You cannot directly remove yourself from someone’s Close Friends list—only the account owner can do that. However, you can mute their stories, unfollow them, or ask them to remove you. Muting is the easiest and most discreet way to stop seeing Close Friends stories without hurting anyone’s feelings. In this complete guide, you’ll learn all the ways to leave a close friend’s story, why you might want to, and what happens when you do.
For more Instagram privacy tips, check out How to tell if someone blocked you from seeing their story on Instagram.
Table: Ways to Leave or Hide Close Friends Stories
| Method | How It Works | Will They Know? |
|---|---|---|
| Mute Stories | Hide all stories (including Close Friends) from your feed | No |
| Unfollow | Remove all their content from your feed | No notification, but they may notice |
| Ask to be removed | Politely request the user to remove you from Close Friends | Yes (direct conversation) |
Why Might You Want to Leave a Close Friends List?
- You’re no longer close with the person
- You don’t like or relate to their private content
- You want to reduce social media stress or drama
- You want more control over what you see
- You’re focusing on your mental health
It’s totally normal for relationships to change—online and offline. You have the right to curate your Instagram experience!
How to Mute Close Friends Stories on Instagram (Step-by-Step)
- Open Instagram and go to your feed.
- Find the Close Friends story (green ring) at the top of your feed.
- Long-press (tap and hold) the user’s profile picture.
- Tap Mute in the menu that appears.
- Select Mute Story (or Mute Story and Posts if you want).
- Their stories (including Close Friends) will no longer appear at the top of your feed.
Note: Muting is private. The user will not be notified.
How to Unfollow or Remove Someone’s Stories Completely
- Go to the user’s profile.
- Tap the Following button.
- Select Unfollow.
- You will no longer see any of their content, including Close Friends stories.
Tip: Unfollowing is more drastic than muting, but sometimes it’s the best option for your peace of mind.
How to Ask to Be Removed from a Close Friends List
- Send a polite DM to the user.
- Explain that you’d prefer not to be on their Close Friends list.
- Be honest but kind—most people will understand.
Example message: “Hey! I appreciate you adding me to your Close Friends, but I’d prefer not to see private stories right now. Would you mind removing me?”
Alternatives: Managing What You See on Instagram
- Mute stories from users you don’t want to see
- Unfollow or restrict users if needed
- Customize your own Close Friends list for privacy
- Use Instagram’s “Hide Story” feature for your own posts
You’re in control of your Instagram experience—don’t be afraid to use these tools!
What Is the Close Friends Feature on Instagram?
Close Friends is a feature that lets you share private stories with a select group of followers. Only people on your Close Friends list can see these stories (green ring). It’s perfect for sharing personal moments, inside jokes, or exclusive content.
- Only you can edit your Close Friends list
- People won’t be notified when you add or remove them
- Close Friends stories have a green ring and label
How to Manage Your Own Close Friends List
- Go to your Instagram profile
- Tap the menu (three lines) and select Close Friends
- Add or remove people as you wish
- Only you can see your list
Tip: Regularly update your Close Friends list to keep it relevant.
What Happens When You Leave or Mute a Close Friends Story?
- You won’t see their Close Friends stories in your feed
- You can still visit their profile and see public stories (unless you unfollow)
- The user will not be notified if you mute or unfollow
- If you ask to be removed, it’s up to them to do it
Muting is the most discreet option—no drama, no notifications.
Real-Life Scenarios: Why People Leave Close Friends Lists
The decision to stop seeing someone’s Close Friends stories is often personal. Here are some common real-life scenarios that might lead you to make that choice:
Case 1: You had a falling out with a friend
Friendships and relationships change over time. If you have had a disagreement, a breakup, or have simply drifted apart from someone, seeing their private, day-to-day moments can be awkward or even painful. In this situation, muting their stories or asking to be removed from their Close Friends list is a healthy way to create the digital distance you need to move on.
Case 2: You’re overwhelmed by too many Close Friends stories
Sometimes, you can be on too many Close Friends lists at once. Your story feed becomes cluttered with content that isn’t always relevant to you, making it difficult to see updates from the people you are closest to. Muting stories that you are less interested in helps you declutter your feed and focus on the content that matters most to you.
Case 3: You want to focus on your mental health
Prioritizing your mental health is essential, and social media can sometimes be a source of stress. Constantly seeing private updates from others can lead to comparison, anxiety, or social media fatigue. Choosing to leave a Close Friends list or mute stories is a valid and effective way to reduce digital noise and protect your mental space.
People’s interests and lifestyles change. The person might be sharing content about a hobby, job, or part of their life that you no longer connect with. It is perfectly fine to mute an account if their content is no longer relevant to you. Your Instagram feed should be a source of enjoyment and inspiration, not an obligation.
Tip: Ultimately, managing who you see on Instagram is about curating a positive experience for yourself. It is perfectly fine to put your well-being first and adjust your feed to match your current relationships and interests.
FAQ: Leaving a Close Friend’s Story on Instagram
Can I remove myself from someone’s Close Friends list?
No, only the account owner can remove you. You can mute their stories or ask them to remove you.
Will the user know if I mute their Close Friends stories?
No, Instagram does not notify users when you mute their stories.
Is muting the same as unfollowing?
No, muting hides stories from your feed but keeps you as a follower. Unfollowing removes all their content from your feed.
Can I see someone’s Close Friends stories without being on their list?
No, you must be on their Close Friends list to view private stories.
How do I manage my own Close Friends list?
Go to your profile > menu > Close Friends. Add or remove people as you wish.
What should I consider before asking to be removed?
Be honest and respectful. Consider your relationship and how your request might affect it.
Can I rejoin a Close Friends list after leaving?
Only if the account owner adds you again.
Have you ever left a Close Friends list or muted someone’s stories? Share your experience or questions below!
- If you block someone after viewing their story on Instagram will they know
- Why would someone hide their Instagram story from you
- Why would a girl hide her story from me
