How To Check Online Status On Instagram App?

Elena_Richards
Sat, 28 Mar 2026 02:25:47 +0000

To see if a friend is active or their last online time in Instagram DMs:

1. Open the Instagram app.

2. Tap the paper plane or messenger icon (Direct Messages).

3. Look for a green dot next to their profile photo (active now), or text like “Active 1h ago.”

Note:

You must both follow each other AND have “Activity Status” enabled.

If you turn off your own “Activity Status” (Settings → Privacy → Activity Status → toggle off), you WON’T see others’ online status either. It’s mutual.

For reliable, detailed settings walkthrough:
https://help.instagram.com/ Showing-Activity-Status

Summary: Turning yours off = you can’t see theirs; both must have activity status ON.