How to See Last Active on Instagram

Co-authored by Darlene Antonelli, MA Reviewed by Candace Gasper

Last Updated: May 1, 2025 Fact Checked

This wikiHow will show you how to find out when someone you've been chatting with on Instagram was last active on the app. As long as they haven't disabled the "Activity Status" feature in their profiles, you can easily find their last active time by viewing your Direct Messages inbox.

Things You Should Know

Check your Direct Messages inbox to see when someone was last active.
Their Last Active status will appear next to their name.
Manage your own activity status using the app or a computer in "Settings > Privacy".

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Seeing Someone's Last Active Time

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1
Open Instagram. This app icon looks like a camera icon over a rainbow background that you can find on your Home screen, in the app drawer, or by searching.
- Since you can't access your Direct Messages on a computer natively, you'll have to use the mobile app.
- You can only view the Last Active status of someone who has not disabled "Show Activity Status" in their Instagram profiles. You also must have had at least one Direct Message exchange in which both parties sent at least one message.
You'll see this icon in the top right corner, and you'll be redirected to your Direct Messages inbox.

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3
Scroll through your messages. Next to each person's profile picture, you'll see when that person was last active.
- For example, if Steve Smith was last week, you'll see Active a week ago next to his profile picture.^{[1]
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- If someone you follow also follows you, you'll see a green dot in their profile icon around Instagram when they are active. This applies if you haven't messaged them.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Managing Your Own Activity Status on the Mobile App

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This app icon looks like a camera icon over a rainbow background that you can find on your Home screen, in the app drawer, or by searching.
This will take you to your profile page.
You'll see this in the top right corner of your screen.^{[2]
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You'll find this at the bottom of the slide-out menu.
This is usually the fourth listing in the menu next to the lock icon.^{[3]
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This is usually the fourth listing in the menu next to a person and checkmark icon.
If you turn this off, you won't be able to see the activity status of anyone else.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Managing Your Own Activity Status on a Computer

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1
Go to https://instagram.com. You can use a phone, tablet, or computer to access this site.
- Log in if prompted.
You'll find the gear icon in the middle of the page next to your username.
You'll find this in the middle of the pop-up menu between "Notifications" and "Login Activity."
" If you turn this off, you won't be able to see the activity status of anyone else.^{[4]
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Community Q&A

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Question

How do you know if someone has two Instagram accounts?

Community Answer

If someone has more than one account, there is usually no way to know that unless they tell you. Some people who have a second account will post a link to the second account in their bio or in one of their pictures or videos. You could also tell by what content both accounts post. They might also have very similar usernames or profile pictures.

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Question

If a person turns off their status activities, how can we know their active status?

Community Answer

You can't. But if you look at their profile, you can see their latest posts, which can give you a hint about when they were last active. Don't forget to check their followers' latest posts, too. They might have posted new replies there.

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Question

Why can't I see when someone was active on Instagram?

Community Answer

They turned it off.

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