How to Disable the Live Location Map on Instagram

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Make sure Instagram's new map isn't doxxing your location
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Are you worried that Instagram's latest update is showing your live location? Instagram Map is a new Instagram feature that shows your location to your followers, which can definitely be a privacy concern. The good news is that Instagram Map isn't on by default. [1] So, if you haven't turned it on, you don't need to turn it off! However, it's easy to turn it on by accident, so it's still good to make sure it's off. Keep reading to learn how to turn off Instagram Map, and more tips for keeping your location private on Instagram.

Quickly Disable Instagram Map

To make sure nobody can see your location on Instagram Map, open your DM inbox in the Instagram app, tap Maps in the icon row at the top, then tap the gear to open your settings. When asked "Who can see your location," select "No one," and tap "Done" or "Update" to save.

Section 1 of 2:

How to Turn Off Instagram Map

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  1. Just tap the speech bubble icon at the upper-right corner of your Instagram feed to get started.
    • The steps to turn off Instagram map are the same whether you're using an iPhone, iPad, or Android.
  2. You'll see a round map icon near the top of your inbox, in the same place as Instagram Notes . If you don't see it, you might have to swipe left across the visible Notes to find it. [2]
    • If you don't see the Maps option, the feature may not be available in your region, or you might not be sharing your location with the Instagram app. In that case, you don't need to worry about your location appearing on the Instagram Map.
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  3. A list of sharing options will appear.
  4. This is the default option, so if it's already selected, there's no need to make any changes.
    • Alternatively, you can choose a smaller group of people to share your location with, like your Close Friends list. To share your location with specific friends, tap Only these friends to choose specific people.
  5. Now that Instagram Map is off, your live location will not appear on the map. However, there's something you need to know: If you share your location in an Instagram reel, story, or post, it will appear on the map! According to Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, this isn't your live location, just the last one you tagged. [3] To learn more, jump down to learn more ways to hide your location on Instagram.
    • Even after turning off the map, you'll still see the Map option in your Instagram Notes. Don't worry, this doesn't mean your live location is shared.
    • Even if you turn off Instagram Maps for yourself, you can still open Maps to view the locations of other people who've shared their location with you. [4]
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Section 2 of 2:

Other Ways to Keep Your Location Private

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  1. Even if you turned off Instagram map in your inbox, any location you tag in a post, story, or reel will still be visible to people on the map. The only way to prevent this is to avoid adding your location when posting on Instagram. [5]
  2. If you want to go a step further in keeping your location off Instagram Map, you can adjust your Android or iPhone's settings to stop sharing your location with Instagram at all. If you do this, you won't have the option to use any of Instagram's location-specific features, including Instagram Map. Here's how to turn off location services for Instagram:
    • iPhone & iPad
      • Open the Settings app. [6]
      • Tap Privacy & Security .
      • Tap Location Services .
      • Tap Instagram .
      • Select Never .
    • Android
      • Tap and hold the Instagram icon on your home screen. [7]
      • Tap App info (the small "i" in a circle).
      • Tap Permissions .
      • Tap Location .
      • Tap Don't allow .
  3. If you're worried someone might figure out where you are based on your posts or stories, it's best to make your Instagram private . This way, only people you approve to follow you can see what you share.
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      Tips

      • To request someone's location on the Instagram Map, tap the icon of a person with a plus (+) sign at the bottom of the map, then tap Request next to somebody's name. [8]
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      • If you decide you want to share your location on the Instagram Map with some people, you can head back into your Map settings and choose who to share with at any time.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://help.instagram.com/402343555458995/?cms_platform=android-app&helpref=platform_switcher
      2. ↑ https://help.instagram.com/402343555458995/?cms_platform=android-app&helpref=platform_switcher
      3. ↑ https://www.threads.com/@mosseri/post/DNGDr-KMq3i
      4. ↑ https://help.instagram.com/402343555458995/?cms_platform=android-app&helpref=platform_switcher
      5. ↑ https://about.fb.com/news/2025/08/new-instagram-features-help-you-connect/
      6. ↑ http://help.instagram.com/171821142968851
      7. ↑ https://support.google.com/android/answer/6179507?hl=en
      8. ↑ https://help.instagram.com/402343555458995/?cms_platform=android-app&helpref=platform_switcher

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