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How to Reset Instagram Explore Page on iPhone : A Complete Guide

In this article, I'll guide you through how and why to reset Instagram Explore page on your iPhone and Android using both Instagram's native features and some manual approaches.

Key Takeaways:

  • Why Reset Your Feed?: You should reset your Explore page when your interests change or when the algorithm consistently shows you repetitive, irrelevant, or unwanted content.
  • The Official Reset Button: For the fastest method, go to your Profile menu > Content preferences and tap “Reset suggested content” to completely refresh your Explore page algorithm.
  • Manual Curation: You can also manually influence your feed by clearing your search history and consistently marking unwanted posts and Reels with the “Not Interested” option.
  • Post-Reset Expectations: After a reset, the algorithm starts fresh. It will take days or weeks of your new activity for it to learn your current content preferences again.
  • Long-Term Maintenance: To maintain a relevant feed long-term, actively engage with content you enjoy and continue to use the “Not Interested” option on posts you dislike.

Instagram’s Explore page is a wonderful spot to find fresh posts, Reels, and accounts on what you’re interested in. But occasionally, this page can get stuck in a loop, presenting you with the same old thing or contents you’re no longer interested in. When this occurs, resetting your Explore page can be a fresh start.

Here, I’ll guide you through how and why to reset Instagram Explore page on your iPhone and Android using both Instagram’s native features and some manual approaches, along with advice to keep it fresh and updated.

How to Reset Your Explore Page on Instagram in 30 Seconds

  1. Open your Instagram profile and tap the three-line menu icon.
  2. Scroll down and tap on Content preferences.
  3. Select Reset suggested content.
  4. Follow the on-screen prompts and tap Reset suggested content.

Why Should You Reset Your Instagram Explore Page? 

Your Instagram Explore page is curated by the algorithm of the app, which trails behind your likes, comments, searches, and even the posts you spend time on. After a while, it may begin to feature content based on momentary interests—such as that one time you watched that one woodworking reel for entertainment.

Here’s some situations when resetting becomes necessary:

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  • Your interests have changed: What you liked a few months ago may not match your current mood or hobbies. 
  • You accidentally interacted with unwanted content: Even a few wrong taps or searches can confuse the algorithm and change your Explore feed. 
  • Too much repetitive content; If you’re seeing the same type of posts (like the same trends or creators), a reset brings variety back.
  • To remove unwanted or inappropriate suggestions: Resetting can help clean up content, especially sensitive posts, you don’t want to see.
  • You want a fresh start: Sometimes a clean slate helps you discover new creators, topics, and trends that are more relevant to you now. 
  • Improve mental well-being: If the content feels overwhelming, toxic, or distracting, a reset can make your feed more positive and uplifting. 

Therefore, whether you’ve changed hobbies, moved to a new city, or simply want to explore fresh niches, resetting the Explore page helps the algorithm catch up with your current vibe. Now, let’s see the steps to make it happen! 

How to Reset Your Instagram Explore Page

To change your Instagram Explore page, you need to signal the algorithm what type of content you already enjoy. Here’s two speedy ways to do so:  

How to Reset Suggested Content on Instagram

Recently, Instagram introduced a game-changing feature: the “Reset suggested content” option. It allows you to quickly refresh your Explore page, Reels, and home feed without tedious manual adjustments. Here’s how to use it on your iPhone and Android:

  1. Open the Instagram app and tap your profile picture in the bottom-right corner.
  2. Tap the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the top-right corner.
  3. Scroll down to the What you see section and select Content preferences.
  4. Tap Reset suggested content.
    Tap on hamburger and access content preferences option
  5. It will show a new window explaining how the feature works. Tap Next to proceed.
  6. Now, you will see all accounts you follow, accounts most shown in feed, and ad topics. You can unfollow accounts and select topics you want to see less to make the reset more effective.
  7. Confirm by tapping Reset suggested content at the bottom.
    Tap on reset suggested content

The feature wipes the algorithm’s memory of your previous interactions, literally erasing its “memory.” Now, you can mold your Explore page with fresh likes, follows, and searches.

Note that this option might not be available to all users yet, as Instagram rolls out updates gradually. If you don’t see it, try updating the app or using the manual methods below.

How to Manually Fine-Tune Your Instagram Feed

If the Reset button isn’t visible or you prefer to have a higher degree of control over the posts, these do-it-yourself techniques can assist you in modifying your Explore page on an iPhone or Android.

