How to silence Instagram notifications

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To silence Instagram notifications, you can adjust your notification settings directly within the app or through your device's settings. This allows you to customize which notifications you receive or mute them entirely for a specified period.

Easy⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before silencing Instagram notifications, ensure you have the following:
  • •A smartphone or tablet with the Instagram app installed (iOS or Android).
  • •An active Instagram account.
  • •Access to your device's settings for managing notifications.
  • •For desktop users, ensure you have the Instagram app or access to the web version.

Method 1: Silencing Notifications via Instagram App

This method is ideal for users who want to manage their notifications directly within the Instagram app.
  • •Step 1: Open the Instagram app on your device.
  • •Step 2: Tap on your profile icon located at the bottom right corner.
  • •Step 3: Tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top right corner.
  • •Step 4: Select 'Settings' from the menu.
  • •Step 5: Tap on 'Notifications'.
  • •Step 6: Choose 'Push Notifications'.
  • •Step 7: Here, you can toggle off notifications for specific actions like likes, comments, or direct messages.
  • •Step 8: To mute all notifications, toggle off 'Allow Notifications' at the top.
  • •Step 9: Verify the changes by checking the notification settings again.
  • •Step 10: If notifications persist, restart the app.

For Windows 11

If using Instagram on Windows 11 via the app:
  • •Open the Instagram app from the Start menu.
  • •Click on your profile icon in the bottom left corner.
  • •Follow the same steps as in the mobile app to access notification settings.

For Windows 10

If using Instagram on Windows 10 via the app:
  • •Launch the Instagram app from the Start menu.
  • •Click on your profile icon in the bottom left corner.
  • •Follow the same steps as in the mobile app to access notification settings.

Method 2: Silencing Notifications via Device Settings

This method is useful for users who want to manage notifications at the system level.
  • •Step 1: Open your device's Settings app.
  • •Step 2: For iOS, tap 'Notifications'; for Android, tap 'Apps & notifications'.
  • •Step 3: Scroll down and select 'Instagram'.
  • •Step 4: Tap 'Notifications'.
  • •Step 5: Toggle off 'Allow Notifications' or customize specific notification types.
  • •Step 6: Confirm the changes by checking the notification settings again.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while silencing notifications, consider the following solutions:
  • •Error: Notifications still appear after muting - Solution: Ensure that you have toggled off all relevant notification types in both the app and device settings.
  • •Issue: Unable to access notification settings - Fix: Restart the Instagram app or your device to refresh the settings.
  • •Problem: Notifications re-enable after app updates - Workaround: Check your notification settings after every major app update.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

For power users, consider these tips to enhance your notification management:
  • •Keyboard shortcut: N/A - Instagram does not support keyboard shortcuts for notification management.
  • •Command line: N/A - Instagram does not have command line options for desktop.
  • •Hidden feature: Mute specific conversations in Direct Messages by swiping left on the conversation and selecting 'Mute'.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

To effectively manage Instagram notifications, regularly review your settings to ensure they align with your current preferences.