Instagram restrict vs. block: Differences and uses

If you have often wondered what the difference is between Instagram restrict vs. block feature is, this article is exactly what you need. Because of how similar these two features are, many Instagram users are unsure of how to use them.

Well, in this article, we’ll break down what each feature does or how they differ. We’ll also show you what moments to use the restrict or block button, and what happens afterwards. Additionally, you’ll also learn how to use the parental control app FlashGet Kids to keep your kids safe on Instagram.

What happens when you restrict someone on Instagram?

Some people have called the restrict feature on Instagram a polite alternative to blocking. And we agree with them. Restrict feature makes you see less of a person on the app. It is great for managing unwanted communications.

When you restrict another Instagram user:

1. They’ll not be notified. They will see your post just like other followers or accounts, but you get control over their interaction with you.

2. Activity Status will be hidden. The whole point of this is for the restricted user not to know when you’re active online. This way, they don’t hurry to message you, neither are you in a hurry to message back.

When your activity status is hidden, you can always come online, interact with others and scroll through your IG feed, and still remain invisible to a restricted follower or account. Similarly, a restricted account’s activity status will not be shown to you.

3. The person’s messages go straight to your request folder and not your primary inbox.

When you receive messages from an unrestricted user, you’ll be notified. This is not the case when someone is restricted. Instead, it goes to the message request folder. And when you read the messages, it’ll not be shown as “Seen” to the restricted person. Your privacy is maintained as they cannot tell that you’ve read their messages or when you did.

4. Their comments on your post will be hidden. Comments made by the restricted person will only be visible to them. You can choose to see the comment by tapping “See Comment.”

And then, you’ll decide whether to approve it so it’s visible to everyone, delete it, or leave it hidden.
The restrict feature gives you that much control over comments on your posts.

How to restrict someone on Instagram?

Restricting someone on Instagram can be done either directly from their profile, through your settings, or via comments or direct messages. Any of these ways would give the same result.

Restricting via profile

1. Open the Instagram app on your mobile device. Navigate to the profile of the person you want to restrict.
2. Tap the three dots (•••) in the upper right corner of their profile to access the menu. From the menu that appears, select restrict. A confirmation message will pop up, explaining what restricting does.
3. Tap “Restrict Account” to confirm.

Restricting via settings

1. Open the Instagram app on your mobile device. Tap on the icon in the bottom right corner to go to your profile.
2. Tap the three horizontal lines (≡) in the upper right corner.
3. Select “Settings and Activity.” Scroll down and tap on “Restricted.”
4. Tap the add icon (+) in the upper right corner. Search for the account you want to restrict and select.

Via comments

1. Open the Instagram app on your mobile device.
2. Locate a comment made by the person you want to restrict.
3. Swipe left on the comment (iOS) or tap and hold the comment (Android) to reveal the options.
4. Tap the exclamation mark (!) icon, then select “Restrict.” Confirm that you want to restrict the account.

Restricting via direct messages (DMs)

1. Open the Instagram app on your mobile device.
2. Tap the messenger icon in the top right corner to open your direct messages.
3. Find the conversation with the person you want to restrict.
4. Tap on their profile picture in the upper left corner of the conversation to show their profile
5. Tap on the three dots (…) to access the menu. Tap on “Restrict” and confirm.

Unfortunately, the restrict feature is not available on the web interface, so you need to use the app.

How to un-restrict someone on Instagram?

Un-restricting a user is just as simple and straightforward as restricting them. It can be done via settings or messages. Choose your pick.

Un-restricting through settings

1. Open the Instagram app on your mobile device.
2. Tap the icon or profile picture in the bottom right corner to go to your profile.
3. Tap the three horizontal lines (≡) in the upper right corner to open the menu.
4. Access the settings menu. Tap on “Restricted” to see a list of all accounts you’ve ever restricted.
5. Tap “Unrestrict” next to the account you’d like to take off the list.

Un-restricting through a user’s profile

1. Open the Instagram app on your mobile device.
2. Navigate to the profile of the person you want to un-restrict.
3. Tap the three dots (•••) in the upper right corner of their profile. From the menu that appears, tap on “Unrestrict.”

What happens when you block someone on Instagram?

When you block someone on Instagram, you completely cut off interactions with the person. They will no longer see your posts or even your account and will not be able to contact you through Instagram.

Blocking someone on Instagram will:

1. Remove them from your list of followers

When you block someone, you’ll have the option to block their account, or to block their account and other existing accounts they may have or accounts they may create. This removes them from your followers list and also removes you from that. Someone who’s attentive to their followers list or has very few will get the hint when the number of their followers decreases.

2. Remove their likes and comments from your contents

However, they can still see your likes and comments on posts that were shared by public accounts or accounts they follow.

Unblocking them will not undo or restore their previous likes and comments. You might want to put this into consideration before hitting the block button.

3. Completely prevents them from mentioning your username and tagging you to post

Previous mentions and tags would still be visible. And if for some reason, your username changes, they can still tag you if they know the new username.

Prevent them from seeing your posts or profile, and if they search for your username, it would say the user does not exist.

4. Stop them from sending you messages

Messages sent or received after you’ve blocked a user will not be delivered. Although, your previous messages and interactions would still remain in your inbox.

