How to Reset Your Instagram Algorithm in 2026 (Step-by-Step Guide)
Updated: October 23, 2026
Does your Instagram Explore page keep showing content you don't like?
Maybe your Reels feed is full of videos about topics you stopped caring about months ago. Or perhaps you watched one random video, and now Instagram won't stop recommending similar content.
If this sounds familiar, you're not alone.
Instagram personalizes what you see based on different signals, including your interactions with posts, accounts, and recommended content.
The good news? You can reset your Instagram recommendations and take more control over your Reels and Explore feed.
In this guide, you'll learn how to reset your Instagram algorithm in 2026, how to use Instagram's newer Your Algorithm controls, and what to do when unwanted recommendations keep coming back.
Can You Really Reset the Instagram Algorithm?
Yes — but it's important to understand what resetting actually means.
Instagram offers a feature called Reset Suggested Content.
It allows you to start fresh with recommended content across:
Instagram Explore
Instagram Reels
Suggested posts in your main Feed
After a reset, Instagram begins personalizing your recommendations again based on your subsequent activity.
This means a reset isn't permanent.
If you continue watching or interacting with the same types of videos, Instagram may gradually recommend similar content again.
It also doesn't delete your Instagram account, remove your posts, or automatically unfollow everyone.
How to Reset Your Instagram Algorithm in 2026
Here's the official reset method described by Meta.
Step 1: Open Instagram
Launch the Instagram app on your iPhone or Android device.
Make sure you're signed in to the account whose recommendations you want to change.
Step 2: Go to your profile
Tap your profile picture in the bottom-right corner.
Step 3: Open the menu
Tap the three horizontal lines in the upper-right corner.
Step 4: Find Content Preferences
Scroll through your settings and look for Content preferences.
Depending on your app version, some settings may appear under slightly different menu sections.
Step 5: Select Reset Suggested Content
Tap Reset suggested content.
Instagram will explain what happens when you reset your recommendations.
Step 6: Review and confirm
Read the information and follow the confirmation steps.
Tap Reset suggested content to complete the process.
That's it.
Instagram will begin rebuilding your recommendations as you use the app.
Important: The reset is designed for suggested content, not for wiping your entire Instagram activity history.
What Happens After You Reset Instagram Recommendations?
You may notice changes to the content appearing in your Explore page, Reels feed, and suggested posts.
However, Instagram doesn't promise that every unwanted topic will disappear immediately.
Your recommendations will continue evolving based on your activity.
For example:
If you start watching cooking tutorials, saving recipes, and interacting with food creators, Instagram may begin showing more food-related recommendations.
If you repeatedly watch celebrity gossip videos, those interactions may influence future suggestions too.
This is why the way you use Instagram after resetting matters.
What a reset does and doesn't do
| Action | Result |
|---|---|
| Reset suggested content | Refreshes recommendations in supported surfaces |
| Delete your Instagram posts | No |
| Delete your followers | No |
| Automatically unfollow accounts | No |
| Permanently block unwanted topics | No |
| Guarantee a completely new feed forever | No |
| Increase the reach of your own Reels | No guarantee |
How to Change Your Instagram Reels Algorithm Without Resetting Everything
Maybe you don't want to start completely over.
You simply want Instagram to show more videos about your current interests.
That's where Your Algorithm comes in.
Instagram introduced this feature to give people more direct control over the topics influencing their recommendations.
How to use Your Algorithm on Instagram
Open Instagram and go to the Reels tab.
Look for the Your Algorithm control, represented in supported versions by an icon with two lines and hearts.
Tap it to view the topics Instagram associates with your interests.
Adjust the topics you want to see more or less often.
Return to Reels and continue browsing.
Your available options may depend on your account, language, region, and app version.
Instagram has expanded these topic controls beyond Reels to additional recommendation surfaces, including Explore and Feed.
Example
Imagine Instagram thinks you're interested in:
Celebrity news
Fitness
Gaming
Travel
But you've recently become more interested in cooking and home decoration.
You can adjust the available topics to better reflect your current interests.
The goal is to help Instagram understand what you actually want to watch.
Reset Suggested Content starts recommendations over. Your Algorithm lets you edit your interests more selectively.
How to Reset Your Instagram Explore Page
Your Explore page is designed to help you discover content from accounts you may not already follow.
If it keeps showing irrelevant posts, you have several options.
Option 1: Reset suggested content
Use the reset process described above if you want a broader fresh start.
Option 2: Mark posts as Not Interested
If you only want to reduce a particular type of content:
Open the Explore page.
Select an unwanted post.
Tap the three-dot menu.
Choose Not interested, when available.
Instagram uses this feedback to adjust recommendations.
You may need to repeat the process for different posts or topics.
Option 3: Mark relevant posts as Interested
Instagram also offers an Interested option on supported recommended posts.
When you find content you'd like to see more often, use that feedback control if it's available.
Option 4: Review your followed accounts
Your interests may have changed since you followed certain creators.
Reviewing your following list can help you identify accounts that no longer match what you want to see.
You don't need to unfollow everyone.
Just make intentional choices about the accounts you follow.
Why Does Instagram Keep Showing Content I Don't Like?
There are several possible explanations.
1. You watch unwanted videos for too long
Sometimes we watch videos because they're surprising, annoying, or controversial.
Even when you don't like a video, your viewing behavior can still provide information to recommendation systems.
2. You interact with similar posts
Comments, shares, likes, and other interactions can influence recommendations.
3. Your interests have changed
Instagram may still be using patterns associated with topics you previously enjoyed.
