To turn off suggested accounts on Instagram, open Instagram in a web browser, go to Edit profile and switch off Show account suggestions on profiles, then click Submit. The setting isn't in the app, and turning it off also stops your account being suggested on other people's profiles.
That setting stops Instagram showing similar accounts when someone follows you. It only exists on the web version of Instagram, which is why people hunt through the app's settings and come up empty. Instagram's help is clear that it's a desktop and mobile browser feature.
There's a second meaning to this question, though. If you're trying to stop Instagram suggesting accounts for you to follow, that works differently, and I'll cover it further down. This guide is about accounts; hiding suggested posts in your feed is a separate setting.
Which suggestions do you want to stop?
| What you're seeing | Where it shows | Can you switch it off? |
|---|---|---|
| Similar accounts shown when someone follows you | On your profile, to other people | Yes, in a web browser |
| Your account suggested to others | On other people's profiles | Yes, the same switch does both |
| Accounts suggested for you to follow | Your own feed and profile | Instagram's help doesn't list an off switch |
Turn off account suggestions on your profile
You'll need a browser for this. It works on a computer or in your phone's browser, but not in the Instagram app.
- Go to instagram.com in a web browser and log in.
- Click your profile picture to go to your profile.
- Click Edit profile.
- Find Show account suggestions on profiles and toggle it off.
- Click Submit.
Once that's done, people who tap Follow on your profile won't see a row of similar accounts underneath. You don't need to change anything in the app afterwards.
The trade-off nobody warns you about
Instagram says that when you turn off account suggestions for your profile, you won't appear as a suggestion on someone else's profile either. It's one switch for both directions.
For a private personal account that's often exactly what you want. For a business, a creator or anyone trying to grow, it's a real loss. Being suggested next to similar accounts is one of the quiet ways new people find you, and switching it off removes you from that loop. I'd only turn it off on a business account if you've got a clear reason, such as competitors showing up under your profile.
When switching it off makes sense
- You keep your account low-key. If it's mainly friends and family, there's little reason for strangers to see you suggested next to other people.
- Rivals appear under your profile. If a business like yours keeps showing up when people follow you, you're handing them your visitors.
- You've had unwanted attention. Fewer places where your profile is suggested means fewer chances for people you don't know to land on it.
- You're growing an audience. This is the case for leaving it on. Suggestions put you in front of people who already follow accounts like yours, and that's hard to replace.
Whichever way you go, you can change it back at any time from the same Edit profile screen in a browser, so it's an easy one to try for a few weeks and review.
Stop Instagram suggesting accounts to you
This is the one people find most frustrating. Instagram's help doesn't describe a setting that removes suggested accounts from your own feed. What it offers instead are ways to change what's suggested.
Reset your suggested content
- Tap Profile or your profile picture in the bottom right.
- Tap Menu in the top right.
- Below What you see, tap Content preferences.
- Tap Reset suggested content, then Next.
- Review the accounts you follow if you want to, then tap Reset suggested content again.
Two things to know before you tap it. A reset can't be undone, and it won't change who you follow. Your suggestions start fresh and then become more personalised again as you like, share and interact, so it's a clean slate, not a permanent off switch.
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Use Favorites to push suggestions down
Add the accounts you care about to Favorites. Instagram says posts from favourite accounts appear higher in your feed. From the feed, tap Instagram at the top, then Favorites, open the Favorites list and add the accounts you want. Viewing the Favorites feed shows you just those accounts, without the suggestions in between.
Why the setting won't show up
- You're in the app. The switch is only on the web version, on a computer or a phone browser.
- You're looking in Settings. It sits under Edit profile, not in the main settings menu.
- You're after feed suggestions. The profile switch doesn't change what Instagram suggests to you.
If the suggestions you're seeing include people you'd rather never cross paths with, check how to see your blocked accounts on Instagram. And if your following list has got out of hand, my guide to unfollowing everyone on Instagram walks you through a clear-out.
My advice
If you're a private user who doesn't want to be suggested to strangers, switch it off in a browser and you're done. If you're running a business account, I'd leave it on. Showing up next to similar accounts is free visibility, and the suggestions under your own profile are a small trade for being found.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I find the suggested accounts setting in the Instagram app?
Instagram says this setting is only available on desktop and mobile browser, so log in at instagram.com and go to Edit profile.
If I turn off suggestions, will my account still be suggested to others?
No. Instagram says turning off account suggestions for your profile also stops you appearing as a suggestion on other people's profiles.
Can I stop Instagram suggesting accounts for me to follow?
Instagram's help doesn't list an off switch. You can reset your suggested content or use Favorites to see only accounts you choose.
Does resetting suggested content unfollow anyone?
No. Resetting won't change who you follow, though you're offered a chance to review your follows first. It can't be undone.
Is turning off suggested accounts the same as hiding suggested posts?
No. Account suggestions control profiles shown to people who follow you. Suggested posts are a separate feed setting.
