How to Navigate Instagram Maps While Protecting Your Privacy
On Wednesday, Instagram unveiled its new opt-in feature, “Instagram Map,” inspired by Snap Map, enabling U.S. users to share their recent active locations and explore location-specific content. Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri reassured users that their locations can only be seen by others if they choose to share them. Despite Meta stating that location sharing is off by default, many social media users have incorrectly advised turning it off, believing it to be automatically activated.
“We’re investigating the situation, but it seems many are misinformed and think that if they can view themselves on the map, so can others,” Mosseri noted in a Threads post. “We are still verifying to guarantee that no one’s location is shared without explicit consent, which necessitates double confirmation (we ask you to confirm after indicating your desire to share).”
Mosseri acknowledged that certain users are “confused” regarding how the feature operates. For instance, while browsing the map, users might observe location data from others. This occurs because the feature collects location tags from recent Stories or Reels that feature a tagged location.
While Instagram has displayed location tags in its map view before, the revamped Instagram Map feature enhances accessibility. Users may think twice about tagging locations in their Stories and Reels—particularly if they are still present at that place.
When you enable your location on Instagram Map, your location updates only when the app is opened or running in the background, meaning continuous real-time updates aren’t available. This is different from Snap Map, which allows users to choose whether their location updates in real-time or only when the app is opened.
If you’re keen on ensuring that your location is turned off on Instagram Map, we’ll walk you through the steps below.
How to Access Instagram Map
To access the latest feature, navigate to your Direct Messages (DMs) and tap the new “Map” option displayed at the top. If this is your first use of the feature, a pop-up will notification will introduce you to the new Map.
The pop-up will confirm that no one can see your location until you decide to share it, and that you can adjust your settings at any time.
How to Set Your Location-Sharing Preferences
On your initial visit to the Map, a page titled “Who can see your location” will pop up. You can then choose to share your location with Friends (those you follow back), your Close Friends list, selected users, or keep it private.
To change your preferences, click on your profile, select the settings icon in the top-right corner, opt for the “Story, live, and location” option, and then tap the “Location sharing” button to modify your settings.
Be aware that if you disable location sharing, others can still share their location with you, allowing you to spot them on the Map.
How to Use Instagram Map
Upon opening the app, you can see the locations of friends who have opted to share their location with you. Furthermore, location-based Stories and Reels from accounts you follow will be visible as well.
For instance, if a friend shares a story from a local music festival, it will be displayed on the map. Similarly, if a creator you follow posts a reel about a new restaurant in your vicinity, you’ll discover it through Instagram Map.
You’ll continue to see location-related content on the Map, even if you have disabled your location.
Additionally, you can leave short, temporary messages known as “Notes” on the map for others to view. Instagram Notes, which currently appear at the top of your direct messaging feed, will be displayed on the map when shared with a specific location.
This story was updated with new details.
