Over the weekend, many Pinoys were surprised when they suddenly received notifications of their friends’ and families’ locations. Upon checking, users found out that Instagram recently launched a new feature where users can share their locations with followers.

why is everyone suddenly sharing their location sa instagram? how do i disable this setting? ‍♂️‍♂️

— ian (@ianrachid) January 25, 2025

Instagram’s new location-sharing feature

According to Instagram, if this feature is turned on, a user’s “precise location updates every time you open Instagram, but disappears if you don’t open the app for 24 hours.”

Moreover, followers can see this precise location not just on the map, but also on the feed and messaging chat.

Users can choose who to share their location with, either mutual followers or just people in their Close Friends. Users can also select only a few accounts.

Instagram users react to the new feature

Most users were flabbergasted upon learning about the new feature. Many raised concerns about users’ privacy and security, pointing out that having updated locations on blast can expose users to dangers such as stalking or unwelcome trailing.

Users described the new update as “too much” and “scary as hell.”

“I hope everyone is aware of the risks that could come with Instagram’s new update. Imagine exposing your location just like that… scary,” an X (formerly Twitter) user also pointed out.

this is too much bcs the new instagram update shares your location with your followers, which shouldn’t be shared publicly unless you want it to be. moots if you’re not aware of this, make sure to turn on invisible mode for your location.❗

— (@ggoneverse) January 26, 2025

the way i didn’t notice i’ve been sharing my location on instagram for 24 hours until my sister briught it to my attention.

this sht scary as hell, idek how i turned on my location for that. https://t.co/IPEeytNeld

— alli saw twice 100123 (@momoguriji) January 26, 2025

How to turn off Instagram’s location-sharing feature

If you unintentionally had this new feature turned on, it’s time to turn it off for your privacy and safety, and here’s how:

1. Open the Instagram app.
2. Go to the Messages tab.
3. Click on the Maps button in the Notes area.
4. A pop-up that says “Share location with” will show up. Toggle on the Invisible Mode to hide your location from your Instagram audience.

How to avoid unintentionally sharing your location in the future

To avoid a repeat of this incident, you can turn off the location feature on your phone.

If you have an iOS device:

1. Go to your iOS device’s Settings app.
2. Scroll down and click the Privacy tab.
3. Tap on Location Services and then toggle to turn off the Location Services.
4. If you wish to use Location Services for some apps, turn it on and select which apps you want to share your location with. Then click on the app’s name and choose among the options provided to selectively allow location access for that particular app.

If you have an Android device:

1. Go to your Android device’s Settings app.
2. Scroll down and click the Location tab.
3. Toggle the button to turn off the location feature.
4. If you wish to share your location for select apps, click on App Permissions. Then click on the app’s name to choose among the options provided to selectively allow location access for that particular app.

What are your thoughts on Instagram’s location-sharing feature?

Follow 8List.ph on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tiktok, and Youtube for the l8est entertaining, useful, and informative lists!