The "Restrict" feature on Instagram limits how someone else can interact with you on the platform without them knowing that they have been restricted. When you restrict an account:
- Their comments on your posts are only visible to them and not to others, unless you approve the comment to be public.
- Their messages go to your message requests instead of your main inbox, so you don't get notifications for them, and they won't see if you've read their messages.
- They cannot see when you are online or if you have read their messages.
- They can still view your profile, posts, and stories, but their interactions are quietly limited.
This feature is designed to give you control over unwanted interactions in a subtle way that avoids confrontation or alerting the other person, unlike blocking which is very direct. It allows you to decide if and when to engage with the restricted user, while keeping your online space safer and more comfortable. This also applies to Instagram's linked app Threads in a similar manner. The restriction is reversible if you decide to lift it later.
