Are you tired of seeing suggested search results every time you use Instagram on your Android device? Many users find this feature annoying and distracting, as it takes up valuable screen space and can often show irrelevant or unwanted suggestions. If you’re looking for a way to remove suggested search on Instagram Android, then you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we will discuss different methods that you can use to get rid of this feature and enhance your Instagram experience. So, let’s dive in!
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Remove Suggested Search on Instagram Android
There are several reasons why you might want to remove suggested search on Instagram Android. Firstly, it can be quite intrusive and take up a significant portion of your screen space. This can be particularly frustrating if you have a smaller screen or if you’re using Instagram on a tablet. By removing suggested search, you can free up this space and have a cleaner, more focused browsing experience.
Secondly, suggested search results can often be irrelevant or unwanted. Instagram’s algorithm tries its best to show you relevant suggestions based on your browsing history, but it doesn’t always get it right. If you find yourself constantly seeing suggestions that don’t interest you or that you find offensive, it’s understandable that you would want to remove this feature altogether.
Lastly, removing suggested search can also help protect your privacy. These suggestions are based on your browsing history and preferences, which means that Instagram is collecting data about your interests and habits. If you’re concerned about your privacy and would rather limit the information that Instagram collects about you, removing suggested search can be a step in the right direction.
Now that we’ve discussed why you might want to remove suggested search on Instagram Android, let’s explore different methods that you can use to achieve this.
Method 1: Using Instagram Settings
Removing suggested search on Instagram Android can be done through the app’s settings. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open the Instagram app on your Android device.
Step 2: Tap on your profile icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.
Step 3: Tap on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner to open the menu.
Step 4: Scroll down and tap on “Settings.”
Step 5: In the settings menu, tap on “Privacy.”
Step 6: Scroll down and tap on “Search History.”
Step 7: On the search history page, tap on “Clear Search History” to remove all previous searches.
Step 8: Tap on “Save” to confirm the changes.
Pros Cons
1. Easy to access the settings menu. 1. Clearing the search history will also
2. Removes all previous search history. remove any saved searches you might
have found useful.
3. Provides a straightforward solution
to remove suggested search.
Method 2: Via the Instagram Browser Version
If you prefer using the web version of Instagram on your Android device, you can also remove suggested search through this platform. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open your preferred web browser on your Android device.
Step 2: Go to the Instagram website (www.instagram.com) and log in to your account.
Step 3: Click on your profile icon in the top right corner of the screen.
Step 4: Click on the gear icon next to “Edit Profile” to access the settings.
Step 5: In the settings menu, click on “Privacy and Security.”
Step 6: Scroll down and click on “Clear Search History.”
Step 7: Click on “Clear Search History” again to confirm the changes.
Pros Cons
1. Can be accessed without 1. Only available if you use the web
downloading the app. version of Instagram.
2. Removes all previous search history. 2. Requires a stable internet connection.
3. Provides a similar solution 3. Limited access to other app features
as the app version. through the web browser.
Method 3: Using a Third-Party App
If the above methods don’t work for you or if you’re looking for more advanced options, you can try using a third-party app to remove suggested search on Instagram Android. Here’s a popular app that you can consider:
Step 1: Download and install the “InsTake for Instagram” app from the Google Play Store.
Step 2: Open the app and log in to your Instagram account.
Step 3: Tap on the three horizontal lines in the top left corner of the screen.
Step 4: Tap on “Settings.”
Step 5: Scroll down and tap on “Privacy & Security.”
Step 6: In the privacy and security settings, tap on “Clear Search History.”
Step 7: Tap on “Clear” to confirm the changes.
Pros Cons
1. Offers additional features such 1. Requires downloading and installing
as downloading Instagram posts a third-party app.
and videos. 2. May have limited compatibility with
2. Removes all previous search history. certain Android devices.
3. Provides a customized user 3. Some third-party apps may require
experience for Instagram. additional permissions.
Method 4: Using Custom CSS
For advanced users who are comfortable with modifying the Instagram interface, using custom CSS can provide a more tailored solution to remove suggested search. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open your preferred web browser on your Android device.
