Don't like Instagram's new Insta Stories feature? Here's how to turn it off
- bySherya
- 15 May, 2026
How to Turn Off Instants: Instagram recently launched the Instants feature. If you don't like this feature, it's very easy to turn it off.

How to Turn Off Instants: How to Turn Off Instants
How To Turn Off Instants: Instagram recently launched Instants . It's included as a feature in the Instagram app, while a standalone app is also available. It's designed to share authentic and disappearing photos. The company aims to compete with apps like Snapchat, which are gaining popularity due to their temporary content. However, many users are not like this feature. If you don't like this feature, you can turn it off. Let's learn how to turn off Instants.
How do Instants work?
Instagram is providing information about Instants through pop-up notifications. It's displayed as a mini photo stack in the inbox. Tapping on it provides a brief introduction to the feature. Below the camera is a shutter button, and below that, you can choose between Friends and Close Friends. By default, it's set to Friends. Once you press the shutter button, the captured photo will be sent to your friends. If you want to share it only with close friends, you'll need to manually select Close Friends.
Photos are being shared by mistake
Instagram hasn't clearly explained the process for sending photos. This has led many people to send photos to people on their friends list whom they don't want to share them with. While there's an option to undo, it only works before the photo is opened. Many people also complain that they can't tell when a photo has been sent. This has led many to want to disable this feature.
How to turn off Instants?
To turn off Instants on Instagram, first go to your profile and open Settings by tapping the three-line menu in the top-right corner of the screen. Here, under Content Preferences, you'll find the "Hide Instants in Inbox" option. Toggle it on. This will prevent you from seeing Instants in your Inbox. Keep in mind that this will also prevent you from seeing Instant messages sent by friends.





