Instagram needs no introduction. It’s undoubtedly, the most used app right now with over a million users online.
It’s widely popular among the current generation due to its flexibility and trending features. However, there are times when Instagram can be a difficult place to be.
You’re probably frustrated right now because you’re trying to find legit ways to remove the search suggestions that pop up when you’re searching for something or someone.
Well if you’re here to find an answer, cheer up because we have just the right way to solve this issue.
The obvious method is by tapping on the ‘X’ option that appears right beside the search suggestion by Instagram. However, for permanent results, you need to wipe off your search history and never search for that thing again.
We’ll learn about these methods in detail and get to know more information in this article so stay with us until the end.
How Does Instagram Predict Searches?
The suggested searches given by Instagram when you’re searching for someone or something related to your past search history aren’t coincidental. Instagram operates on a specific algorithm to do this and it’s there to help you.
Sure enough, it’s creepy to know that an app can predict so many actions that you’re likely to generate, Instagram’s data collection system is insane!
Instagram can predict your searches because it knows what your recent search history has been about. It knows the accounts you’ve frequently searched for, liked, and viewed their posts in the past, thus it shows so accurate search suggestions.
However, this isn’t the only criteria Instagram works on. If you’ve deleted your search history, still you’re likely to receive Instagram search suggestions when navigating searches in the search bar.
This is just as creepy as it sounds. However, without accessing your search data, Instagram predicts the relevant searches based on the history you’ve had.
For instance, it tracks your Facebook friends and recommends them to you when you’re typing their initials. It makes search suggestions by ranking them in three positions. While typing, the first ones that appear are the most matching and appropriate to the initials you type.
The next ones are those that you’re frequently engaged with and the third place is occupied by accounts that are popular like celebrities and influencers. Moreover, it’s based on your interaction with them on the platform, hashtags you use, likes and comments you give, and how many times you’ve stalked them.
How To Clear Instagram Search Suggestions When Typing?
There are two legit ways to clear Instagram search suggestions that appear while you’re typing:
- Tap on the ‘X’ option
- Clear your search history
Method 1: Tap on the ‘X’ Option
This method works best if you’re looking for a temporary solution.
This is a one-time option in which you tap on the ‘X’ option that appears alongside the suggestions while you’re searching for someone or something.
The suggestion will remain invisible until you search the similar initials again. Therefore this option is quite undesirable when you’re looking to clear a lot of searches in one go.
Method 2: Clear Your Search History
Let’s cover the possible permanent solution to this problem in which you don’t have to do a manual effort by tapping on the ‘X’ option.
Open Your Profile
Make the first move by opening the Instagram app and clicking on the bottom right corner option to view your profile.
After clicking on your profile, tap on the three parallel horizontal lines (aka the ‘hamburger icon’) that appear on the top right corner of the screen.
Tap on ‘My Activity‘ on the list that appears right after you click on the three parallel lines, the second option.
Tap on ‘Recent Searches’
Following the action you made in the first step, you’ll see a list of options through which you’re allowed to manage your account and activity.
Out of all the other options, tap on ‘Recent Searches’, the fifth option in the list. Here you can review your recent search history and delete it too.
Tap on ‘Clear All’
As soon as your recent searches pull up, your next action will be tapping on the ‘Clear all’ option which appears in the top right corner.
By doing this, you are deleting the searches you made recently and ensuring that they don’t come up again.
However remember the possibility that if you are going to search more, your search history is going again. However, this method also has its limitation.
Instagram can’t be stopped when it comes to reviewing your history and activities and recommending your accounts to follow or even suggesting your posts based on it.
Hence, clearing up the search history won’t be much effective in such cases.
| Ways to Clear Instagram Suggestions | Description |
| Tap on ‘X’ | First step: Open your profile Second step: Tap on ‘Recent Searches’ Third Step: Tap on ‘Clear all |
| Clear your search history | First step: Open your profile Second step: Tap on ‘Recent Searches’ Third Step: Tap on ‘Clear all.’ |
Is the Search History Visible on Other Devices?
Your search history depends on your account rather than the device you switch to. In exact words, yes, your search history will be visible on the other devices you log in to.
Whatever searches you made on the Instagram app through your laptop will sync with your Instagram account on your mobile.
This way the search history remains the same, and not only that but other changes you make on the app will show up, no matter what device you switch to.
Therefore if you make changes in your search history, the changes will remain saved once and show up on other devices as well.
How To Stop Instagram From Tracking My Activity?
If you’re concerned about Instagram tracking your activity, you can switch off the location access option. Do this by:
- Tapping on your phone’s ‘Settings’
- Tap on ‘Privacy’ and uncheck location access
Conclusion
- The suggested searches given by Instagram when you’re searching for someone or something related to your past search history are not coincidental. Instagram operates on a specific algorithm to do this and it’s there to help you.
- There are two legit ways to clear Instagram search suggestions that appear while you’re typing. The first is by tapping on the ‘X’ option beside someone’s account while you’re searching. The second method is to delete your Instagram search history to avoid getting search suggestions.
- Your search history depends on your account rather than the device you switch to so your search history will also be visible on the other devices you log in to.
- If you’re concerned about Instagram tracking your activity, you can switch off the location access option.