When Instagram released its video chat feature, a lot of people have been trying to figure out how to turn off or disable Instagram video calls since they were receiving unsolicited calls from anyone on Instagram. With this release, you can make video calls to your friends and followers just as easily as you can send messages to them through direct messaging. You can access this feature through your direct message inbox on Instagram in the same chat as your friends. Seems simple enough, right?
Apparently, not everyone is down to have the video chat feature set to “on”. Luckily, there’s a simple way to turn off those incoming video chats on Instagram if you’re one of those users who would like more privacy and do not want to keep it open for anyone to video call you.
Here’s a simple, how-to guide to turn off incoming video chats on Instagram:
Step 1. Open your Instagram app, go to your profile, and click on the top left three-bar menu icon, also known as the hamburger menu
Step 2. Tap Settings or Settings and privacy
Step 3. Tap Notifications
Step 4. Click on the “Tap Calls or Messages and calls“ depending on your phone or version
Step 5. Click on the “Video Chats – Off” option
With just a few simple clicks, you can customize your messaging experience on Instagram and never worry about getting an unsolicited video call from anyone, or anyone that you aren’t following. It’s a bit of added privacy that some users might like to have as peace of mind. Now you know how to turn off or disable Instagram video calls. You will be able to turn them back on if you decide to in the future.
Note: Menu names can differ slightly by device and app version. If you do not see Calls, look for Messages and calls, then Video chats.
Optional privacy extras
If you want more control, these options can help:
- Mute calls from specific people: Open the DM thread, tap the name at the top, tap the Mute bell, then toggle Mute calls. This silences that person without blocking them.
- Use Quiet Mode: Quiet Mode pauses all notifications during set hours and sends an auto reply in DMs. Turn it on in Settings under Notifications.
- Limit message requests: Route non-followers to Requests or block them from messaging in Privacy settings.
- Adjust phone permissions: In your phone settings, you can deny Instagram access to the camera or microphone if you want to prevent camera or audio use during calls. Results vary by device.
Turn calls back on
If you change your mind, return to Notifications → Calls → Video chats, then select From everyone or From people you follow, depending on the options shown for your version.
Final tip
Instagram updates its interface regularly. If your menus look different, search for Notifications, then Calls or Messages and calls, and adjust Video chats from there.
For more Instagram-related tricks of the trade, visit our blog: Instagram Features and How to Use Them
