Instagram has a feature that connects your phone contacts with your account to suggest people you may know. At first, this may feel helpful, but many users later decide they don’t want their personal contacts linked to Instagram anymore.
If you care about privacy or are getting unnecessary account suggestions, turning off contact syncing is a good decision. This guide explains, in a simple way, how to stop contact syncing and remove previously uploaded contacts using official Instagram options.
Also read: How to Hide Instagram Posts Without Deleting Them
What Contact Syncing Actually Does
When contact syncing is turned on, Instagram collects phone numbers and email addresses saved on your device. This information is used to:
- Suggest profiles you might recognize
- Improve friend and follower recommendations
- Help others discover your account
Once permission is given, this process runs automatically in the background.
How to Check If Instagram Is Using Your Contacts
Before making changes, you should first confirm whether contact syncing is active.
- Open Instagram
- Go to your profile page
- Tap the three-line menu icon
- Open Settings and privacy
- Look for Accounts Center or Accounts
- Find Contacts syncing
If the option is enabled, Instagram currently has access to your contacts.
How to Turn Off Contact Syncing on Instagram (Android & iPhone)
Follow these steps to stop Instagram from syncing new contacts:
- Open Instagram
- Go to your profile
- Tap the menu icon
- Open Settings and privacy
- Enter Accounts Center
- Select Your information and permissions
- Tap Contacts syncing
- Turn off the switch
After this, Instagram will no longer upload any new contact data.
How to Delete Contacts Already Uploaded to Instagram
Turning off syncing does not remove contacts that were uploaded earlier. You must delete them manually.
- Open any web browser on your phone or computer
- Log in to your Instagram account
- Go to Settings
- Find Contacts management
- Select Delete all contacts
It may take some time for Instagram to completely erase this data from its system.
Remove Contact Permission From Your Phone Settings
For added privacy, you can block Instagram’s contact access directly from your device.
On Android
- Open Settings
- Go to Apps
- Select Instagram
- Tap Permissions
- Disable Contacts
On iPhone
- Open Settings
- Scroll down to Instagram
- Turn off Contacts
This prevents Instagram from accessing your contacts under any condition.
What Changes After You Unsync Contacts
Once contact syncing is disabled:
- Instagram stops collecting new contact data
- Account suggestions may slowly change
- Your phone contacts are no longer linked
- Followers, messages, and chats stay the same
No existing connections are removed.
Reasons People Turn Off Contact Syncing
Many users prefer to disable this feature because:
- They want stronger privacy control
- They see irrelevant or unwanted suggestions
- They keep work and personal contacts separate
- They want to avoid accidental profile discovery
This setting is optional and can be changed anytime.
Can You Enable Contact Syncing Again?
Yes, you can turn it back on whenever you want.
- Go to Contacts syncing
- Enable the toggle
- Allow contact permission again
Instagram will only sync contacts from that moment onward.
Also read: How to Tag Someone on Instagram Story After Posting
Final Words
Stopping contact syncing on Instagram is an easy way to take control of your personal data. By disabling syncing, deleting uploaded contacts, and managing app permissions, you protect your privacy without affecting your account activity.
If you want fewer unwanted suggestions and a more private Instagram experience, reviewing this setting is a smart move.
I am a passionate Tech Writer with strong industry experience. I enjoy exploring the latest technological innovations and sharing clear, helpful insights with my audience.”