Can you stop people from adding you to Instagram groups? Technically, the answer is no. But there are some workarounds that can help.
Being on social media platforms, it’s common to receive spam messages. Even after switching your profile to private, this still doesn’t prevent anyone from sending requests to join groups on Instagram.
In the long run, all these can be very annoying. Thus, if you wish to stop being added to groups on Instagram, we have tips you can make use of to put a stop on it.
Let’s dive in.
What Is Instagram Groups
Instagram Groups is a feature by Instagram that allows you to create a group conversation. It’s a tool that is useful in increasing engagement on Instagram, since you can add anyone into a group, even if they’re not part of your followers.
This group conversation usually will appear in your Instagram Direct Message. However, when a stranger sends a message, requesting you to join a group, that message will be in the ‘Request’ folder instead. It will stay there until you approve the message.
The thing is, even though the stranger’s message appears in a different folder, you will still receive notification about it. Besides, you need to do constant housekeeping so as not to miss out on more important messages.
These two reasons are enough to create annoyance from anyone that is experiencing such a situation.
Now, there is no way of stopping someone from sending you requests on Instagram. Fortunately, we have few alternative solutions you can try.
Ways On How To Stop Being Added To Groups On Instagram?
1. Limiting The Number Of People Who Can Add You To Groups
Probably the best way to get rid of the addition into spam groups is limit the number of people who can add you to groups. Setting up a limitation means only people you have followed or talked to before can add you.
Here’s how to limit who can add you to group on Instagram:
- Go to your profile.
- Click on the hamburger icon (three parallel lines at the top right).
- Go to “Settings”.
- Tap “Privacy”.
- Choose “Messages”.
- Select “Who can add you to groups”.
- Choose the “Only people you follow on Instagram” option.
Now, such an option is only applicable to Instagram professional/business accounts. Unfortunately, personal accounts don’t have such a choice.
However, worry not, we have few other alternative solutions you can use. Continue reading to find out what they are.
2. Turning The Notifications Off
Another method you can do to ignore and avoid stranger group requests is by turning the notification off. This way, you won’t be bothered each time someone sends you a request.
However, this method is not bulletproof. Anyone can still send group requests to you and you still can find these requests in your “Request” folder.
Nonetheless, at least you will have a peace of mind rather than being bombarded with notification of group requests.
If you want to try this solution, follow below steps:
- Go to your Instagram profile and tap on the hamburger icon.
- Then, go to the “Settings”.
- Next, head over to the “Notifications” setting.
- Click on “Direct Messages”.
- Turn off the “Group Requests” option.
3. Muting A Group
Now, it’s normal to not want to participate in an Instagram group. Even if you do minimal participation by just reacting to the direct messages, getting constant notification can be very off-putting and overwhelming.
In cases like this, the best you can do is to mute that group. Thus, you will not receive notification on any new messages from that particular Instagram Group.
Here’s how you can mute an Instagram Group:
- Go to Instagram Direct on the top right of your Instagram Feed.
- Click on the group conversation you want to mute.
- Tap on the group name at the top.
- Tap on the toggle “Mute Messages” to activate this feature. The blue toggle indicates you have successfully mute the group.
Keep in mind that muting someone on Instagram, or an Instagram Group doesn’t mean you won’t receive any direct messages from them. You will still receive and be able to view the messages sent to you on Instagram Direct.
4. Leave The Chat
If you want to stop receiving group messages, the only way to get out of an Instagram Group completely is by leaving the chat.
Besides, leaving a group is pretty quick and easy. Follow below steps:
- Tap on your Instagram Direct icon.
- Click on the group chat you want to leave.
- Next, tap on the group name.
- Lastly, scroll down and tap on “Leave Chat”.
- Click “Leave” to confirm.
As a quick note, leaving a chat means you’re totally out of a group and won’t receive any future messages. Which also means no one can add you back, even if they have your permission, nor can you rejoin the group.
With that being said, think carefully before you decide to leave a chat.
5. Blocked the Account
This is by far the most extreme measure to stop yourself being added to groups on Instagram. Blocking an account means the account owner can never send any message to you, or add you to any group conversation.
To block someone on Instagram, here is what you can do:
- Go to that person’s Instagram profile.
- Click on the 3 dots located on the top right corner.
- Then, tap on the “Block” to block the account.
Final Thoughts
Instagram is indeed a great platform to stay in touch with friends and family. With features like Instagram Direct and Instagram Group, you can pretty much stay connected with anyone 24/7.
But, this also means you will receive countless notifications — especially from group conversation — which can be too much and take a toll on your mental health.
If you want to get out of this overwhelming situation; or are tired of receiving group requests from strangers, then this guide is certainly for you.
All in all, all the best in stopping yourself being added to groups on Instagram and getting back that peace you deserve.
