Have you ever found yourself frustrated with the content that pops up on your Instagram Explore page, wishing you could see more of what you actually like? We’ve been there too, which is why we’ve delved into methods to reset the Instagram Explore page and uncover fresh content.
But, before we delve into the steps to reset your Instagram Explore page, let us pose a question:
Why do specific posts appear on your Explore page in the first place?
It’s essential to understand that the posts on your Explore feed aren’t randomly selected by Instagram. They are curated based on your interactions. Feeling confused? Then, keep reading to learn more!
Table of Contents
Understanding Instagram’s Explore Feed Algorithm
Let’s clarify things. Instagram personalizes your Explore page by examining your activities.
If you consistently like similar content, comment on specific posts, follow similar accounts, repeatedly search for a particular user or product, or share a specific type of post, Instagram will show you more posts similar to those to enhance your Instagram experience. Fascinating, right?
However, sometimes you may encounter content that doesn’t align with your preferences.
In such cases, Instagram might show you content that appeals to users you frequently interact with.
For example, if you interact more with one of your followers who frequently likes or searches for cat-related content, you might start seeing cat videos and pictures on your Explore page, even if you’ve never searched for them.
Another reason could be the popularity of certain content in your region. If a video goes viral in your country, and many of your followers and followings engage with that post, you’re likely to see it on your feed.
Lastly, Instagram also uses complex algorithms to suggest content it thinks might interest you based on all your activities on the platform.
But what can you do if you dislike some of the posts suggested on your Explore page? Don’t worry; we’re here to provide you with a complete answer on ‘How to reset your Instagram Explore page.’
Ready to learn more? Let’s get started without delay!
How to Reset Instagram Explore Page?
In this section, we’ll explore five simple, practical ways to change the content on your Instagram Explore page.
1. Refresh Your Instagram Explore Feed
The quickest way to reset your Explore page is by performing a fast refresh. It only takes a moment, and here’s how:
- Open Instagram and tap the magnifying glass at the bottom.
- Pull down from the top of the page. This action clears your Explore page of previous posts and displays new content.
Note: Although this is a quick method to refresh the content on Explore, it might not change the type of content Instagram shows you.
You could still see content you dislike, similar to what you’ve seen before. However, the following methods will help you remove unwanted content from your Explore. So, keep reading!
2. Mark the Posts as ‘Not Interested’
If irritating content keeps appearing on your Explore page, you can signal to Instagram not to show it anymore. This method works, but it might take some time for Instagram’s algorithm to catch on. Here’s how to mark a post as ‘Not interested’:
- Open Instagram and tap the magnifying glass at the bottom.
- Select the post you’d like to remove and tap on the three dots above the post.
- Finally, choose ‘Not interested.’
This way, Instagram will learn over time not to show you similar content.
Note: If similar content keeps reappearing, repeat the process and mark them as ‘Not interested.’ This sends a consistent signal to Instagram’s algorithm that you don’t want to see such posts.
3. Clear Your Instagram Data & Cache
Another method to reset your Instagram Explore page is to clear the data and cache on your Android or iOS device.
Note 1: Before proceeding, know that clearing data will possibly change the types of posts that appear on your Explore, but you’ll lose all saved data and be logged out, requiring you to sign in again. So, decide if you need your data and account settings before clearing.
Note 2: Clearing your cache won’t remove data from your account but may improve Instagram’s performance.
However, we can’t guarantee the extent to which clearing your IG cache will help you remove unwanted content from your Explore page, but it’s worth giving it a try since it carries no risks. So, why not give it a shot?
Now, let’s see how to change your Instagram Explore page on Android and iOS devices using this method.
1- Clear Data & Cache on Android Device
Here’s how to clear data & cache on an Android device:
- Go to ‘Settings’ and find ‘Apps.’
- Search for ‘Instagram’ or scroll to find the app.
- Under ‘Usage,’ tap ‘Storage.’
- Finally, tap ‘Clear data’ and/or ‘Clear cache.’
Note: The steps may vary slightly for different Android devices, but the options should be similar.
2- Clear Data & Cache on iPhone
Unfortunately, iOS devices don’t have an option to clear data or cache directly. To do so, you must delete and reinstall the app:
- Go to ‘Settings’ and tap ‘General.’
