Can A Restricted Account See My Story?

In today’s digital age, social media platforms have become an integral part of our lives. Instagram, with its vast user base, provides a platform for individuals to connect, share, and express themselves. However, there are times when we may want to limit our interactions with certain individuals without completely blocking them. This is where the “restrict” feature on Instagram comes into play. In this article, we will explore the functionalities of the restrict feature, specifically focusing on whether a restricted account can see your story.

Before diving into the specifics, let’s first understand what the restrict feature on Instagram entails. The restrict feature was introduced as an anti-bullying measure, allowing users to limit interactions without the restricted account being notified. While similar to blocking, the restrict feature offers a more discreet approach to managing unwanted interactions.

When you restrict someone on Instagram, their interactions such as comments on your profile are hidden from the public. However, both you and the restricted account can still see these interactions. The restricted account’s comments will only become visible to the public if you approve them. Additionally, the restrict feature moves the restricted account’s messages to the “Requested” folder, ensuring they are segregated from your main inbox.

Can a Restricted Account See Your Story?

Now let’s address the burning question – can a restricted account see your story on Instagram? The answer is yes, a restricted account can still view your story. Unlike comments and messages, the restrict feature does not hide stories from restricted accounts. So, if you want to prevent a restricted account from seeing your story, you’ll need to explore alternative methods.

Method 1: Hide Them from Your Story in Settings

One way to prevent a restricted account from viewing your story is by using the “Hide story from” feature in your Instagram settings. Follow these steps to hide your story from specific accounts:

1. Tap on your profile picture located at the bottom right of the screen.
2. In your profile, tap the three stacked horizontal lines at the top right.
3. Select “Settings” from the menu.
4. Tap on “Privacy” and then “Story”.
5. Look for “Hide story from” at the top of the screen and tap on it.
6. Choose the account(s) you want to hide your story from and tap “Done”.

By following these steps, you can selectively control who can view your story, effectively preventing restricted accounts from accessing it.

Method 2: Create a Custom Instagram Story

Another discreet way to restrict a specific account from viewing your story is by creating a custom story exclusively for your close friends. Instagram’s close friends feature allows you to curate a list of followers with whom you want to share exclusive content. Here’s how you can create a close friends only story:

1. Open your Instagram application.
2. Tap your profile picture at the bottom right corner of the screen.
3. In your profile, tap the three stacked horizontal lines at the top right.
4. Select “Close Friends” towards the bottom.
5. Tap the blue button labeled “Get Started”.
6. Choose the accounts you want to add to your close friends list.
7. Once your close friends are selected, tap “Create List” at the bottom of your screen.
8. To create a story for your close friends, tap “Create Story” at the bottom.
9. Select the desired photo or video you want to share with your close friends.
10. Before uploading, tap the “Close Friends” label at the bottom right.

By employing this method, you can ensure that only your close friends have access to your story, effectively excluding any restricted accounts.

Method 3: Remove Them as a Follower and Make Your Account Private

If you prefer a more drastic approach, you can remove the restricted account as a follower and make your Instagram account private. By doing so, the restricted account will no longer have access to your profile, including your stories. Follow these steps to remove a follower and make your account private:

1. Go to your profile by tapping the profile picture at the bottom right of the screen.
2. Tap on “Followers”.
3. Locate the desired account and tap the “Remove” button next to their name.
4. To make your account private, tap the three stacked lines at the top right.
5. Select “Settings” and then “Privacy”.
6. Turn on the “Private Account” switch at the top.

By removing the restricted account as a follower and making your account private, you can ensure that they are unable to view your stories.

Method 4: Block Them

Lastly, if you want to completely cut off any interaction with the restricted account, you can choose to block them. Blocking prevents the account from accessing your profile, including your stories. Follow these steps to block an account on Instagram:

1. Go to the profile of the account you want to block.
2. Tap the three dots located at the top right of your screen.
3. A window will appear at the bottom. Tap “Block”.
4. To prevent the account from creating new accounts to view your profile, select “Block (username) and new accounts they may create”. Alternatively, you can choose to block only the specific account by selecting it from the options.
5. Tap “Block”.

By blocking the account, you ensure that they are unable to see your comments, search for your profile, message you, or view any of your posts or stories.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the restrict feature on Instagram offers a discreet way to limit interactions with specific accounts, but it does not hide your story from restricted accounts. To prevent a restricted account from viewing your story, you can utilize methods such as hiding them from your story in settings, creating a custom close friends only story, removing them as a follower and making your account private, or blocking them altogether. By employing these methods, you can maintain control over your Instagram experience and ensure that your stories are visible only to the audience you desire.