Instagram recommendations can get annoying when your feed starts filling up with content you have little interest in. You might see Reels on topics you never search for, suggested posts from unfamiliar accounts, or videos similar to something you watched once out of curiosity. Over time, these recommendations can make your feed feel less personal.
Your Instagram activity helps shape what the app recommends. Likes, comments, saves, shares, searches and viewing habits can all influence the content shown on your explore page and reels feed. If your interests have changed or Instagram has picked up the wrong signals, you can adjust your activity and content preferences to guide its recommendations in a new direction.
To reset my Instagram algorithm, Instagram has a reset suggested content feature that clears your existing recommendations and starts personalizing them again. You can also adjust your feed manually to reduce unwanted posts and help Instagram understand what you prefer to see.
How to Reset the Instagram Algorithm
Instagram’s ‘Reset Suggested Content’ feature lets you clear recommendations across Explore, Reels and Feed. After the reset, Instagram begins personalizing suggested content again based on your activity.
Follow these steps:
- Open Instagram and go to your profile.
- Tap the three line menu in the top right corner.
- Find Content preferences in the settings menu.
- Tap Reset suggested content, if the option is available.
- Read the information shown on the screen and tap Next.
- Review the accounts you follow if Instagram offers this option.
- Confirm your choice.
The menu layout depends on your Instagram app version and account. If you cannot find the reset option, update Instagram and check your Content preferences again.
Resetting recommendations does not delete your posts, remove your followers or automatically unfollow accounts. It also does not remove ads from Instagram.
What Happens When You Reset Your Instagram Algorithm?
After the reset, Instagram starts building your recommendations again. Suggested posts, Reels and Explore content may initially feel less personalized because the app is learning which topics interest you. Your existing posts, messages, followers and followed accounts stay in place. The reset focuses on suggested content, not your entire account or every part of Instagram.
As you use the app, your activity helps shape future recommendations. Watching certain Reels, saving posts, searching for topics and interacting with creators can all provide signals about your interests. The reset is not a permanent block against unwanted content. Recommendations can change again as your activity changes.
How to Fix Your Instagram Feed Without Resetting the Algorithm
You do not have to reset all your recommendations to improve your feed. Instagram has several controls that can help reduce unwanted content.
Mark Unwanted Posts as Not Interested
When a suggested post or Reel does not interest you, tap the three dots on the post and select Not interested, if the option is available. Instagram can use this feedback to reduce similar recommendations. You may need to repeat this with different topics or accounts before your feed reflects your preferences more closely.
Unfollow Accounts You No Longer Like
Accounts you follow can contribute to the content shown in your feed. Visit your following list and unfollow accounts whose posts you no longer want to see. If you would prefer not to unfollow someone, consider muting their posts or stories instead. Muting reduces the content you see from that account without notifying the person.
Adjust Your Content Preferences
Open Instagram’s settings and look for Content preferences. Depending on the options available to your account, you may be able to manage sensitive content, review suggested content controls and adjust the topics Instagram recommends. These settings can help you reduce certain types of recommendations without resetting everything.
Use the Following Feed
Instagram’s Following feed shows posts from accounts you follow, giving you an alternative to the main feed’s recommendations. Depending on your app version, you can access it by tapping the Instagram logo or using the feed selector at the top of the home screen.
This is useful when you want to catch up with followed accounts without seeing as many suggested posts from people you do not follow.
How to Train the Instagram Algorithm to Show Better Content
Once your recommendations have been reset, your activity can help Instagram build a better picture of your interests.
- Interact with posts you enjoy. Like, save or share content that matches your interests.
- Watch relevant Reels. Spend time on videos you enjoy and move past content you do not want to see.
- Search for topics you like. Look for creators and subjects you want Instagram to recommend more often.
- Use Not Interested regularly. Give feedback on unwanted suggestions instead of repeatedly watching them.
- Review your followed accounts. Unfollow or mute accounts that no longer fit your interests.
You do not need to interact with every post you like. Your general viewing and search activity can also help shape recommendations, although Instagram does not disclose the exact weight given to each signal.
Why Can’t I Reset My Instagram Algorithm?
If you cannot find Reset Suggested Content, the feature may not be available on your account or the menu may have changed in a newer version of Instagram. Try updating the app through your phone’s app store, closing and reopening Instagram, then checking Content preferences again. If the option still does not appear, use the manual controls for suggested posts and Reels.
Clearing your phone’s app cache may help with some app issues on Android, but it does not reset Instagram’s recommendation history. Reinstalling the app is also not a substitute for the dedicated reset feature.
Does Resetting the Instagram Algorithm Remove Ads?
No. Resetting suggested content does not remove advertisements from your Instagram feed. Ads are managed separately from organic recommendations, and you may continue seeing sponsored posts after the reset.
If an ad is irrelevant, use the options on that ad to hide it or provide feedback. You can also review the advertising preferences available in your account settings, although these controls do not guarantee that every ad will match your interests.
How Long Does It Take Instagram to Learn Your Preferences Again?
Instagram does not provide a fixed time for recommendations to become personalized after a reset. The changes depend on how you use the app and the signals Instagram collects from your activity. Keep interacting with content you enjoy and marking unwanted recommendations as Not interested. Your feed should gradually reflect those signals, although some unrelated posts may continue to appear.
Resetting your Instagram algorithm clears suggested content recommendations, while your activity helps shape what comes next. You can also improve your feed by muting or unfollowing accounts, adjusting content preferences and giving feedback on unwanted posts. The combination of these controls gives you more influence over the Reels, Explore posts and suggestions you see without deleting your account or starting a new one.
