To see a muted account’s Stories again, open their profile, tap Following, then Mute, and turn Stories off. You can also press and hold their greyed-out Story at the end of your Stories row and choose Unmute. If a Story plays with no sound, that’s a different problem: check your volume and silent mode.
Unmute someone’s Stories from their profile
- Go to the profile of the account you muted.
- Tap Following.
- Tap Mute. Instagram lets you mute Posts, Stories and Notes separately (Instagram).
- Turn off Stories, and Posts too if you want those back (Social Champ).
On a computer, Social Champ says to open the profile and click Following (Social Champ).
Unmute from the Stories row
Muted accounts stay in your Stories row, greyed out at the end, and their Stories don’t play automatically (Guiding Tech). Scroll to the end of the row, press and hold the account’s circle and tap Unmute (Later).
See everyone you’ve muted
Social Champ describes a list under Settings and privacy, Muted accounts (Social Champ). Menu names change between app versions, so if you can’t find it, use the profile steps for each account.
Muting doesn’t unfollow anyone: you still follow the account and stop seeing its posts, Stories or messages, depending on what you muted (Instagram). Muting posts or Stories doesn’t hide their Notes. To mute someone again later, see how to mute Instagram Stories.
Stories or videos with no sound
- Raise the volume. When your phone is on silent, Instagram mutes videos in the feed and the Reels tab, and pressing volume up brings the sound back (Guiding Tech).
- Turn off silent mode on iPhone with the switch or the Action button (Apple Support).
- Check Bluetooth. Sound may be going to headphones or a speaker that’s still connected (Guiding Tech).
- Update Instagram from the App Store or Google Play.
Still silent? The Story may have been posted without audio, or the music may have been muted. Instagram’s music depends on licensing agreements, and tracks can be muted when those change (Instagram).
Does the other person know?
No. Guides say muted accounts aren’t told (Later) and get no notification when you mute or unmute them (Social Champ). Instagram’s own guide doesn’t mention notifications.
FAQ
Where do muted Stories go?
To the end of your Stories row, greyed out. They don’t play automatically.
Can I unmute Stories and keep posts muted?
Yes. Posts, Stories and Notes are separate switches under Following, Mute.
Why can’t I hear a Story when I tap it?
Check the volume and silent mode, and disconnect Bluetooth. If other videos play sound, the Story may have no audio or muted music.
Is muting the same as unfollowing?
No. You keep following the account. To stop following, see how to unfollow someone on Instagram.