- Choose ‘iPhone Storage.’
- Find Instagram and tap it.
- Select ‘Delete App.’
- Reinstall the app from the App Store and sign in again.
4. Clear Instagram History
As mentioned earlier, Instagram personalizes your experience based on your interactions, including the accounts and hashtags you search for. Here’s how to clear your Instagram history:
- Open Instagram and go to your profile.
- Tap the hamburger menu at the top right and select ‘Settings and privacy.’
- Choose ‘Accounts Center’ Here.
- Then, tap ‘Your information and permissions.’
- Tap ‘Search history.’
- And finally, select ‘Clear all searches.’
Note: You can also tap on your account under ‘Your accounts & profiles’ to selectively and manually delete your searches.
Furthermore, you have the option to tap on ‘Keep searches for’ and select your preferred duration: 3 days, 7 days, or 14 days. Alternatively, you can choose the ‘Default’ option, which retains your history for 30 days.
5. New IG Setting: Control What You Can See
While exploring Instagram Settings, we found a relatively new option that allows you to control what you see on your Explore page. Here’s where to find it and what each option does:
- Open Instagram and go to your profile.
- Tap the hamburger menu at the top right and choose ‘Settings and privacy.’
- Under ‘What you see,’ select ‘Suggested content.’
- You’ll find five options:
Now, let’s check out each option to see how to customize the content Instagram will show us.
1- Interested
Here, you can see all the posts you’ve marked as ‘Interested,’ and Instagram will show you more similar content. If you want to remove some:
- Tap ‘Select’ at the top right.
- Then, choose the ones you want to remove and tap ‘Remove’ at the bottom.
This way, you might not view similar content as you had seen before.
2- Sensitive Content
This option allows you to control how much sensitive content you see. Choose between ‘More,’ ‘Standard,’ or ‘Less’ based on your preferences.
So, if you find the posts on your Instagram Explore feed inappropriate and feel annoyed by videos or images containing sensitive content, you can opt for the ‘Less’ option to reduce the appearance of such content.
3- Snooze Suggested Posts in Feed
The third option on the list is ‘Snooze suggested posts in the feed.’ It’s essential to note that aside from the Explore page, Instagram also displays content from accounts you don’t follow on your Home feed. Some of them might be ads and the others are shown based on your following’s notes on Instagram reels or posts.
By enabling this option, you can temporarily hide suggested posts in your feed for 30 days.
4- Not Interested
Within this section, you can see posts that you’ve previously marked as ‘Not interested.’ However, if you have a change of heart and wish to view content that you once found uninteresting, you can:
- Tap on ‘Select’ at the top right.
- Then, pick the ones you’d like to restore and tap ‘Remove’ at the bottom of the screen.
5- Specific Words and Phrases
In the final section, you have the option to input words, phrases, or emojis that you’d prefer not to encounter. As a result, content containing these specific words, phrases, or emojis will no longer be displayed to you.
Wrapping Up
Now you know how to reset your Instagram Explore page if you ever get annoyed by what you see on your feed and want to change it. Instagram tries to show you stuff you’ll like, but you can have more control.
You can reset your Explore page by refreshing it, telling Instagram you’re “Not interested” in some posts, clearing data and cache, managing your search history, and adjusting your content preferences in settings.
Remember, Instagram Explore can change based on what you do on the app, so don’t hesitate to try these methods to make it more enjoyable.
With these tips, you can take charge of your Explore page and discover content you really enjoy. So go ahead, explore Instagram with more control and satisfaction, and have fun finding new things that interest you!
FAQs
Now that you know how to reset your Explore page on Instagram, it’s time to answer some frequently asked questions.
1. Why Is My Explore Feed Showing Only One Type of Content?
This may be because you have interacted with similar content in the past or because you have not interacted with a wide range of content on Instagram.
To diversify the content on your Explore Feed, engage with posts that align with your interests but are also different from what you typically engage with.
2. What Happens When I Reset My Instagram Explore Feed?
When you reset your Instagram Explore Feed, all of your previous interactions will be cleared. This will help Instagram to show you a fresh batch of content that is more relevant to your current interests.