Every step addresses a different segment of the algorithm’s information, allowing you a more purged feed.

1. Clear Search History

Your search history affects what Instagram shows you on your Explore page. Erasing it wipes away records of old searches, such as that random celeb you searched for months back. Here’s how:

  1. Open Instagram and go to your profile.
  2. Tap the hamburger menu and select Your Activity
    Access recent searches from instagram settings
  3. Scroll to Recent searches and tap Clear All.
  4. Confirm by tapping Clear All again.
    Tap on clear all to remove instagram search history

This removes Instagram’s ability to suggest content based on history from searches, but it will not impact your saved posts or other information. Remember, cleared searches can’t be reverted, although Instagram can still auto-complete similar search terms when typing.

2. Mark Posts as “Not Interested”

Manually editing your feed by labeling posts as “Not Interested” is a strong technique to instruct Instagram about what you dislike. It assists the algorithm in its ability to hone suggestions over time.

  1. Go to the Explore page by tapping the magnifying glass icon at the bottom toolbar.
  2. Find a post you don’t like and tap the three dots in the top-right corner. For Reels, you will find the three-dot menu at the bottom right corner. 
  3. Select Not Interested or See Fewer Posts Like This. Instagram will ask your reason if you mark a Reel as not interesting. 
  4. Repeat for other unwanted posts. 
    Select not interested option from drop menu

Continuously doing this instructs Instagram to refrain from posting such content and refine your feed. For instance, if you get frequent makeup tutorials but like traveling content, marking the tutorials will change your feed to be more travel-based posts.

3. Clear Instagram Cache

Clearing the app’s cache removes temporary data that might influence your Explore page, like stored images or videos.  

On iPhone: 

There’s no direct cache-clearing option, so you’ll need to offload the app and reinstall it: 

  1. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage
  2. Find Instagram.
    Open iphone storage in iphone settings
  3. Tap Offload App and confirm by tapping Offload App again. 
  4. Reinstall Instagram from the App Store and sign back in. 
    Tap on offload to clear instagram cache from iphone settings

Offloading Instagram will leave your crucial documents and data in place. But if it didn’t appear to work, you can uninstall the app and then reinstall it to erase all its associated data from your iPhone. 

On Android: 

  1. Open Settings, scroll down and select Apps > App management
  2. Here, find and tap on Instagram
  3. Select Storage usage and tap Clear cache.  

This process wipes out all data from apps on your phone, resulting in a clean slate for your Explore page. You’ll have to sign back in, but your account information is not compromised. This is a more forceful method and will work if other actions don’t completely refresh your feed.

4. Unfollow or Mute Accounts You No Longer Enjoy

Your Explore page is greatly affected by the accounts you follow. If you notice you are looking at content about accounts that you don’t like any more, not following or muting them on Instagram can be of assistance. Here’s how:

  1. Go to your profile and tap Following
  2. Find accounts posting irrelevant content.  
  3. Tap the three-dots icon next to their profile and select Unfollow to stop seeing their posts entirely. 
  4. Alternatively, tap Mute to hide their posts or stories without unfollowing. 

Unfollowing or muting reduces the algorithm’s reliance on those accounts’ content, helping shift your Explore page toward new interests. For example, muting an old gaming account might reduce gaming-related suggestions if you’re now into photography. 

What Happens After You Reset Instagram Suggested Content?

Once you reset your Explore page using Instagram’s built-in tool and manual methods, your past interactions no longer influence suggestions, and the algorithm starts rebuilding your feed.  

  • Your Explore feed is wiped clean: Instagram removes all the personalized suggestions and erases algorithm’s memory. 
  • You’ll see more general or trending content at first: Since Instagram doesn’t know your preferences anymore, it shows broad or popular posts. 
  • Instagram starts relearning your interests: Every new like, comment, follow, or search helps Instagram rebuild your Explore feed from scratch. 
  • Your feed may feel random for a while: It will take a few days of regular use before the Explore page feels relevant again. 
  • You cannot undo the reset: Once done, there’s no way to bring back the old content suggestions. 
  • You have more control over future suggestions: As you interact with posts you actually like, Instagram tailors your Explore page to your current interests. 

You won’t lose your posts, followers, or messages—only the content recommendations change. For example, if you start engaging with #Yoga or #VeganRecipes, your Explore page will gradually fill with related content.

