How to Stop an Instagram Post from Posting
Instagram offers a convenient way to share moments instantly, but there are times when you may need to stop a post from going live. Whether you’ve realized a mistake or simply changed your mind, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you cancel an Instagram post before it finishes uploading.
Watch the video version: How To Stop An Instagram Post From Posting 2025 (iPhone & Android)
Steps to Cancel an Instagram Post Upload
- Open Instagram: Launch the Instagram app on your mobile device.
- Access the Upload: Tap on the polls button located at the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Select Your Story: Choose the video or photo you intend to upload.
- Initiate Upload: After making your selection, tap on Your Story to start the uploading process.
- Check Progress: Once the upload begins, tap on your Profile Picture in the top left to view your story and its upload progress.
- No Direct Cancel Button: Note that there isn’t a direct cancel button available on the viewer screen.
- Access More Options: Tap on the three dots in the bottom right corner to open additional options.
- Cancel the Upload: From the menu, select the Cancel Upload option.
- Confirm Cancellation: A confirmation window will appear; tap on Cancel Upload again to confirm.
- Verification: Once confirmed, the story will be removed and will not be shared with your followers.
By following these steps, you can prevent an undesired post from going live on Instagram. This feature is particularly useful for correcting mistakes or if you simply change your mind about sharing a particular piece of content. Instead of having to delete the post after it has been uploaded, you can stop it before it reaches your followers.
