How to Clear Your Instagram Search History

Remove unwanted searches from the app and your browser

What to Know

  • App: Tap your Profile > Menu > Your activity > Recent searches. Select the X next to a term or choose Clear all.
  • Browser: Go to Instagram > select search bar > select X next to a search term or choose Clear all.

This article explains how to clear the search history on Instagram in the latest version of the Instagram app on Android and iOS as well as desktop and mobile browsers.

How to Remove Instagram Search History in the App

Instagram keeps a record of your search history so you can locate accounts or hashtags that you've looked for in the past. Past searches also influence which accounts Instagram suggests you follow. You can delete this history at any time in the app by following these steps:

  1. Tap your profile icon.

  2. Tap the Menu icon (three horizontal lines).

  3. Tap Your activity.

    Profile icon, Menu icon, and Your Activity in the Instagram app
  4. Tap Recent searches.

  5. Tap the X next to a search term, or tap Clear all.

  6. Tap Clear all again to confirm.

    Recent Searches and Clear all in Instagram search history settings

How to Delete Instagram Search History Using a Browser

Go to Instagram, log into your account, and select the search bar at the top of the page. You'll see a list of your recent searches. Select the X next to a search term to remove it or choose Clear all.

Clear All in Instagram search suggestions
FAQ
  • How do I get rid of Instagram search suggestions?

    You can remove suggested Instagram contacts from the app by going to the horizontal list labeled Suggestions for You. Select the X in the upper-right corner of that list box and all suggestions will disappear for that session. If there is someone in particular on the list that you never want to see suggested again, select that user's profile picture or name and tap X.

  • Can I search Instagram without an account?

    Yes, you can. All you need is someone's Instagram link from within a web browser, then you can use the search bar from that profile to look for other people.

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