If you are interested in viewing other people's Instagram stories without them knowing, there are sneaky ways to go about it and even without living a trace. And mind you, there's nothing complex about it. 

To view Instagram stories anonymously, you don't need to be tech-savvy. Some of the approach you are about to learn doesn't even require you to log in to your Instagram account. So you can be 100% anonymous.

1. Turn On Airplane Mode

The most direct approach to view Instagram anonymously is using airplane mode. The first step which you are likely to have passed is getting the Instagram app installed on your smartphone. Whether you are an android or iPhone user, every smartphone comes with airplane mode. This method is very straightforward. Here's how;

1. Open Instagram and log in to your Instagram account

2. Wait for some seconds to allow all available stories to load

3. Turn on airplane mode and return to stories to view them

4. To add an extra layer of anonymity, close your Instagram app after viewing stories. 

Why Does This Work? 

There's no rocket science behind this, Instagram pre-loads all stories once you open the app. You can then view these stories regardless of your connection status. Switching to airplane mode means you are viewing without an internet connection. Therefore, stories can't count your view. 

The only downside of this method is that it's not the most effective with long stories. If a user posted stories with many slides, they are likely not to be all preloaded. Hence, you won't be able to see them all.

2. Using Chrome "IG stories for Instagram" Extension

"IG stories for Instagram" is a chrome web browser extension that allows anyone to view Instagram stories without having an Instagram account. To do this, follow the step below.

1. Open Chrome web browser on your PC 

2. Visit the chrome web store and search for "IG Stories for Instagram" from the pool of extensions

3. Install and activate  the extension for Chrome

4. Go to Instagram after installing and you can access stories anonymously.

If you don't want to go through the process of installing the extension, you can visit the "IG Stories for Instagram" website and access all the stories you want or even download them on your PC. 

3. Using Siri iOS shortcut for iPhone Users

This method is the easiest for people with iOS devices. It doesn't require installing any app. If your phone operates on iOS 13, you can view Instagram stories anonymously via the stock app shortcut. Follow these steps; 

1. Locate the shortcut app on your device. (If by chance you can't find the shortcut app, you can, with few taps, download from Appstore. It's free, simple and easy.)

2. Open the shortcut app and search for the link to the shortcut to view Instagram stories

3. After finding this shortcut link, click on the link and you will be prompted to input a profile link or username. 

4. Enter the profile link or username of the person you want to view their Instagram stories. The shortcut will load their stories.

5. Tap on the stories to view them and be rest assured your view won't count. You can also save the stories to your phone via this shortcut.