Instagram often asks for contact access to help you find people you may know. While this can be useful at first, many users later prefer to keep their phone contacts private. If you have already allowed contact syncing and now want to undo it, Instagram gives you official ways to disconnect your contacts safely.
This guide explains how to disconnect synced contacts from Instagram and stop future syncing on both Android and iPhone.
Also read: Instagram Post Archive Explained: How It Works and When You Should Use It
Why Instagram Syncs Contacts in the First Place
When contact syncing is enabled, Instagram uploads phone numbers and email addresses from your device to suggest accounts you might want to follow. This data is used only for account recommendations, but some users feel uncomfortable sharing their personal contact list.
Common reasons to remove contact syncing include:
- Privacy concerns
- Too many unwanted follow suggestions
- Keeping work and personal contacts separate
- Switching to a new phone or account
How to Unsync Contacts From Instagram Using the App
Instagram does not have a one-tap “unsync” button, but you can still disconnect contacts properly.
Step 1: Open Instagram Settings
- Open the Instagram app
- Go to your profile
- Tap the three-line menu in the top right
- Select Settings and privacy
Step 2: Manage Contact Uploading
- Scroll to Accounts Center
- Tap Your information and permissions
- Choose Upload contacts
- Turn off contact syncing
This stops Instagram from uploading any new contacts from your phone.
Also read: How to Add Tags to an Instagram Story After It Is Already Posted
How to Delete Already Synced Contacts
Turning off syncing prevents future uploads, but contacts already shared may still remain.
Delete uploaded contacts manually:
- Open a web browser on your phone or computer
- Visit Instagram’s contact management page while logged in
- Select the option to Delete all contacts
This removes previously uploaded contact data from your account.
Remove Instagram’s Access to Phone Contacts
For extra safety, you can block contact access at the device level.
On Android
- Open Settings
- Go to Apps > Instagram
- Tap Permissions
- Disable Contacts
On iPhone
- Open Settings
- Scroll to Instagram
- Turn off Contacts
This ensures Instagram cannot read your contact list at all.
Also read: How To Remove Sent Messages On Instagram Before Others See Them
What Happens After You Unsync Contacts
After disconnecting contacts:
- Instagram will stop suggesting people based on your phonebook
- Existing suggestions may take some time to update
- Your contacts will not be notified
- Your Instagram account continues to work normally
No posts, followers, or messages are affected.
Can Instagram Re-Sync Contacts Automatically?
Instagram will not sync contacts again unless:
- You manually turn syncing back on
- You reinstall the app and allow contact permission again
Always review permissions carefully after reinstalling or updating the app.
Also read: How to Schedule Posts on Instagram – Simple and Complete Guide
Final Thoughts
Disconnecting synced contacts from Instagram is a smart step if you value privacy and control over your personal data. By turning off contact uploads, deleting existing contact data, and removing phone permissions, you can fully separate Instagram from your phone’s contact list.
The process is official, safe, and reversible if you ever change your mind.