Why am I unable to see when someone last used Instagram?

Just like other social media apps, including Facebook and WhatsApp, you can view when someone was last active on Instagram. Instagram introduced this feature in 2018 and the feature was proved quite popular by Instagram users. However, some Instagram users have reported that they are unable to see the last activity status of other’s profiles. If you are facing the same issue, and looking for a solution, this discussion will get you covered.

This article is a detailed account of the reasons why you are unable to see when someone last used Instagram. At the same time, we are going to discuss potential solutions for this problem. Let’s start fixing this Instagram glitch now!

What is Instagram activity status?

Before going to start discussing why you are unable to see someone’s activity status, you must know what activity status is and how you can see if someone is active on Instagram.

Instagram active status or activity status helps users know when someone was last active on the app. By following the given steps, you can check someone’s activity status on Instagram:

Step 1: Open the Instagram application on your mobile phone

Step 2: Tap the DM icon. You can find it at the top right corner of your screen

Step 3: Here you will see all the active contacts at the top of the list. They will be shown up with a green dot on their profile picture.

Besides this, Instagram profiles that are online at the current time also show a tiny green dot at the lower right corner of the profile picture. This happens under the Messages section of Instagram.

However, if a user is not online, their profiles will show the last seen time under the usernames.

Below are some additional activity statuses or messages Instagram shows:

• Active today or yesterday

• Date and time next to the message count

• Typing – when someone is texting you and typing something

Why you can’t see someone’s activity status?

Ponting out the exact reason for the Instagram activity status error can be hard, as there are many have seen or proven. However, we have figured out or lined up some common reasons behind this problem. Let’s have a look at them: 

1. Not an Instagram follower

If you want to look at someone’s activity status but you both do not follow each other, Instagram may not show their activity status. Ensure that you both follow each other on Instagram to unlock potential features of Instagram.

2. They have their activity status turned off

The most straightforward reason for why you can’t see someone’s activity status is that they have turned off their activity status. Instagram allows you to set the last seen or activity status trned off through settings. Remember that there is no possible way to bypass this action.

3. You disable the activity status

When you do not want someone to see your activity status, you disable the activity setting. But, the bad thing is that it’s a two-way street. If you turn off the activity status, you will also not be able to see others’ statuses. For business profiles on Instagram, enabling activity status helps you get more Instagram followers, as they find you a trusted or credible source.

4. You may have been blocked

Another major reason for not seeing someone last seen or activity status is they may have blocked you. To check if someone blocked you, you have to go to their profile. If it displays, “user not found”, they have blocked you. From now on, you can’t see any of their activities.

5. You may have been restricted

If none of the above issues are found, you may have been restricted by someone whom the activity status you want to see. It happens when someone does not want to show their activities, including likes, comments, last seen, and others. This is the Instagram feature that you can never overcome.

6. You haven’t started a conversation yet

Sometimes, you follow someone and they follow you back as well, but the activity status does not appear because you both haven’t started a conversation on Instagram yet. Instagram only shows the activity status of the accounts that have started conversations.

8. The 25 conversations rule

According to this rule, even if everything is okay, you can only see the active status of your last 25 conversations. 

How to fix Instagram’s last-seen status?

If you have checked all the above-given issues and are still not able to use this feature, follow the given tips or solutions to fix the problem:

1. Restart your Instagram app

The basic tip is to close the Instagram app completely. Ensure that it is not running in the back or the recent files. Now, reopen or restart the app and see if the problem still persists or not.

2. Enable the activity status

You must enable the activity status. If you are running a business account or want to approach business accounts, your activity status must be enabled. For business accounts staying active and interacting regularly with their clients helps them grow well as it helps increase instagram views or engagement. Go to settings and privacy. Then tap on messages and story replies. There you will find the activity status. Just enable it.

3. Keep your Instagram updated

If you are using an old version of Instagram, you may not be able to experience proper functionalities. Ensure that your Instagram account is up-to-date. For this purpose, go to the app store, search for Instagram and you will see the option of updating if you are using an outdated version.

4. Clear Instagram cache

Experts also suggest clearing the cache of your Instagram account as it becomes the reason for some glitches. Go to the app info and then advanced settings. There you will find the option of clearing the cache.

5. Reinstall the Instagram application

Uninstall Instagram from your device and then go to the app store to reinstall it. Use the same credentials and you will have an updated or glitches-free Instagram. Reinstalling the app eliminates all the corrupt files from the application that may cause glitches or errors.

The closing statement

Instagram has evolved over the last few years and offered users amazing features – showing the latest activity status is one such example. Whether you are running a business or personal account, if you are facing such a problem, follow the given steps, proposed by experts, to sort out this problem.

Meta Description:Check out what makes you unable to see someone’s last used status on Instagram. Explore the potential tips and solutions to resolve this issue on Instagram.