It is handy for any user to learn how to clear Instagram search suggestions. In fact, there are many reasons for a user to clear those suggestions on Instagram.
Let’s go ahead and learn how to put this workaround to practice.
Introduction to Instagram Search Suggestions
Instagram’s search function has a suggestion feature that returns user names based on the user’s previous queries. This implies that you will need to be familiar with clearing the Instagram platform’s search suggestions.
Even after you’ve deleted your Instagram history, the app may still recommend certain old handles.
In any case, Instagram will recommend a new set of handles. This is regardless of the fact that the suggested accounts or their usernames have changed.
It’s possible that you should follow these procedures instead of simply erasing your browsing history or search suggestions. That is because there are some subtle differences between the two.
Instagram now allows users to delete their search history using both mobile and desktop versions of the app.
Besides, the Instagram stories not working issue can emerge for various reasons. So, let’s learn how to fix this issue with different solutions easily now.
Search History
The search history of Instagram is a record of the profiles and hashtags you have previously browsed. Instagram creates an algorithm that is based on your extensive search history.
Because of this, additional related hashtags, accounts, and even tailored advertisements will become available to you.
When you delete your search history on Instagram, it will stop suggesting specific accounts and hashtags. In contrast, the platform’s data and cache storage are likely still pertinent to your earlier queries.
Assume that you start typing in a query. If so, the history of your searches for both accounts or hashtags will appear underneath the search box.
Instagram’s search bar or settings are where you may erase this. Once you delete the search history of Instagram, it will no longer have access to the saved list.
Also, if your Instagram cann’t refresh the feed, don’t worry. Read on to know the causes and fixes for the Instagram not refreshing issue here.
Search Suggestions and Search History
As was previously said, Instagram will recommend many profiles to you depending on your preferences and past searches. Instagram search suggestions & search history work a little differently from Google’s.
In some cases, you may be able to delete search suggestions by cleaning the history of the list. However, Instagram will also recommend accounts to follow based on their behavior.
Well, Instagram will continue recommending profiles with which you have interacted or searched.
This happens even after you have deleted your search history. Your search history and suggestions can be removed using the options menu or the actual search field.
The search recommendations will persist even if you delete your history. So, if you wonder how to clear Instagram search suggestions, clear the cache and associated data. On Android, you’ll need to uninstall the app. After that, you should reinstall it.
How to Clear Instagram Search Suggestions?
Well, mentioned below are the options you can consider if you wonder how to clear Instagram search suggestions.
Option 01: Clear History Using the Instagram Application
As you may realize, there is more than one way to clear the history of your Instagram account. Many of those methods will remove the history in full. This method is one of those options.
So, you may skip this level if you don’t want to erase the full history. In fact, this method is very easy, so mentioned below are those steps for your reference.
- First, you should launch Instagram.
- Then, you should visit the profile (just click on the icon located at the bottom right).
- Select “Settings” (click on the hamburger icon).
- Click on the option called “Your Activity.”
- Now, you should scroll down and locate the recent searches.
- After that, “Clear All” on the screen where you see the recent searches.
- Tap on the confirmation message.
Option 02: Reinstall the Application
If the previously mentioned option doesn’t work, just uninstall the app and reinstall it. As you may already know, reinstallation of an app eliminates all the data, including cache and search history.
Instagram’s data storage and caching play a significant role in the app’s ranking algorithm. That said, this is exactly why the app is so popular. You can delete the app’s cache and data by uninstalling it from your device.
In addition, you can now dismiss all of the recommendations. This’s useful if you wish to get rid of the Instagram suggestions without having to delete your search history. In this case, you can do nothing more than reinstall the app.
Understandably, Android and iOS devices require different steps to remove an app.
● For iOS
To remove an app from an iPhone, just press and hold the app icon. This will bring a popup message into action.
Then, tap the option called “Remove application…“. Click on confirm, and that’s it. This will remove the app from the device.
● For Android
When it comes to Android devices, you can long-press the respective icon and drag it to the bin.
Once the uninstallation is completed, you should reinstall Instagram on the device. Just go to the respective app store and install it as you would normally do.
Then, log into the Instagram account in question.
So, that’s how to clear Instagram search suggestions and history at once.
Option 03: Clear Instagram Search Suggestions Using a Desktop
In addition to clearing the whole search history, the desktop and mobile apps allow you to remove search suggestions. Instagram’s desktop site is where you’ll need to access your account.
Here are the steps to do so.