Step 2: Go to the Instagram website (www.instagram.com) and log in to your account.
Step 3: Right-click anywhere on the webpage and select “Inspect.”
Step 4: In the developer tools panel that appears, click on the “Elements” tab.
Step 5: Locate the search bar area on the webpage.
Step 6: Right-click on the search bar element in the developer tools panel and select “Copy” > “Copy Selector.”
Step 7: Click on the “Console” tab in the developer tools panel.
Step 8: In the console, paste the following CSS code:
“`css
document.querySelector(‘INSERT SELECTOR HERE’).style.display = ‘none’;
“`
Replace “INSERT SELECTOR HERE” with the selector you copied in Step 6.
Step 9: Press Enter to run the code and hide the search bar element.
Pros Cons
1. Provides a more customizable 1. Requires knowledge of CSS
solution to remove suggested search. and web development.
2. Offers fine-grained control over 2. May not be accessible to
the Instagram interface. all users.
3. Can be used on any Android device.
What to Do If You Can’t Remove Suggested Search on Instagram Android
If you’ve tried the above methods and you still can’t remove suggested search on Instagram Android, don’t worry. There are a few potential fixes that you can try:
1. Update the Instagram app: Make sure that you have the latest version of the Instagram app installed on your Android device. Developers often release updates that fix bugs and address user feedback, so updating the app may resolve any issues that you’re experiencing.
2. Clear app cache: Clearing the cache of the Instagram app can help resolve certain issues, including the persistence of suggested search. To clear the app cache, go to your device’s Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage > Clear Cache.
3. Reinstall the Instagram app: If all else fails, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling the Instagram app. This will remove any potential app-related issues and give you a fresh start. Remember to back up any important data from the app before uninstalling.
Bonus Tips
Here are three bonus tips to enhance your Instagram experience:
1. Use alternative Instagram clients: If you’re not satisfied with the official Instagram app, consider trying out alternative clients that offer additional features and customization options. Some popular alternatives include “GBInstagram” and “Instagram Plus.”
2. Use a VPN for added privacy: If you’re concerned about your privacy on Instagram, consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection and protect your data. This can help shield your browsing history and make it harder for Instagram to track your activities.
3. Report unwanted suggestions: If you come across any offensive or inappropriate suggested search results, report them to Instagram. This feedback can help improve the algorithm and ensure a safer and more enjoyable browsing experience for all users.
5 FAQs
Q1: Why can’t I remove suggested search on my Instagram Android app?
A: If you’re unable to remove suggested search on your Instagram Android app, it could be due to a bug or a technical issue. Try updating the app, clearing the app cache, or reinstalling the app to see if the problem resolves.
Q2: Will clearing my search history also remove my saved searches?
A: Yes, clearing your search history will remove all previous searches, including any saved searches you might have found useful. If you have important saved searches, make sure to note them down before clearing the search history.
Q3: Can I remove suggested search on Instagram without logging in to my account?
A: Unfortunately, you need to log in to your Instagram account to access the settings and remove suggested search. This is to ensure that the changes and preferences are linked to your specific account.
Q4: Is it safe to use third-party apps to remove suggested search on Instagram Android?
A: While some third-party apps can be safe and effective, it’s important to exercise caution when downloading and installing apps from outside the official app store. Always read reviews, check permissions, and consider the reputation and credibility of the app before proceeding.
Q5: Can I use custom CSS on Instagram without any technical knowledge?
A: Using custom CSS to modify the Instagram interface requires some technical knowledge of CSS and web development. If you’re not familiar with these concepts, it’s recommended to seek assistance from a web developer or someone with experience in this area.
Final Thoughts
Removing suggested search on Instagram Android can greatly improve your browsing experience, giving you a cleaner and more focused interface. Whether you choose to use the built-in settings, the web version, a third-party app, or custom CSS, there are various options available to suit your preferences and technical expertise. Remember to choose the method that works best for you and make sure to stay up to date with Instagram’s privacy and policy changes. Enjoy your Instagram browsing with minimal distractions!