You open Instagram to check out some cozy home decor or cute dog videos but instead, you're hit with cringy memes, fitness content you never liked, or someone’s cooking fail going viral. Sounds familiar?
No, Instagram isn’t broken. The app’s algorithm is simply responding to what it thinks you want. But here’s the good news you can steer it back in the right direction without deleting your account or starting over.
Let’s walk through how to reset the Instagram algorithm the smart and easy way.
Why Your Instagram Feed Feels Off
Instagram’s algorithm uses your behavior to decide what content shows up in your feed, Reels, and Explore tab. This includes:- What posts you like, comment on, or save
- Which Reels you watch (especially if you watch till the end)
- People you message
- Stories you respond to
- Who you follow and interact with regularly
How to Reset the Instagram Algorithm (Without Deleting Your Account)
Ready to clean up your feed? Here’s a step by step guide to recalibrating your Instagram algorithm naturally:1. Unfollow and Mute Strategically
Go through your "Following" list and unfollow any accounts you’re no longer interested in. If unfollowing feels awkward (maybe it’s a coworker or family member), you can simply mute their posts and stories.- Why it works: Instagram assumes you want more of what you follow. Cleaning up your list sends a clearer signal.
2. Clear Your Search History
That one random search you did out of curiosity? Yeah, it’s influencing your Explore page.How to do it:
- Go to Profile > Menu (☰) > Your Activity > Recent Searches
- Then tap “Clear All.”
3. Curate Your Explore Page
Open your Explore tab and spend a few minutes training it like a puppy.- Tap on a post you don’t like
- Hit the three dot icon (⋮)
- Tap “Not Interested”
4. Interact with What You Actually Like
To reset your algorithm, you need to teach it again.- Like, comment on, or save posts that match your current interests
- Watch Reels all the way through if they resonate with you
- Follow creators in your favorite niche or new hobbies
Pro tip: The more consistently you engage with the content you enjoy, the faster the algorithm recalibrates.
5. Avoid Engagement with Irrelevant Reels
One careless scroll through a cringy Reel can throw your algorithm off for days. If you see something irrelevant, don’t watch it all the way through, and definitely don’t interact with it. Just scroll past.6. Use the “Following” Feed
Instagram offers a “Following” feed that shows you posts in chronological order from the accounts you follow. To access, Tap the Instagram logo at the top left of your feed, then tap “Following.”Spending more time here helps reduce algorithm noise and strengthens signals from accounts you care about.
Can You Completely Reset the Algorithm?
Short answer, Not exactly. Instagram doesn’t have a “reset button,” but these strategies allow you to slowly retrain the system.With consistent effort, you’ll start to notice your feed reflecting your real interests again whether that’s aesthetic travel reels, productivity tips, or golden retriever puppies.
Final Thoughts
Your Instagram feed should feel like your space, not a chaotic mix of stuff you barely recognize. By taking a few minutes to reset the algorithm and interact more mindfully, you’ll notice your experience on the app becoming way more enjoyable.So next time something weird pops up? Don’t just scroll past train it out. Your algorithm is always learning. Make sure it’s learning from you.