Instagram Restrict vs Block: Which Is Right for You?

Are you tired of the weird direct messages and questionable comments on your posts? Well, IG isn’t a fan of them, either. This is why they give you the option to protect your peace online. You have the choice between Instagram restrict vs block. These aren’t the same, and we discuss them both below. A restricted person has a different level of access than a blocked user. You may prefer to have restricted users than blocked ones. Keep reading, and you’ll see what we mean below!

Block vs Restrict on Instagram: You Don’t Have To Be Unprotected

It’s great that you can learn how to block on Instagram. While the app seems like a great invention, sometimes it’s a toxic place. IG must know this, too. They gave us this nifty trick. Whether you choose IG restrict vs block, you can protect yourself online.

You still need IG for its benefits, so you don’t want to delete it. This makes sense as IG brings a world of opportunities. It’s constantly changing and offering new features. Stories, reels, and IG Live weren’t options at the inception of this app. 

Now, everyone flocks to Instagram.  Today, it’s one of the most extensively utilized platforms. The features and capabilities make it a magnet for both the creative and the nefarious.

You Need To Protect Yourself

Sadly, you have reached the point where you need to know how to block an account or two on Instagram. Your feelings might be fleeting, or they have been there for a while. That gut feeling you have may be on to something.

You never know who is hiding behind a  computer screen. Shady characters make it necessary to protect your privacy online. Never fully let go when using social media. It may mean that you should take the necessary steps to use the block option. Make the best of your social media presence. Part of doing this is becoming familiar with the Instagram blocking features.

IG Thinks You Should Protect Yourself, Too

Instagram is already doing what it can to keep the platform safe. It monitors accounts that seem to be fake and levies punishment where it sees fit. IG  protects the privacy of its users. It is also keen on their emotional well-being. You can help them when you think they are missing something.

Is someone making you feel unsafe on Instagram? Don’t let them get away with sending you threatening or unwanted comments. You can block them, which will stop them from viewing your profile. You could save this option for the future. The option to restrict is also there.

You Don’t Want To Block: What Does Restrict Mean on Instagram?

It takes a lot to get to the point of blocking someone. You have to be fully prepared for the consequences that will follow. What happens when that IG user learns about the block? Do you suspect that they are a dangerous person? Maybe they will be a little bit unhappy that you blocked them. Fortunately, you have options. Consider Instagram block vs restrict, depending on your needs.

Restriction: A Solution for Unwanted Interactions

Knowing how to block on Instagram is a good skill to have. However, don’t limit yourself when alternative solutions are available to you. Consider putting limits on a user’s access to your Instagram page.

What does restrict mean on Instagram? When you restrict someone’s access to your Instagram profile, they won’t be able to engage with it. They will still show up in your follower list. This is ideal if you don’t like the drama attached to those optics. So, what are the optics, you ask? When you restrict an Instagram user, it’s like you both are having a secret conversation in public. The only people who can access the restricted person’s comments and responses are the user and you. 

Think about your audience as well. You may be able to read some comments, but they may not. Restricting users is a good strategy for protecting your vulnerable audience. You can keep them from unfavorable comments while gauging the mindset of some of your followers. 

This solution works out well for everybody. It offers some measure of safety for you. If they are especially aggressive, they won’t know about the restriction. Your comments can be a healthy place for you and your commenters.

This Is How To Restrict Users

When you block someone, they don’t get notice of it. Similarly, when you restrict a user, IG keeps your secret. In both instances, the user will have to deduce from the circumstances. You can follow these steps to restrict the amount of activity a person may have on your Instagram page.

1. Begin by opening your Instagram app.
2. Navigate to the profile of the user whose account you wish to restrict. You may find it in your comment section or your DMs.
3. To open the menu, select the “three dots” option. It should be in the upper right corner of the screen.
4. At this point, select “Restrict” from the list of available options in the drop-down menu.
5. The “Dismiss” button is what you’ll need to click next. This is how to close the pop-up window.  Feel free to tap the “Learn more” button.  This way, you can find out more about what restricting Instagram means if this article tells you what you need to know. “Dismiss” will complete the action.

Remember that this is a reversible act. You can access the same options and undo the restriction when you are ready. The other user won’t receive an update on this, either.

This Is What Happens When You Block Someone on Instagram

Before you run to block that account, make sure you know what you’re doing. It may impact your account in addition to theirs. They extend further than not being able to see your activity status.

You Won’t Get Mention Notifications

Mentions are a useful type of engagement that your account could benefit from. However, when you block someone, they will no longer be able to mention you in their comments on other users’ posts. They can’t tag you in any photos that they publish. When they try to do these things, it will become obvious to them that they can’t. Only you would have the power to have these users tag or mention you. Till then, you won’t get these kinds of notifications from them. So, you’ll get protection from any cyber bullies. However, you may miss out on boosting your engagement rate.

IG Takes Away Your Likes

You worked hard to accumulate those likes on that post. You should learn that one of the block features is that you won’t see a like from a blocked person. The likes and comments they previously left on your page will no longer be visible. If you need evidence, you should gather it before you block them. Even when you unblock a user, any likes or comments they may have had will never return. 

Now that you know what happens when you block someone on Instagram, maybe you’ll change your mind. Or, maybe you’ll go through with it. The choice is ultimately yours!

