To see if a friend is active or their last online time in Instagram DMs:
- Open the Instagram app.
- Tap the paper plane or messenger icon (Direct Messages).
- 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.