If you’re on a Mastodon server, you can keep your lists of follows and followers hidden on your profile if you want to:
- Log in through your server’s website or web app
- Click on your profile icon, then Edit profile
- Click on the Privacy & Reach tab
- Scroll down to the option marked Show follows and followers on profile, and UN-tick it
- Click the Save changes button
You will still be able to see your follows and follower lists when you look at your profile while logged in, but other people will not be able to see them.
What will other people see when they try to view the follows on my profile?
There is a message saying “This user has chosen to hide their follows”. Older versions of Mastodon incorrectly said the user didn’t have follows, but this has since been corrected.
What if I change my mind?
If you change your mind and want to show your profile’s follows and followers to others, repeat the process above but tick the box instead of un-ticking it.
Will this hide my follower and follow numbers?
No, the numbers will still be visible. It will just hide who is actually following you or being followed by you.
Will this stop people seeing me on other people’s follow/follower lists?
No, it will just stop people browsing your profile’s follow and follower lists. You may still show up on the follow/follower lists of other profiles.