When you try to mention another user in a Threads post, you may see the message “Mention Not Allowed by User.” This error appears because the person you are trying to mention has restricted who can tag them in posts. The feature is controlled by a privacy setting that limits mentions to people the user follows or to nobody at all. This article explains why the error occurs, how to check and change your own mention preferences, and what to do if you encounter this error when mentioning others.
Key Takeaways: Threads Mention Privacy Settings
- Profile > Privacy > Mentions: Change who can mention you: Everyone, People you follow, or No one.
- Profile > Privacy > Mentions > No one: Selecting this prevents all users from tagging you in any post.
- Profile > Privacy > Mentions > People you follow: Only accounts you follow can mention you; others see the error.
Why the “Mention Not Allowed by User” Error Occurs
Threads gives each user control over who can mention them in posts. This setting is separate from direct messages or replies. When you try to mention someone whose mention setting is set to “People you follow” or “No one,” Threads blocks the mention and shows the error message. The feature is designed to prevent unwanted tagging or spam from unknown accounts.
The mention setting applies to all posts you create, including text posts, image captions, and link shares. It does not affect replies to that user’s own posts or mentions in comments on your own posts. The restriction only applies when you type the @ symbol followed by their username in a new post.
How the Mention Setting Affects Your Posts
If you set your mentions to “People you follow,” only accounts you follow can tag you. If a stranger or someone you do not follow tags you, the mention is blocked and the error appears for them. If you set mentions to “No one,” no one can tag you at all. If you set mentions to “Everyone,” any Threads user can mention you without restriction.
Steps to Check and Change Your Mention Privacy Setting
You can adjust your mention privacy setting directly from the Threads mobile app. Follow these steps to see your current setting and change it if needed.
- Open the Threads app on your phone
Launch Threads and log into your account. The app must be updated to the latest version from your app store. - Tap your profile icon
Tap the profile icon in the bottom-right corner of the home screen. This opens your profile page. - Tap the two-line menu icon
Tap the icon with two horizontal lines in the top-right corner of your profile. This opens the settings menu. - Select Privacy
In the settings menu, tap Privacy. This opens a list of privacy-related options. - Tap Mentions
Under the Interactions section, tap Mentions. You will see three options: Everyone, People you follow, and No one. - Select your preferred mention setting
Tap the option you want. The change takes effect immediately. There is no save button.
How to Check Another User’s Mention Setting
You cannot see another user’s mention setting from your app. The only way to know if a user has restricted mentions is to attempt to mention them. If you see the error, they have either “People you follow” or “No one” selected. There is no workaround. You cannot override their privacy choice.
If You Still Encounter the Error After Changing Your Own Setting
Changing your own mention setting does not affect how other users can mention you. The error appears for the person trying to tag you, not for you. If you set your mentions to “Everyone” but still get the error when mentioning someone else, that other person has restricted mentions. Your own setting has no impact on their restrictions.
“Mention Not Allowed by User” When Mentioning a Public Figure
Many public figures on Threads set their mentions to “People you follow” to reduce spam. If you do not follow that account, you will see the error. To mention them, follow their account first. If they have set mentions to “No one,” even following them will not allow you to tag them.
“Mention Not Allowed by User” When Mentioning a Friend
If you are already following the person and still get the error, they may have set mentions to “No one.” Ask them to check their mention setting and change it to “Everyone” or “People you follow” if they want to be tagged by you. If they keep it on “No one,” you cannot mention them in any post.
Threads Mention Settings vs Instagram Mention Settings
| Item | Threads Mentions | Instagram Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Location in app | Profile > Privacy > Mentions | Profile > Settings > Privacy > Tags |
| Options available | Everyone, People you follow, No one | Everyone, People you follow, Off |
| Affects posts only | Yes, only new posts you create | Yes, only new posts and stories |
| Syncs between apps | No, settings are independent | No, settings are independent |
Threads mention settings are completely separate from Instagram tag settings. Changing your Instagram tag setting does not change your Threads mention setting. You must adjust them individually in each app.
To avoid the “Mention Not Allowed by User” error when mentioning others, check whether you follow the account first. If you do not follow them, try following them and then attempt the mention again. If you follow them and still see the error, the user has set mentions to “No one.” In that case, you cannot mention them at all. For your own account, set mentions to “Everyone” if you want to allow all users to tag you. Use “People you follow” if you only want tags from accounts you follow. Use “No one” if you want to block all mentions entirely.