Instagram is one of the most widely used social media platforms, and advertising plays a major role in its ecosystem. To deliver relevant ads, Instagram collects data based on user activity, including likes, searches, profile visits, app usage and interactions with third party websites and apps connected to Meta. While some users appreciate seeing ads related to their interests, others prefer to limit such tracking for privacy reasons.
If you are uncomfortable with personalised advertisements, Instagram provides options to reduce or disable ad personalisation. These controls are available through the Account Centre, which manages data across Meta platforms such as Instagram and Facebook.
Below is a step by step guide to turning off personalised ads on Instagram.
How to Turn Off Personalised Ads on Instagram
Step 1: Open the Instagram app on your mobile phone or log in through a web browser on your laptop or desktop.
Step 2: Go to your profile and tap the three line menu icon in the top right corner.
Step 3: From the menu, select Account Centre.
Step 4: Inside Account Centre, tap on Ad preferences.
Step 5: Under Ad preferences, select Manage information.
Step 6: Click on Activity information from ad partners.
Here, Instagram will ask whether you want ads to be more relevant based on activity shared by advertisers. To limit personalised ads, choose the option that says No, do not make my ads more relevant.
This setting reduces the use of data collected from advertising partners for targeting ads on your account.
How to Turn Off Activity Off Meta Technologies
Instagram also allows users to manage data shared by businesses and organisations outside Meta platforms.
Step 1: Go to your Instagram profile and open the Account Centre from the menu.
Step 2: Tap on Your information and permissions.
Step 3: Select Your activity off Meta technologies.
Step 4: You will see multiple options such as Disconnect specific activity, Clear previous activity, or Manage future activity.
By choosing these options, you can control how your off platform activity is linked to your Instagram account. Clearing or disconnecting this data reduces the ability of advertisers to target you based on interactions outside Instagram.
What Happens After You Turn Off Personalised Ads
Turning off personalised ads does not remove ads completely from Instagram. You will still see advertisements, but they will be less tailored to your interests and activity. Ads may be shown based on general factors such as your location, age group or basic demographic data.
These settings help users improve privacy and reduce tracking without affecting core Instagram features. It is recommended to review ad and privacy settings periodically, as Meta may update its policies or introduce new controls.
By managing these options, users can enjoy a more private and comfortable browsing experience on Instagram while staying informed about how their data is used.
