Ever muted someone on Instagram and then forgot how to reverse it? You're not alone. I remember muting my cousin during her baking phase - 25 cake stories a day was too much. When I missed her engagement announcement? Big mistake. That's when I really needed to figure out how to unmute someone on Instagram.
Pro Tip: Muting keeps your feed clean without hurting feelings. Unmuting takes seconds once you know where to look.
Why Mute in the First Place?
Instagram's mute feature is like social media magic. You stay friends with someone but don't see their posts. Perfect for:
- That coworker who posts 10 gym selfies daily
- Your aunt's questionable political memes
- Friends going through their baby-photo-overload phase
But things change. Maybe they stopped oversharing. Maybe they're traveling somewhere cool. Or maybe you just miss their cat videos. That's when you need to unmute on Instagram. Simple? Yes. Obvious? Not always.
Step-by-Step: Unmuting Someone on Instagram
Whether you're on iPhone, Android, or desktop, the process takes under 15 seconds. Here's how to unmute someone on Instagram across all devices:
On iPhone/Android
- Open Instagram and go to the profile of the muted account
- Tap the Following button (it looks like a person icon with a check)
- Select Mute from the menu
- You'll see toggle switches for Posts and Stories
- Switch both to the off position (gray means unmuted)
- Exit the menu - you're done!
Took me three tries to realize you need to turn OFF both toggles. Counterintuitive but works.
On Desktop
- Go to instagram.com and log in
- Navigate to the profile you muted
- Click the Following button next to their username
- Choose Mute from the dropdown
- Uncheck both Posts and Stories boxes
- The changes save automatically
Desktop version is actually clearer than mobile for this. Wish they'd update the app.
Important: Instagram has separate toggles for posts and stories. If you mute both, you need to unmute both to see all their content again. I learned this the hard way when I missed vacation photos!
What Happens After You Unmute?
Good news: unmuting is completely private. The person gets:
- No notification
- No alert
- No hint you ever muted them
Your interaction history remains intact. Likes, comments, DMs - all unaffected. Their posts will gradually reappear in your feed based on Instagram's algorithm. Might take a few hours.
One exception: If you unmute someone whose stories you missed, Instagram won't show you their past stories. Learned this when I tried catching up on a friend's wedding stories after unmuting. Too late!
Mute vs. Unmute vs. Block: What's the Difference?
| Action | They See Your Posts? | You See Theirs? | Notifications | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mute | Yes | No | None sent | Temporary breaks, noisy posters |
| Unmute | Yes | Yes | None sent | Restoring contact quietly |
| Block | No | No | None (but obvious) | Harassment, exes, spam accounts |
| Unfollow | Yes | No | They might notice | Permanent removal |
Avoid blocking unless absolutely necessary. Last year I accidentally blocked my neighbor instead of muting. Awkward garden encounters followed. Muting is cleaner.
Troubleshooting Unmute Problems
Sometimes unmuting doesn't work as expected. Based on my tests and user reports:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Unmuted but still not seeing posts | Refresh feed by pulling down. Wait 24 hours before troubleshooting |
| "Mute" option missing from menu | Update Instagram. Old versions have different layouts |
| Stories return but posts don't | Check both toggles separately. You probably only unmuted stories |
| Account disappeared after unmuting | They may have blocked you or deactivated |
If all else fails, log out and back in. Fixes 90% of Instagram glitches. The app can be buggy - last update broke my mute settings completely for a day.
Important: If someone muted you, you'll never know. Instagram gives zero indicators. Don't waste time guessing.
Platform-Specific Unmuting Details
Instagram works differently across devices. Here's what I've discovered:
Instagram App (iOS/Android)
- Most straightforward unmute process
- Takes 6 taps maximum
- Menu locations identical on both platforms
- Newest update moved "Mute" under "Manage notifications"
Instagram Web (Desktop)
- Fewer menu layers than mobile
- Unmuting works even on older browsers
- No app updates needed
- Can't unmute from feed - must visit profile
Third-Party Apps Warning
Apps claiming to "show who muted you" or "auto-unmute" are:
- Scams 100% of the time
- Will steal your login details
- Violate Instagram's terms
Tried one out of curiosity last year. Got my account temporarily suspended. Not worth it.
Your Unmuting Questions Answered
Does unmuting someone on Instagram notify them?
No. Instagram doesn't send any alerts when you unmute someone. They'll never know unless you tell them.
Can I unmute posts but keep stories muted?
Absolutely. When you go to unmute on Instagram, just toggle stories off and posts on (or vice versa).
Why can't I find the unmute option?
Three possibilities: 1) You never muted them 2) You're looking at the wrong menu 3) App needs updating. Try visiting their profile directly.
How to unmute someone on Instagram if I don't remember muting them?
No special method needed. Just follow the same unmuting steps. Doesn't matter when or why you muted them.
Will unmuting restore their old posts in my feed?
New posts will appear going forward, but Instagram won't backfill content you missed while muting was active.
Can I unmute multiple people at once?
Unfortunately not. You have to unmute each account individually through their profile. Tedious if you muted dozens.
When Muting Becomes Permanent
Should you unmute? Not always. Ask yourself:
- Are they still posting irrelevant content?
- Did they reduce posting frequency?
- Will seeing their content improve your day?
I keep my college roommate muted permanently. Her 5 AM inspirational quotes? Not for me. But I unmuted my sister after she stopped live-tweeting her gardening.
Remember: You can always remute someone later. Takes the same 10 seconds. Your feed, your rules.
Beyond Unmuting: Instagram Privacy Settings
While learning how to unmute someone on Instagram, explore related features:
| Feature | Access Location | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Close Friends | Story settings | Sharing content selectively |
| Restrict | Profile → 3 dots | Limiting bullies without blocking |
| Comment Filters | Settings → Privacy | Auto-hiding offensive comments |
| Activity Status | Settings → Privacy | Hiding when you're online |
The Restrict feature is gold. Used it on a toxic relative. They can comment but only they see it. Saves family drama.
Final Thoughts on Unmuting
Figuring out how to unmute someone on Instagram shouldn't be stressful. Whether you're on Android, iOS, or desktop, just remember:
- Visit their profile
- Find the Following/Mute menu
- Toggle both switches off
No notifications. No drama. If Instagram changes the process (they update constantly), check their help center. But this method works reliably as of 2023.
Social media should serve you, not stress you. Mute freely. Unmute when ready. And if all else fails? There's always the block button.