If you still see irrelevant posts, keep using the manual methods below to fine-tune the algorithm. 

Additional Tips to Maintain a Relevant Explore Page

Once you’ve reset your Explore page, keep it relevant with these habits: 

  • Engage Intentionally: Like, comment, and save posts that align with your interests. 
  • Mark “Interested”: Go to your Explore page, find the posts you like, and select three-dot menu > Interested to see more alike content. 
  • Follow New Accounts: Search for hashtags or accounts related to your current hobbies, like #MinimalistLiving or #Foodie, and follow them to guide the algorithm. 
  • Use Favorites: Add accounts to your Favorites list (via your profile) to prioritize their posts in your feed and influence Explore suggestions. 
  • Avoid Unwanted Content: Don’t tap on posts or reels you dislike, since even short interactions will indicate interest to the algorithm. 
  • Adjust Sensitive Content Controls: Go to Settings > Content preferences > Sensitive content to limit potentially sensitive posts. 
  • Regular Maintenance: Check your Explore page weekly and mark irrelevant posts as “Not Interested” to keep the algorithm on track. 

These actions assist Instagram in learning your taste quicker so that your Explore page remains updated and interesting.

Can You Undo Explore Page Reset on iPhone?

If you reset your Explore page and regret it—maybe you miss the old content or accidentally cleared too much—there’s no direct “undo” button. However, you can guide the algorithm back to your preferred content: 

  • Revisit Your Activity: Go to Your Activity in the hamburger menu and review past likes or saved posts. Re-engage with content you enjoyed to signal your interests. 
  • Search Old Interests: Use the search bar to find hashtags or accounts you previously liked, such as #TravelPhotography, and interact with those posts. 
  • Unmark “Not Interested”: If you accidentally marked a post , go to Content preferences > Not Interested and tap Undo on specific posts to restore them. 
  • Follow Familiar Accounts: Re-follow accounts you unfollowed or unmute muted ones to bring their content back into your feed. 

It may take a few days for the algorithm to adjust, but consistent engagement with your preferred content will help restore your Explore page. Be patient, as the process depends on how actively you interact. 

Personalize Your Instagram Explore Feed!

Resetting your Instagram Explore page brings back control. Whether you use Instagram’s built‑in reset button or manual methods—clearing history, flagging posts, uninstalling the app, and updating who you follow—your feed will begin to realign with your current interests. Just remember: it takes a little bit of interaction to rebuild a really individualized experience.

If you enjoyed this brief guide, be sure to check out our expert tips to master Instagram like a pro

FAQs

How long does it take for the Explore page to learn my interests again?

There is no set timeframe. Instagram’s algorithm typically takes a few days to a week to adjust, depending on how actively you engage with new content. Consistently liking, commenting, and following accounts aligned with your interests speeds up the process. If you’re still seeing old content, keep marking it as Not Interested to refine the feed faster. 

Why does my Explore page show things I don’t like?

Instagram’s Explore page is based on your past activity, likes, saves, searches, and posts you interact with. If you engage with something by mistake or your interests change, the algorithm might still show related content.

What is the fastest way to clear my Instagram Explore page?

Using the built-in Reset suggested content settings is the best way to go. This will wipe your current suggestions so Instagram can build your feed from scratch.

Does clearing my cache reset my Explore page on iPhone?

Clearing your cache will not directly reset your Instagram Explore page. However, it removes the old temporary files which may give you a fresh start.

What happens when I click “Not Interested” on Instagram?

Instagram hides that post and reduces similar content in your Explore page over time.

Can I undo a reset of my suggested posts?

No. Once you reset, your old suggestions are gone, and Instagram starts learning your interest like the first time.

Will resetting my Explore page affect my main feed?

No. Your main feed stays the same because it’s based on accounts you follow, not Explore suggestions. Both follows different algorithms to curate content.

Ava Biswas
Ava Biswas

Ava is a die-hard Apple aficionado and seasoned writer with a knack for breaking down complex tech concepts into easily digestible content. Having honed her writing and editing skills over 4 years at renowned media houses like TechBurner, Ava crafts informative and engaging articles including troubleshooting guides, product reviews, editorials at iGeeksBlog. When not typing, you can find her exploring the latest Apple releases or pondering the future of tech innovation.

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