How to Reset Instagram Algorithm: Step by Step

Resetting Instagram’s algorithm involves actions that help recalibrate your feed, Explore page, and recommendations to better align with your current interests.

How to Reset Instagram Algorithm: Step by Step

While Instagram doesn’t have a one-click “reset” button for the entire algorithm, it offers several features and steps you can take to reset or customize your experience effectively. Here’s how:

1. Clear Search History

The content Instagram suggests in your Explore page is influenced by your search history. Clearing it is a quick way to reset this aspect of the algorithm.

Steps to Clear Search History:

1. Go to your profile.
2. Tap the three horizontal lines (☰) in the top-right corner.
3. Select Settings and Privacy.
4. Tap Your Activity > Search History.
5. Tap Clear All to remove your search history.

2. Use the “Not Interested” Feature

If your Explore page or Feed shows content you dislike, marking it as “Not Interested” helps the algorithm learn your preferences.

Steps to Use “Not Interested”:

1. On your Explore page, find a post you want to avoid.
2. Tap the three dots (⋮) in the top-right corner of the post.
3. Select Not Interested.
4. Instagram will show less of similar content over time.

3. Unfollow Irrelevant Accounts

The accounts you follow significantly influence the content in your Feed and Stories. Unfollowing accounts that no longer align with your interests helps reset your experience.

Steps to Unfollow Accounts:

1. Go to your profile.
2. Tap Following to see the list of accounts you follow.
3. Unfollow accounts that post irrelevant or uninteresting content.

4. Manage Your Explore Page

The Explore page adapts to your interactions. Resetting it manually can help eliminate outdated or irrelevant content preferences.

Steps to Reset Explore Page:

1. Tap the magnifying glass icon (Explore page).
2. Click on posts you don’t like.
3. Tap the three dots (⋮) and select Not Interested for unwanted suggestions.

Repeat this for multiple posts to teach the algorithm your preferences.

5. Start Interacting with Preferred Content

Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes content based on your recent activity. By actively engaging with posts you like (likes, comments, shares, and saves), you can retrain the algorithm.

Steps to Rebuild Preferences:

1. Search for hashtags, accounts, or topics that interest you.
2. Engage with relevant posts by liking, saving, and commenting.
3. Follow accounts in line with your current interests.

6. Reset Account Recommendations

Instagram’s “Suggested for You” recommendations in the Feed and Follow suggestions are based on previous interactions. Resetting this requires modifying your interactions and actively selecting preferences.

Steps to Adjust Recommendations:

1. When Instagram suggests accounts, tap X on unwanted suggestions.
2. Follow accounts in new niches that match your current interests.

7. Use Instagram’s Algorithm Reset Feature (New Update)

Instagram has introduced a Reset Algorithm option that allows you to start fresh with content recommendations. This feature is rolling out globally and may not yet be available for all users.

Steps to Use the Reset Feature:

1. Go to Settings and Privacy.
2. Select Recommendations or Algorithm Reset (if available).
3. Confirm your choice to reset your account’s content preferences.
4. Instagram will rebuild recommendations based on new interactions.

8. Limit or Remove Personalized Ads

Instagram also uses data from your activity to show personalized ads. If you want a complete reset of your algorithmic experience, managing ad preferences is key.

Steps to Adjust Ad Preferences:

1. Go to Settings and Privacy.
2. Navigate to Ad Preferences.
3. Manage topics under Ad Topics to limit personalized ads.
4. Tap See Fewer Ads Like This for specific topics.

9. Temporarily Deactivate and Reactivate Your Account

Deactivating your account pauses all activity, effectively giving the algorithm a break. When you reactivate, you can start fresh by interacting with new content.

Steps to Deactivate:

1. Log in to Instagram on a browser.
2. Go to Profile > Edit Profile > Temporarily Disable Account.
3. Reactivate your account by logging back in.

10. Create a New Account (Last Resort)

If the above methods don’t reset your experience satisfactorily, creating a new account can give you a completely clean slate.

Steps to Create a New Account:

1. Log out of your existing account.
2. Tap Sign Up to create a new profile.
3. Build your feed and recommendations by following accounts and engaging with content that aligns with your current preferences.

Conclusion

Resetting Instagram’s algorithm is about taking control of your content feed and tailoring it to your current interests.

Whether it’s clearing your search history, marking content as “Not Interested,” or leveraging Instagram’s new reset feature, these steps can help you enjoy a more personalized and engaging experience on the platform.