4. You follow accounts that post similar content
Accounts you follow can shape your overall experience.
5. Your recommendations are still learning
After a reset, Instagram needs new information to personalize your recommendations.
A few interactions won't necessarily produce perfect results.
How to Stop Seeing Unwanted Reels on Instagram
If you don't want to perform a full reset, try these steps.
Use Not Interested: Tell Instagram when a suggested Reel isn't relevant.
Adjust Your Algorithm: Remove or reduce unwanted topics when the feature is available.
Avoid repeatedly watching unwanted content: Don't spend unnecessary time on videos you want to see less often.
Engage with topics you genuinely enjoy: Watch, save, or interact with content that matches your interests.
Review your followed accounts: Keep your following list relevant.
Use content preference controls: Explore the options Instagram provides for managing recommendations and sensitive content.
These steps can help shape your experience, but no individual action guarantees that a topic will disappear completely.
Does Clearing Instagram Search History Reset the Algorithm?
Not in the same way.
Clearing your Instagram search history removes saved search entries from your search activity.
It isn't equivalent to using Reset Suggested Content.
Instagram recommendations are informed by multiple types of activity, not just search history.
So clearing searches alone may not produce the changes you expect.
If your goal is to refresh Explore, Reels, and suggested Feed content, the dedicated reset feature is the more relevant tool.
Does Clearing the Instagram Cache Reset Reels?
Clearing the app cache is not the official method for resetting Instagram recommendations.
Cache files are primarily related to app operation and stored local data.
Removing them doesn't guarantee that Instagram will forget your interests or rebuild your recommendations.
If you want to change what Instagram suggests, use its recommendation controls rather than relying on cache-clearing tricks.
Why Can't I Find Reset Suggested Content on Instagram?
If you don't see the reset option, consider these possibilities:
Your Instagram app may need updating.
The settings layout may differ on your device.
The feature may not be available in the same way for every account.
You may be looking in the wrong menu.
Try updating Instagram through your device's app store.
Then check:
Profile → Menu → Content preferences → Reset suggested content
If the option still doesn't appear, use the available Interested, Not Interested, and Your Algorithm controls while checking Instagram's official Help Center for account-specific guidance.
Avoid third-party apps that claim they can secretly reset or manipulate Instagram's algorithm.
Will Resetting My Instagram Algorithm Increase My Views?
This is an important distinction for content creators.
Resetting the recommendations you see is not the same as changing how Instagram recommends your own posts to other people.
For example:
You might reset your Explore page because you want to see more photography content.
That doesn't mean your photography Reels will suddenly receive more views.
Instagram's content recommendation systems evaluate many factors, and your personal viewing preferences are only one part of your experience.
If you're trying to grow your account, focus on your content strategy, audience relevance, profile presentation, and available performance insights.
For more guidance, read our related articles:
Instagram Reels Algorithm October 2026: What's Changed and How to Adapt
Why Am I Getting Instagram Views but No Followers? (2026 Guide)
Why Are My Instagram Reels Getting Views but No Likes? (2026 Guide)
What Does This Mean for Instagram Creators and Businesses?
As Instagram gives users more ways to personalize recommendations, creators should think carefully about the audiences they want to reach.
For example, a small business selling handmade products might create Reels about:
The production process
Product demonstrations
Styling ideas
Frequently asked questions
Behind-the-scenes moments
These topics help communicate what the account offers.
However, no creator can force another user's algorithm to recommend their content simply by choosing specific hashtags or purchasing engagement.
For businesses and social media marketers, understanding how recommendations work can support better content planning and more realistic performance expectations.
SMMRangers provides social media marketing service categories for Instagram and other platforms, but such services should not be confused with Instagram's own recommendation controls or guaranteed organic reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reset my Instagram algorithm in 2026?
Yes. Instagram offers a Reset Suggested Content feature designed to refresh recommendations across Explore, Reels, and suggested posts in Feed.
How do I reset Instagram Reels?
Go to your profile, open the menu, find Content preferences, and select Reset suggested content. You can also use Your Algorithm to adjust Reels topics without performing a full reset.
Can I reset Instagram Explore without deleting my account?
Yes. Resetting suggested content doesn't require deleting your Instagram account.
Will resetting Instagram delete my followers?
No. Resetting recommendations doesn't automatically remove your followers or unfollow accounts.
How long does Instagram take to learn my interests again?
Instagram hasn't established a universal timeframe that applies to every account. Recommendations continue to evolve based on your interactions.
How do I stop Instagram from showing inappropriate or unwanted content?
Use Not Interested, review your content preferences, and adjust sensitive content controls where available. You can also report content that violates Instagram's rules.
Is Your Algorithm available to everyone?
Availability can vary by region, language, account, and app version. Instagram has expanded the feature over time, but the exact controls you see may differ.
Does resetting Instagram help me get more followers?
Not directly. The reset changes your personal recommendations, not the distribution of your own posts to other users.
Can I reset Instagram's algorithm without clearing my search history?
Yes. Reset Suggested Content is a separate control from search history management.
Final Thoughts
If your Instagram Explore page or Reels feed no longer reflects your interests, you don't have to keep scrolling through irrelevant content.
Instagram provides tools to reset your recommendations, adjust your preferred topics, and give feedback about what you want to see.
Start with Reset Suggested Content if you want a broad refresh.
Use Your Algorithm and Not Interested if you prefer more targeted changes.
Most importantly, remember that your future interactions will continue shaping what Instagram recommends.
For more Instagram guides, social media updates, and creator resources, explore the SMMRangers blog.