- Click on Profile and select “Settings.”
- Click “Privacy & Security.”
- Go to “View Account Data.”
- Select the option called “Search History.”
- Then, go to “View All.”
After that, you can clear its history and even the accounts that are suggested. In many cases, accounts are suggested on Instagram based on the activities and other accounts you may follow.
Option 04: Remove Instagram Search Suggestions Using the Manual Method
You’ll have to get rid of search suggestions manually. That is because Instagram doesn’t provide users the option to disable search suggestions at once.
Instagram users who want to eliminate the suggestions will have to open the app on their mobile devices. You can remove the Instagram search suggestions using the search field by following these instructions.
- First, you should open the Instagram app.
- Go to the account.
- Click on its search icon.
- Tap on the search bar.
- You can then see the suggestions. You can tap on the “X” mark next to suggestions that should be removed from the list.
If you wish to get rid of the suggestions one by one, this is helpful. In some instances, you may wish to adopt some recommendations while rejecting other accounts.
When this is the case, the simplest and least time-consuming option is to remove them manually using this technique.
After doing so, just the profiles you want to see would be displayed in search suggestions.
Option 05: Block the Respective Account
If you still notice some suggestions as you type a name, that could be due to your previous searches. For instance, assume that you previously searched for an Instagram user called “iStarsoft.”
If so, when you type the letter I, “iStarsoft” will appear once again in your suggestions. Well, how to clear Instagram search suggestions in that case?
One solution to overcome this instance is to block the respective account. In order to prevent Instagram from suggesting a specific profile, you can go to their account and block it. Remember that this strategy is only successful if you aren’t already following the profile.
Because they won’t be able to follow you anymore when you block them, to overcome it, you can clear the cache and data manually or by reinstalling the app (Instagram).
Option 06: Use Your Phone and Clear Search Suggestions
The steps taken to remove search suggestions on a smartphone are very identical to those taken on a computer.
However, in addition to erasing it in the preferences, you may also do so in the search field itself.
It’s now much less of a hassle to get rid of the phone’s search suggestions. In order to remove the app’s suggestions, please follow these instructions.
- Open Instagram and log in.
- Click the search icon.
- Tap on the search bar.
- You will notice all the suggestions on Instagram. That said, these suggestions are usually appearing based on the activities or the search history. You can tap on “See All” and remove these suggestions.
- Once this option is selected, just tap on “Clear All.” Please note that this step will clear every suggestion. Confirm the action to complete the process.
Option 07: Clear Cache & Data
The Android operating system is the only one where you can delete the cache from the phone’s settings. You’ll need to review your phone’s configurations and look for the Instagram app.
You’ll be presented with several choices when you touch on that. To erase everything, go to the settings and choose “Clear All Data.” Instagram on your mobile device will be deleted and reinstalled after you do this.
Likewise, your session will end immediately. After signing in, you can see if you’re being recommended the same profiles.
You may verify it by clicking the search button and seeing what comes up. Do you want to get rid of everything the application has stored on your device? If so, just clear the cache and data. Because of this, Instagram will likely adjust its algorithm as well.
But what if you use an iOS device or if you don’t feel like going into all that trouble? Then, a fresh installation of the application should do the trick. And that’s how to clear Instagram search suggestions.
FAQs
Q1: Will clearing my Instagram search suggestions delete my account?
No, clearing your search suggestions will not delete your Instagram account. It only removes the search history and suggestions within the app.
Q2: Can I selectively remove specific search suggestions?
At the moment, Instagram does not provide a feature to selectively remove specific search suggestions. Clearing your search history will remove all the suggestions in one go.
Q3: Will clearing my search suggestions affect my Explore page recommendations?
Clearing your search suggestions will not directly impact the recommendations on your Explore page. The Explore page suggestions are based on various factors, including your interactions, the accounts you follow, and the content you engage with.
Q4: Can I retrieve my cleared search suggestions?
No, once you clear your Instagram search suggestions, they cannot be retrieved. Make sure to consider this before proceeding with the clearing process.
Q5: How often should I clear my search suggestions?
The frequency of clearing your search suggestions depends on your personal preference. If you value privacy or want to maintain a clean search history, you can choose to clear them regularly. However, it’s not necessary to clear them frequently if it doesn’t align with your needs.
Conclusion
At least one of the above solutions will work for those who wonder how to clear Instagram search suggestions.
If you still have trouble clearing your search history, please let us know in a detailed comment below.
Our team will try their best to solve user-specific problems as well.
