagram?

You can restrict someone on the Instagram platform through a comment, through messages, through settings, or through the profile of that person.

How to restrict someone through a comment?

For Android

Step 1. Open the Instagram app, then go to your post.

Step 2. Tap "View all comments"

Step 3. Tap and hold the comment.

Step 4. Tap the exclamation mark icon, then tap Restrict [username].

For iOS

Step 1. Open the Instagram app, then go to your post.

Step 2. Tap "View all comments"

Step 3. Swipe left over the comment.

Step 4. Tap the exclamation mark icon, and then tap Restrict.

When a restricted user comments on your post, you can choose "Delete" to delete the comment or tap "See comment" to see what the comment says. In case you want others to be able to see the comment too, just tap See comment, then choose Approve, then tap Approve to confirm.

Of course, Instagram won’t notify you when someone that you’ve restricted posts comments.

How to restrict someone through messages?

Instagram Lite for Android devices

Step 1. Open the Instagram Lite app. Tap the Send icon in the top right.

Step 2. Tap the chat with the one that you want to restrict.

Step 3. In the top right of the chat, tap the i icon.

Step 4. Tap Restrict at the bottom to finish.

Instagram app for iPhone or Android

Step 1. Open the Instagram app, then tap the Send or Messenger icon at the top right of the screen.

Step 2. Tap the chat with the one that you want to restrict.

Step 3. At the top of your chat, tap the name of that person.

Step 4. Scroll down and tap Restrict. Finally, tap "Restrict account" in the next window to confirm.

Your conversation with the restricted person will be moved from your main Direct inbox to Message Requests, and all subsequent messages from that person will also be automatically moved to Message Requests.

You'll also receive a warning that tells you that you'll see messages from a restricted account if you're in a group chat with someone you've restricted. You have the option of staying or leaving that group chat.

How to restrict someone through settings?

Step 1. Open the Instagram app, then go to your profile by tapping on your profile picture.

Step 2. In the top right, tap the three-bar menu icon, then tap Settings.

Step 3. Next, select Privacy.

Step 4. Scroll down and tap Restricted accounts (under the Connections heading).

Step 5. Tap Continue

Step 6. Search for accounts you want to restrict. Finally, tap "Restrict" next to their username.

How to restrict someone on Instagram through their profile?

Step 1. Open your Instagram account and go to the profile you’d like to restrict.

Step 2. In the top right corner of the screen, tap the three-dot menu icon.

Step 3. Tap "Restrict."

Step 4. A pop-up window appears that lets you know that the user is now restricted. Tap "Dismiss" to go back to their profile, or if you want to have more information, tap "Learn More".

Well, to unrestrict or reverse the restriction on Instagram, you just need to go to the profile page of the user you want to unrestrict, then tap the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner, and finally tap "Unrestrict."

What happens after you restrict someone on Instagram?

The first thing to know is that Instagram will not notify the account that you’ve restricted its activity (yep, if you decide to do so). That means the user you want to restrict won’t know you’ve made the decision (of restriction) regarding their account.

What else happens when you restrict an unwanted user?

If someone is restricted by you on Instagram, then they will not be able to see when you are online. They won’t know if you have read their messages, either.

All new comments that restricted users leave on your posts will be visible to only them. If you want, you can choose to see the comment by simply tapping "See comment." In case you’d like others to be able to see the comment, too, you tap "Approve," then "Approve" (one more time) to confirm. Of course, you can also delete or ignore the comment as well.

You will not receive notifications regarding that person’s future comments.

Restricted accounts can also message you, but messages from them arrive in the Requests folder. Besides, you will not receive notifications if these users message you.
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One more thing is that you can restrict multiple users/accounts from your comments.

RELATED: How To Check Who Unfollowed Me On Instagram?

Restricting vs. blocking: Key differences

Restricting and blocking are different. Restricted users can still view your profile, send messages (message requests), follow you, as well as have you as a follower. But blocked ones, as you may know, can’t contact you by private message on Instagram or interact with you in any way from their account. Well, you can block an account after you have already restricted it.

Conclusion

You now know "What does restrict mean on Instagram," right? Well, it’s definitely a useful feature.

And that’s all for this post. Thank you for reading it. Geeks Nation hopes you find today's article informative and helpful.