How to block someone on Instagram?

In this Instagram’s notification regard, restrict vs. block are the same. Just like restricting, a user is not notified when he is blocked on Instagram. A user can only get the hint when his messages stops delivering, when they can no longer see your posts or profile, and when their number of followers decreases.

You can block someone on Instagram in the following ways:

Through their profile

1. Open the Instagram app on your phone
2. Use the search bar at the bottom of your screen to search for their username.
3. Select their profile from the search results. Click the three dots (…) in the top right corner of your screen.
4. Click “Block.”

Through direct messages

1. Open the Instagram app on your phone. Click on the messenger icon in the upper right corner to open your direct messages
2. Scroll down to find your conversation with whoever you want to block.
3. Open the conversation and tap on the information icon (i) on the upper right corner of the screen.
4. Scroll through the menu and block

Via comments

1. Find the comment of whoever you want to block on any IG post
2. On iOS, swipe left on the comment. On Android, tap and hold the comment to reveal the options.
3. Tap the exclamation mark (!) that appears next to the comment
4. Select a block among the given options.

Through settings

1. Open your Instagram app, tap on the profile icon at the bottom right corner of the screen
2. Tap the three horizontal lines (≡) in the upper right corner to open the menu, then select “Settings and Activity.”
3. Scroll down and tap on blocked accounts.
4. Tap the add icon (+) in the upper right corner, then search for the user you want to block.
5. Select their profile from the search results. Select the block, next to their profile

How to unblock someone on Instagram?

Unblocking someone means they can now search and view your profile. If you have a public page, they can also re-follow, comment and view your posts. And you can do the same.

And unblocking is easy, as you can do it via settings, direct message folder, or their profile;

Via direct message

1. Click the messenger icon on the top right corner of your app’s screen
2. Scroll down and click the chat with the person you want to unblock
3. Click the information icon, and a menu will appear.
4. Select unblock and click again to confirm.

Through Instagram profile

1. Search for their username using the search bar at the bottom of the screen to get their IG profile.
2. Click the three dots (…) in the top right
3. From the menu that appears, click unblock.

Via settings

1. On your Instagram app, tap on the profile icon in the bottom right corner to go to your profile.
2. Tap the three horizontal lines (≡) in the upper right corner to open the menu to access settings.
3. Scroll down and tap on “Blocked Accounts.” You will see a list of all the accounts you have blocked.
4. Find the account you want to unblock and tap “Unblock” next to their name

Quick comparison: Restrict vs. block on Instagram

Even though both features might seem the same, they differ in functionality. So, it’s important to know their differences so you’ll know what feature works best for you in every situation.

Below is a table comparing Instagram restrict vs. block features:

Are restrict vs. block options effective for protecting kids on Instagram?

No, Instagram restrict vs. block options are not very effective for protecting kids on Instagram. While the block feature ensures there’s no interaction with an inappropriate account, it does not offer a solution for when the blocked person tries to connect to your child with another person’s account or details.

Instagram requires a user to be at least 13 years old to sign up. And there’s no restriction for when a teenager is trying to access an inappropriate account or content.

And that is why you need a parental control app like FlashGet Kids to make sure your child is safe on this platform.

Increase kid’s safety on Instagram with FlashGet Kids

FlashGet Kids is designed to make sure your child is as safe as possible online. As a parent, you never have to worry about your kid’s online activities. Why? Because FlashGet Kids comes equipped with features that will put your mind at ease. The features include:

Screen Mirroring

This feature makes you feel like you’re sharing a phone with your kid, as it gives you unlimited access to their screens. You can always view, to know whatever they’re upto.

Snapshot

this feature not only protects your kid but also helps you connect and bond with the kid. To use this feature, you only need to set a timer. When it’s time, FlashGet Kids takes snapshots of your kids’ environment from their front-facing cameras and phone screens. This feature is unique because it gives you what to talk about and bond over, with your kids whenever you sit with them.

Notification Tracker

Using Notification tracker, FlashGet Kids gives you unlimited access to your kid’s phone notifications. This includes notifications from websites or any app on their phone, including text messages.

Screen Time

This feature is valuable when it comes to ensuring that your kid’s screen time does not do more harm than good to them. It opens the door to your kid’s mobile device, letting you see how much time they spend online. And if it becomes excessive, the feature helps you limit it. With the screen time feature, a parent can as well block certain websites and apps for a particular duration.

Using this, you can substitute physical activities for online activities, so the kids develop healthy habits outside of social media.

App Blocker

this feature provides the restrictions we consider necessary for kids, but for some reason, it’s not available as an inbuilt feature on Instagram. With the app blocker, a parent can restrict a child’s access to certain activities or in certain places like classes and libraries. It also gives the parent control over the app’s usage.

For instance, kids need to request permission from parents before using Instagram if the parent has it on the list of blocked apps. And if permission is granted, the parent can use other features like screen mirroring to follow the kid’s IG activities, making sure they’re not exposed to harmful pages and contents.

Remote Camera

With one tap of a button, a parent gets real-time access to their kid’s environment. The button activates the camera on the child’s device, giving the parent a chance to see what the kid is up to, and where they are. And in the face of danger, a parent can seek for help immediately.

FAQs about Instagram restrict vs. block