Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms today, constantly updating its features to improve user experience and make connections easier.
One such feature is “Active Now,” which shows when people you follow are online. A green dot next to their name indicates their active status.
However, this feature can sometimes confuse users because it is not always accurate.
So, what does “Active Now” signify on Instagram?
Your activity status is only visible on Instagram Direct or Instagram Messenger, post the integration with the newer Facebook/Messenger/Instagram messaging system. Merely browsing through posts or stories doesn’t reveal your online status.
When you open IG Direct or IG Messenger, you can see your chats along with their timestamps. If both users follow each other, online status becomes visible.
The “Active Now” status shows that the person is currently using Instagram. This could mean scrolling posts, checking messages, creating Reels, or simply having the app open but inactive.
A green dot and “Active Now” indicate this status. However, this feature only works if the other user follows you back or has sent you a DM. On Meta platforms like Facebook or Messenger, online status is shown only if users are friends. Despite these differences, seeing someone’s activity shows mutual awareness.
Is the “Active Now” status accurate?
A mismatch may occur when a friend seems inactive despite recent activity. Glitches and delays in the activity feature highlight the “Active Now” status’s inconsistency.
Reports show that activity status updates can lag by up to 10 minutes, similar to issues with the Last Seen feature. A status showing someone online 20 minutes ago may not be accurate or reflect continuous activity.
Factors causing this include:
- Slow or unstable internet connections, especially on mobile devices or crowded public Wi-Fi.
- Device internet issues, such as delayed data reception or corrupted/lost data packets.
- User disabling their activity status intentionally.
- Device performance issues, like too many running apps or freezing, slowing down updates.
- Outdated or corrupted cache on the device, leading to inaccurate statuses.
- Background activity, where Instagram is open but inactive on the follower’s device.
- Quick interactions with Instagram, like briefly opening links, delaying activity responses.
- Recent app minimization or closure within the last five minutes, causing delayed updates.
What if the green dot isn’t visible?
Despite certainty regarding mutual followers’ activity, the absence of the green dot may stem from glitches or delays. Imperfections in technology often underlie such occurrences.
However, the user likely disabled their activity status in Instagram’s settings, as previously mentioned.
Nonetheless, the absence of the green dot shouldn’t deter message sending, as most users enable notifications. Additionally, Instagram provides read receipts, offering assurance upon message consumption.
How to deactivate the “Active Now” feature on Instagram for Android/iOS/iPhone?
Those inclined towards privacy on Instagram may opt to disable their activity status on mobile devices. Although straightforward, this action precludes visibility of other users’ activity statuses.
The process is as follows:
- Navigate to your “Profile” icon at the bottom-right of the IG app.
- Tap the “hamburger” icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner.
- Access “Settings and privacy.”
- Choose “Messages and story replies.”
- Select the “Show activity status” option.
- Disable “Show Activity Status.”
When you turn off your activity status, your friends can’t see your status, and you won’t see theirs either.
Understanding how Instagram’s “Active Now” feature works helps users weigh its pros and cons. Disabling it can resolve potential concerns. However, it also raises questions about our growing dependence on technology.
What’s your take on the “Active Now” feature? Do you enjoy staying connected or prefer browsing quietly? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