How To Block on Instagram When You’re at Your Last Straw

If you block another person on Instagram, you’re taking a big step. Doing this means you’ll be a ghost to that user. They won’t get a notification that you blocked them, but there will be signs. They will no longer be able to view your profile or posts. IG will hide your Instagram story. If they pay attention, they may notice your absence.

Steps To Block an IG Account

There is so much going on on IG that something else may distract them. If you’re still interested, follow our step-by-step guide to blocking someone on Instagram. The following is the procedure for blocking another user:

1. Get the Instagram app on your iOS or Android device and ensure that you’re using the latest version.
2. Locate the IG user profile for the account you wish to block. Make sure it’s the right one!
3. There are several ways to find the user. You can use the program’s search tool or touch the account’s username from anywhere inside the Instagram app.  
4. Now, you must access the menu. To do this, choose the icon that looks like three dots in the upper-right corner of the screen.
5. You should choose the “Block” option.
6. When you go to block an account, IG will show you a confirmation window. This outlines what happens when you block someone. To continue, tap the Block button.
7. Finally, you will get a notification informing you that IG blocked that account. 
8. The process is over, and you can tap the Dismiss button.

Blocking Someone Using a Browser

For whatever reason, you may not have access to a cellular device. There could be an urgent situation before you, and you only have your laptop. Perhaps you don’t have the app on your cell phone, or it’s currently glitching. Have no fear. We can show you how to block Instagram using your computer.  Just follow these steps:

1. Launch the web browser of your choice on your Mac or PC.
2. Visit the Instagram website.
3. Search for the IG account that you’re interested in blocking.  
4. Click to open it.
5. Tap the Menu button that looks like three dots in the upper-right corner of the screen.
6. From the menu that pops up, choose the option to “Block” this person.
7. To confirm, select the Block option again.
8. Select the “Dismiss” button.

It’s a quick process to unblock if you need to. This person that you blocked does not show up in your following list, or vice versa. Note that if you unblock the person, they will be aware that you no longer follow each other.

How To Unblock Instagram When They’re Back in Your Good Graces

We all make mistakes. We can all be impulsive at times. Sometimes, you realize that the decision you made was not the best one in the circumstances. In deciding whether to restrict vs. block on Instagram, you may have chosen wrong.  Now you need to un-do your mess. Let’s discuss how to unblock on Instagram using two methods.

Method 1: Check Instagram Block List

Knowing how to unblock on Instagram is important. You can unblock a user on Instagram this way:

1. Go to the Settings of your account.
2. Locate the Blocked Users section there. You’ll see a complete list of the users you’ve blocked. This is where you’ll get the option to unblock the person. 
3. When you see the blue “unblock” symbol, you can tap it to toggle the settings.

That’s it! Now that you’ve unblocked them, they can see your postings and participate in conversations with you.

Method 2: Use Search

You may have blocked too many people and find it difficult to sift through a list. You don’t have to do this if you know the person’s handle by heart. Here is another way to get the unblocking job done:

1. Go to the search bar.
2. Type in the full Instagram handle or username of the person.
3. Tap on their name.
4. On their page, you will see “Unblock.” Tap that button to unblock the IG user.

An Instagram Mass Unfollow Could Get the Job Done

Debating whether to block vs restrict on Instagram is one thing. However, have you considered an Instagram mass unfollow? It’s an effective way to curate your feed. You may wonder why you’d need to do that. Maybe you’re not interested in the content anymore.

You can change your mind about what you like to see on IG. Your feed shouldn’t be full of a bunch of content that you don’t even like. If these pages do not harass you, you may not need to debate between restrict vs block on Instagram. Think of the large number of accounts that your account follows. Doesn’t it make it hard to find posts you like online? You risk missing actual posts that you want to see if you subscribe to a large number of IG accounts. Did you know that Instagram aims to show you the most recent posts and reels from the accounts you follow? This is why you never see some posts at all.

Maybe you tried to play the follow-for-follow game. Now, you’re stuck following a host of accounts that haven’t followed you back. You may not have followed accounts that you were genuinely interested in. For the sake of your timeline, you have to unfollow accounts in mass numbers. If these scenarios sound familiar, it may be better to unfollow than fully block people.

Whether Choosing Instagram Restrict vs Block, Your Page Can Still Grow

If blocking users is impacting your follower count, you may need to look into making up those numbers. You shouldn’t have to filter offensive remarks from strangers. You can have a following that is supportive of your brand. You just need to know where to find them. This may not be easy, but with Plixi’s assistance, you may increase those numbers one follower at a time.

Using our organic methods to develop your page is still a good idea.  The competent Plixi social media team members have been honing their skills for the past ten years. We have been working very hard to create an internal platform just for Instagram influencers like yourself. Wait. There’s more. We have a unique artificial intelligence targeting algorithm.  We can come up with the best marketing strategy for your brand.

We can attract active followers who are sincere, enthusiastic, and interested in your content. You just need to trust our strategy. Take our advice to heart, put it into practice, and build a strong Instagram community. Even when considering Instagram restrict vs block to manage your page, you can maintain a healthy following. With Plixi, start expanding and acquiring Instagram followers right now!