It all started with one unexpected DM.
Someone from my past someone I hadn’t spoken to in years sent me a message on Instagram, casually mentioning how I popped up in their “suggested accounts.” I froze.
I had worked hard to keep my online presence low-key, almost anonymous. Yet here I was, popping up in feeds and recommendations of people I didn’t want to reconnect with. That one suggestion made me realize how public my Instagram really was despite thinking I had everything under control.
That’s when I decided to dive deep into Instagram’s settings and figure out how to stop being suggested to random people. I wanted to create a secure, private space online, something truly personal not another recommended profile in someone else’s feed.
I Wanted to Control My Visibility, But Instagram Had Other Plans
I always thought that setting my account to private would be enough. But nope. Even after that, I was still getting random follow requests people who found me via mutual Facebook friends, phone contacts, or even old hashtags.
Here’s the thing most users don’t realize: Instagram’s algorithm is multifaceted and surprisingly persistent. It uses your phone number, synced contacts, Facebook connections, and even mutual interactions to keep suggesting your profile to others.
So I did what any privacy-conscious, tech-savvy person would do I started digging.
Step-by-Step: How I Stopped Instagram From Suggesting My Account
These aren’t just random tips I read online. I actually tried them, and here’s what worked for me:
1. I Removed My Phone Number (And It Made a Huge Difference)
- I opened my Instagram app
- Tapped my Profile Icon
- Clicked Edit Profile
- Went into Personal Information Settings
- Removed my Phone Number and hit submit
But here’s the catch: You can’t remove your number unless you have a verified email and no two-factor authentication activated. That part annoyed me a bit, but it was worth the trade-off for more control.
2. I Unlinked My Facebook Account (Yes, Finally)
This one felt long overdue. Instagram and Facebook love syncing data behind the scenes.
- Opened Instagram
- Tapped the three-line menu on the top right
- Went to Settings > Account > Contacts Syncing
- Turned off “Connect Contacts” and unlinked Facebook
I didn’t realize how many people were finding me through mutual Facebook connections. After this step, the random suggestions slowed down noticeably.
3. I Stopped Using My Real Email (And Switched to an Anonymous One)
Now, most people don’t search Instagram by email. But the idea of being discoverable that way still made me uneasy. So I switched to a throwaway email, one not tied to any of my other profiles.
It felt weird at first, but it definitely added a layer of invisibility I didn’t know I needed.
The One Reason I Regret Not Doing This Sooner
What I hate the most is how long I stayed unaware. Instagram gives you just enough privacy to feel in control, but not enough to stay truly hidden unless you make changes manually.
If you want to avoid showing up in “Suggested for You,” you can’t rely on default settings. You have to go in, dig deep, and deactivate every link that ties you to someone else’s “Discover People” list.
And trust me, if you’re the type who values digital boundaries like I do, this is a game-changer.
I Also Started Avoiding These Triggers
To really minimize suggestions, I also:
- Set my account to private
- Avoided trending or popular hashtags
- Stopped engaging with random new accounts
- Limited my comments and likes on public posts
All of this combined helped reduce my visibility. It’s like teaching the algorithm to forget me or at least not bring me up every time someone new joins the platform.
Final Thoughts: Why I Love My New Low-Key Instagram
Instagram is still fun for me but now on my own terms.
I love that my profile feels more exclusive, not because I’m trying to be a mystery, but because I value intentional connections. I don’t want to be another suggested follow in someone’s feed. I want the people who find me to actually look for me not just stumble upon me.
So if you’re tired of being too visible, or just want to regain a bit of control, start with your phone number. Then go deeper.
Because that feeling of being digitally invisible by choice? It’s cool, freeing, and honestly kind of addictive.
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