While it's obvious to someone when they've been blocked — because they can no longer find that user on the platform — it won't be obvious when they've been restricted. They will see that user's posts in their feed like they usually do. But they will no longer see when the user is online or has read their messages.
Just visit the user profile and review their last seen or active status. If you don't see this info, even if they posted on Instagram recently, there is a chance they have restricted you.
There are multiple ways you can restrict someone on Instagram. If you restrict someone: They won't be able to see when you're online or if you've read their messages. Their new comments on your posts will only be visible to that person, and you can choose to see the comment by tapping See comment.
The restricted person can still see your stories and published posts. The same holds true from your side. That is, you can view their stories, highlights, and feed.
Things You Should Know
If both you and the person in question have Activity Status enabled, you won't see when they're active if you're restricted. If you never see the "Seen" status on messages you send to that user, they may have restricted you.
Restricting a user on Instagram is similar to blocking them—but a little more polite. Whereas blocking a user hides your entire feed and stories from them, the restrict feature simply hides their comments and messages from you while still allowing them to view your posts.
If your partner blocks you on social media, it is usually because he/she does not want you to see what they are posting and doing while you are away. Whatever the reasoning, it would seem you may be headed towards a breakup. Do not tolerate disrespect in a relationship.
If you restrict someone, they can see your profile and posts. But you will not get their comments, messages, calls, and other notifications. The user (or your followers) will never know about this and will continue to view and comment on your posts.
A guy might block you because he feels confused by his feelings or might be feeling hurt. He might not be sure of his intentions with you, especially if you two keep going back and forth about being in a romantic relationship. He may resort to blocking as a way to regroup his feelings.
The first step in how to know if someone blocked you on Instagram is to do a quick search for their profile. If the profile is public and you can see their posts, then you have not been blocked. For private accounts, if you see the profile with the message “This Account is Private,” then you also have not been blocked.
A restricted person will never know if they have been restricted. Everything appears normal on their end as they can still comment on your posts, send you messages, and view your profile like another user. The difference is only on your end.
While blocking or restricting someone limits their access to your content, completely or partially, muting is exactly the opposite: Instagram hides the content from users you mute from you.
Method #2: Check Their View on Your Stories
As discussed above, when someone mutes you on Instagram, they can no longer view your stories because your stories will not appear in their stories section. So you can check your story views and see if they are present in your story viewers.
As said, a restricted user will still be able to send you messages and write comments under your posts, albeit with more provision. More importantly, they will still see all your content normally—your new feed posts, stories, Reels, the accounts you are following, etc.
When you unrestrict an Instagram user, he/she will regain the normal powers or accessibility that other users have. So, the following things will happen: The person can comment freely on your profile and the comments would be publicly visible to everyone. The user can see when you are online on Instagram.
The only way you can tell for sure is to ask someone else if they can see any posts from that person. If they can see posts that you can't, then you'll know that person has blocked you from seeing their posts.
When you add someone to your Restricted list, you'll still be friends with them on Facebook, but they'll only be able to see your public information (example: your posts and profile info you choose to make public) and posts you tag them in.
If you click on the user's profile and are unable to see their content, even though it says they have a number of posts at the top of their profile, then they have blocked you. If the user's Instagram profile is set to Private, then their name will still appear on the search list.
When you remove a follower, they aren't notified that you've removed them. You can also block someone to get them to stop following you. People aren't notified when you block them. Learn more about blocking people.
Unlike WhatsApp where the display picture just fades away, you won't know if a person has blocked you by checking their display picture. Instagram will still show the profile picture even if the person has blocked you.
Once you block someone, they will no longer be able to see your posts, Stories, or profile. Also, they can not search for you on Instagram. Once you've blocked someone, they will no longer be able to see your photos or videos, send messages, or comment on your posts.
You or the user changed your privacy settings for last seen and online or profile photo. You and the user both need to resync your contacts. You're blocked by the contact. You may not have them saved as a contact.
The restricted person's posts are only visible to their friends, and they cannot see posts from anyone else who is not their friend. Restricted profiles do not appear in search results and users do not receive notifications when the restricted profile posts to their Timeline.