How to Reset Your Instagram Algorithm (and Explore Page)
Here’s how to reset Instagram algorithm suggestions in a few taps. Instagram has a built-in option called Reset suggested content. It restarts the recommendations in your feed, Reels and Explore. After that, you can fine-tune what comes back with “Not interested”.
Meta has been adding similar feed controls to Facebook too. So this guide covers the reset and the manual method. Then it adds a simple plan to retrain your feed.
What resetting your Instagram algorithm actually does
A reset clears your suggested content. So it clears posts and Reels that Instagram picks for you. Those come from accounts you don’t follow. Then your feed, Reels and Explore start fresh. As a result, you may see topics you don’t normally see.
Normally, Instagram bases suggestions on your activity and your connections. For example, it looks at the accounts you follow. It also looks at posts you like, save or comment on. Also, it looks at how other people react to a post.
Here’s what stays the same. The reset won’t change who you follow. Also, it won’t change the ads you see. Furthermore, it won’t delete your data. However, you can’t undo it. So decide before you tap.
Before you confirm, unfollow accounts you no longer want. After a reset, suggestions won’t match your old feed right away. Instead, Instagram learns from what you do next. For instance, likes, saves and comments teach it new topics. So treat the first days as training.
How to reset your Instagram algorithm, step by step
You reset your Instagram algorithm from Content preferences. Use the iPhone or Android app. However, menu labels can vary by app version. So look for these names:
- Tap your profile picture in the bottom right.
- Tap the menu (three lines) in the top right.
- Below “What you see”, tap Content preferences.
- Tap Reset suggested content, then tap Next.
- Review who you follow and your ad topics, if you want to change them.
- Tap Reset suggested content again to confirm.
Step 5 is worth a minute. First, check the accounts you follow. If one keeps posting things you’ve lost interest in, unfollow it there. Otherwise, its posts will still fill your feed after the reset. Also, you can review your ad topics on that screen. Still, the reset itself won’t change those ads.
How to reset your Instagram feed without the reset button
If you don’t see the button, reset your Instagram feed by hand. You can also do this for a lighter clean-up. It takes longer. But you keep what already works.
Use “Not interested” on posts and Reels
First, tap the three dots above a suggested post. Instagram labels them Options. On Reels, they sit in the bottom right. Then tap Not interested. From there, you can also choose “Don’t suggest posts from” that account. Also, you can choose “Don’t suggest posts with certain words”.
Mute or unfollow accounts you’ve outgrown
Next, look at accounts you follow. To mute one, open their profile and tap Following. Then tap Mute, and pick posts or stories. To unfollow, tap Following and then Unfollow. Either way, Instagram doesn’t tell them.
Snooze suggested posts for 30 days
Finally, you can take a short break from suggestions. Tap Not interested on a suggested post and choose Snooze. That pauses all suggested posts in your feed for 30 days. So you mostly see accounts you follow.
How to reset your Instagram Explore page
Reset suggested content already covers Explore. So the steps above reset your Instagram Explore page too. After that, keep it tidy with two small habits.
First, open Explore and tap the three dots on a post. Then choose Not interested for topics you don’t want. Second, add filters for words you want to avoid. Go to Content preferences, then Specific words and phrases. Instagram hides suggested posts when captions or hashtags match your words. However, it can take up to 24 hours.
How to change your Instagram algorithm after a reset (a 7-day plan)
To change your Instagram algorithm after a reset, show it what you want. Do this on purpose during the first week. Your suggestions become personal again as you like, share and interact. So the first week matters most.
- Days 1–2: Search for the topics you want, then follow a few good accounts and like their best posts.
- Then, on days 3–4: Save and share posts you love, because those actions say more than a quick like.
- Next, on days 5–6: Tap Not interested on anything off-topic instead of watching it to the end.
- Finally, on day 7: Review your feed, then add word filters for anything that keeps sneaking back.
Also, avoid long binges on content you don’t want. Watching still counts as interest. Since these are habits, results vary from account to account. They are not promises.
Does resetting your algorithm affect your own posts?
No source we found says the reset affects your own posts. The reset changes what you see. It doesn’t change how Instagram shows your posts to others. So don’t reset hoping for more reach.
Instead, reach depends on how people react to your posts. First, open with a strong hook. Next, post on a schedule you can keep. Then reply to comments early. Our guide to more Instagram likes covers these habits. Also, see our engagement rate basics for the numbers behind them.
Some creators also add followers to a fresh or relaunched profile. Then it looks active to new visitors. At Muddlefox, you share your username only, never your password. Also, every order has Instant Start. Still, buying followers can conflict with Instagram’s terms. However, it doesn’t change the algorithm.
FAQ
How often can I reset my Instagram algorithm?
Instagram doesn’t publish a limit, so we won’t guess one. Still, think of a reset as a fresh start, not a weekly chore. Each reset wipes the retraining you’ve done since the last one. So reset when your feed has truly drifted, then use Not interested for small fixes.
Will resetting Instagram delete my data or who I follow?
No. Instagram says a reset won’t change who you follow or the ads you see, and it won’t delete your data. You can still review your follows and ad topics before you confirm. Just remember that the reset itself can’t be undone.
Why don’t I see “Reset suggested content”?
First, check that you’re in the phone app, because the option isn’t on computers. Then update Instagram, since new features can reach accounts at different times. Meanwhile, use Not interested and Snooze. If your follower count is also falling, read why followers drop.
Can I reset the Instagram algorithm on desktop?
No. Instagram’s Help Center says Reset suggested content isn’t available on computers. Instead, use the Instagram app on your iPhone or Android phone. The whole reset takes only a few taps, so it’s quick to do from your phone. You can then review your follows there too.
Wrap-up
Resetting your Instagram algorithm takes a few taps under Content preferences. Then Not interested, mutes and word filters keep your feed on track. After that, a week of deliberate likes, saves and shares does the rest.
Relaunching your profile too? You can buy Instagram followers with just your username and Instant Start.
