Instagram offers a feature that lets you sync your phone contacts to help you find people you may know. While this can be useful at first, many users later realize they do not want their personal contacts connected to Instagram anymore.
If you are seeing unwanted suggestions or simply care more about privacy, unsyncing contacts from Instagram is a smart move. This guide explains how to stop contact syncing and remove already uploaded contacts in a safe and official way.
Also read: How to Use Message Reactions in Telegram
What Does Contact Syncing Mean on Instagram
When contact syncing is enabled, Instagram uploads phone numbers and email addresses from your device to its servers. This data is used to:
- Suggest accounts you might know
- Improve friend recommendations
- Help others find your profile
The syncing happens automatically in the background once permission is granted.
How to Check If Contacts Are Synced on Instagram
Before turning anything off, it is good to confirm whether contact syncing is active.
- Open Instagram
- Go to your profile
- Tap the menu icon in the top right
- Open Settings and privacy
- Look for Accounts Center or Accounts
- Check Contacts syncing
If syncing is enabled, Instagram is currently accessing your contacts.
Also read: How to Archive Instagram Posts Without Deleting Them
How to Unsync Contacts From Instagram on Android and iPhone
Step 1: Turn Off Contact Syncing
- Open Instagram
- Go to your profile
- Tap the menu icon
- Open Settings and privacy
- Select Accounts Center
- Tap Your information and permissions
- Open Contacts syncing
- Turn off the toggle
This immediately stops Instagram from syncing new contacts.
How to Remove Already Synced Contacts From Instagram
Turning off syncing does not automatically delete previously uploaded contacts. You need to remove them manually.
- Open a browser on your phone or computer
- Log in to Instagram
- Go to Settings
- Find Contacts management
- Select Delete all contacts
Instagram may take some time to fully remove this data from its systems.
Also read: How to Tag Someone on Instagram Story After Posting
Remove Instagram Contact Access From Your Phone Settings
For extra privacy, you can also revoke contact permission at the device level.
On Android
- Open Phone Settings
- Go to Apps
- Select Instagram
- Tap Permissions
- Disable Contacts
On iPhone
- Open Settings
- Scroll to Instagram
- Turn off Contacts
This ensures Instagram cannot access your contacts even accidentally.
What Happens After You Unsync Contacts
Once contacts are unsynced:
- Instagram stops uploading new contact data
- Friend suggestions may change over time
- Your phone contacts are no longer linked to your account
Your existing followers and chats remain unaffected.
Also read: How to Unsend or Delete Messages on Instagram (Step-by-Step Guide)
Why You Might Want to Unsync Contacts
Many users choose to unsync contacts for reasons like:
- Better privacy control
- Fewer unwanted suggestions
- Keeping work and personal contacts separate
- Avoiding accidental account discovery
It is a personal choice and can be reversed anytime.
Can You Sync Contacts Again Later
Yes. If you ever want to re-enable contact syncing:
- Go back to Contacts syncing
- Turn the toggle on
- Grant contact permission again
Instagram will start syncing from that point forward.
Also read: How to Use Instagram Reels While Chatting on WhatsApp
Final Thoughts
Unsyncing contacts from Instagram is a simple but effective way to protect your privacy and control how your account is discovered. By turning off syncing, deleting uploaded contacts, and managing app permissions, you stay in full control of your personal data.
If you value a cleaner Instagram experience with fewer unwanted suggestions, this is a setting worth reviewing.