What Happens When You View an Instagram Story

[lew]

Most users set up an Instagram account in a hurry and never return to the privacy screen. A quick review fixes the biggest gaps.

Public or Private

Setting the account to private ensures just approved followers can view posts and stories. Public accounts are visible by anyone, even people who are not signed in.

 

[Anne Marie]

Great info it's similar with facebook, set your profile to friends only and keep your friends list private - it all default to public unless you specify.

Option 1: Lock your Facebook profile (easiest)​

1. Open Facebook and go to your personal profile.
2. Click the three dots (•••) beside Edit Profile.
3. Look for Lock Profile.
4. Select Lock Your Profile to confirm.

This restricts what people who aren't your friends can see.
Important: Facebook doesn't offer the Lock Profile feature to everyone, including some UK accounts. If you don't see it, use Option 2.

PhoneGuiding
+1

Option 2: Make your Facebook profile Friends Only manually​

On your computer:

1. Click your profile picture in the top-right corner.
2. Select Settings & privacy → Settings.
3. Find Audience and visibility.
4. Change these settings:

Setting	Select
Who can see your future posts?	Friends
Limit who can see past posts	Limit Past Posts
Who can see your friends list?	Only me
Who can see your stories?	Friends
Who can post on your profile?	Only me
Who can see posts others make on your profile?	Friends
Who can send you friend requests?	Friends of friends

You can also turn on Profile and Tagging Review, so you approve tagged posts before they appear on your profile.

Facebook Help Center
+1

Check what strangers can see​

Once you've changed everything:

1. Visit your Facebook profile.
2. Click the three dots (•••).
3. Select View As.

Facebook will show you what your profile looks like to someone who isn't your friend.
Your name, some profile information and certain public interactions may still be visible, so Facebook cannot be made completely invisible.