Instagram privacy settings on Windows: Relaxed level

What for: So you don't get hacked.

If you are using a short and simple password for your Instagram account, cybercriminals can guess it and hijack your account. A long and complex password is more secure. Use a strong password that:

• Is at least 8 and up to 20 characters long;
• Contains lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters ($, @, etc.);
• Is not an actual word or easy-to-guess phrase;
• Is not the same as your passwords for any other accounts;
• Does not consist of information that strangers could easily find out (your name, date of birth, pet's name, and so forth — or those of your friends or relatives).

To change your password:

1. Click More in the lower left corner of the screen;
2. Select Settings;
3. Select the Change Password tab;
4. Enter your current password and print a new one twice;
5. Click Change password.

What for: So you definitely don't get hacked.

Instagram can prompt you to enter an additional one-time code when you log in to the account. Even if cybercriminals find out your login and password, they will not be able to use them without this code. The code can be received via a text message or using an authentication app.

Keep in mind that Instagram can use the phone number you specified for one-time codes for its own purposes, for example to show you targeted ads.

To enable two-factor authentication based on your phone number:

1. Click More in the lower left corner of the screen;
2. Select Settings;
3. Select the Privacy and Security tab;
4. In the Two-Factor Authentication section, click Edit Two-Factor Authentication Setting;
5. Select Use Text Message to receive the verification code by text message;
6. Select Turn On in the dialog that opens;
7. Check the phone number used to receive the text message, edit it and click Next, if appropriate;
8. Enter the confirmation code you receive by text message and click Ready.

In order not to lose your account in case you lose your phone number, save the backup codes:

1. On the same page, click Get Backup Codes;
2. Instagram opens a page with five backup recovery codes. Every code can be used only once. Write them down or take a screenshot of them, and keep this information in a safe place.

It is considered that safer to use an authentication app for two-factor authentication. A text message with the code can be intercepted by infecting the smartphone with malware or by exploiting a communication protocol vulnerability.

The Web version of the service currently does not allow enabling two-factor authentication using a 2FA app. To do so, open the settings of the Instagram app for iOS or Android.

What for: To remove irrelevant comments.

By default, all Instagram users can leave comments under your posts, which is often abused by spammers and trolls.

To limit comments on all future posts:

1. Click More in the lower left corner of the screen;
2. Select Settings;
3. Go to the Privacy and security section;
4. Click Edit Comment Settings in the Comments section;
5. Click Allow comments from... and mark those who can comment on your posts:
6. Your Followers;
7. People You Follow;
8. Your subscribers and followers.

If you have a private account, only approved followers can comment on your posts.

You can also stop users from commenting on existing posts or specific new posts.

1. When creating a new entry after selecting the filter, click Advanced Settings;
2. Enable the Turn Off Commenting option.

To disable comments under a post that has been already published:

1. Go to your profile;
2. Open the relevant post;
3. Click the three dots icon next to your name;
4. Enable the Turn Off Commenting option.

What for: To save you a lot of trouble.

By default, Instagram blocks potentially offensive comments using a built-in filter. You can also enable additional filters and add your own list of banned words, phrases, numbers, and emojis.

To hide offensive comments and messages:

1. Click More in the lower left corner of the screen;
2. Select Settings;
3. Go to the Privacy and security section;
4. Scroll down to the Hidden Words section;
5. Turn on the following options:
6. Hide comments — to enable the built-in Instagram filter (the feature is enabled by default);
7. Advanced Comment Filtering — for even more thorough filtering of comments under your posts;
8. Hide Message Requests — to hide message requests that may be insulting.

You can also set a custom list of words, comments with which will be hidden from you:

1. Scroll up the page and click Edit Comment Settings in the Comments section;
2. Add words, expressions, numbers and emojis, comments with which you want to hide in the Comment filtering field and click Submit to configure your custom filter;
3. Select Hide Comments to apply a custom list of hidden words.

What for: To avoid unpleasant people.

If you want to stop communicating with a specific user, you can block them. As soon as an unwanted person is blocked, you will automatically unsubscribe from each other (if you were subscribed), and all their likes and comments on your content will disappear.

To block a user:

1. Go to this user's page;
2. Click the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen;
3. Select Block and confirm your choice.

Blocked users will not be able to view your profile, comment your content, or send you private messages. In this case, the user will not know that you blocked them.