Introduction
Instagram Reels is a popular feature that allows users to create and share short, engaging videos with music, effects, and filters. Introduced as a competitor to TikTok, Reels have quickly become a central part of Instagram, offering creators and users a dynamic way to connect and express themselves.
But not everyone enjoys this feature. Many users find Reels distracting or irrelevant to their Instagram experience, leading to the question: Can you disable or turn off Instagram Reels?
The simple answer is no—Instagram does not provide a built-in option to remove or disable Reels. However, a few workarounds can help minimize their presence in your feed. This article will guide you through these practical solutions, making your Instagram experience more tailored to your preferences.
How to Minimize or Avoid Reels on Instagram
Option 1: Use Instagram in a Web Browser
A simple way to avoid Instagram Reels is to use Instagram on a web browser instead of the app. The browser version doesn’t make Reels as prominent, so you won’t have to deal with them as much.
When you log into Instagram on a web browser, the platform focuses more on posts and photos rather than pushing Reels into your feed. While Reels may still appear occasionally, they’re far less noticeable compared to the mobile app.
How to Do It
1. Open Your Browser:
– Use any browser, like Chrome, Safari, or Firefox, on your computer or phone.
2. Go to Instagram:
– Type www.instagram.com into the address bar and log in with your account details.
3. Browse as Usual:
– You’ll see your regular Instagram feed, but without the constant push of Reels, you’d see on the app.
Things to Keep in Mind
- The browser version is slightly less user-friendly than the app, so certain features like messaging or posting stories might take some getting used to.
- While this method won’t completely remove Reels, it makes them much less visible, giving you a cleaner Instagram experience.
Option 2: Download an Older Version of Instagram (Android Only)
If you’re an Android user, one way to avoid Reels is by downloading an older version of the Instagram app. Reels were introduced in 2020, so using a version of the app from before that time can help you avoid this feature entirely. However, this method requires some extra effort and comes with certain risks.
Older versions of Instagram don’t include Reels as a feature because they were added in a later update. By installing a pre-2020 version of the app, you can enjoy Instagram without seeing Reels. This method only works on Android devices because Android allows users to install apps from sources outside the Google Play Store manually.
Steps to Download and Install an Older Version
1. Find the APK File for an Older Version of Instagram:
– Search online for a trusted website that hosts older versions of apps (e.g., APKMirror or APKPure). Be sure to choose a version of Instagram released before 2020.
2. Enable “Unknown Sources” on Your Android Phone:
– Go to your phone’s Settings > Security and enable the option to install apps from unknown sources. This lets you install apps that aren’t from the Play Store.
3. Download and Install the APK File:
– Download the APK file from the website.
– Open the file and follow the prompts to install it on your device.
4. Disable Automatic Updates:
– To prevent the app from updating to the latest version (which will reintroduce Reels), go to the Google Play Store.
– Search for Instagram, tap the three-dot menu, and uncheck Enable Auto-update.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Security Risks: APK files from unverified sources can sometimes contain malware or harmful code. Only download from trusted websites.
- Limited Features: Older versions of Instagram may lack some features you enjoy, such as improved messaging or new design elements.
- Compatibility Issues: Older versions might not work perfectly on newer Android devices or may crash frequently.
Option 3: Use “Not Interested” to Customize Your Feed
If you’re unable to avoid Instagram Reels completely, you can train the app to show fewer of them by using the “Not Interested” option. This allows you to tailor your feed by letting Instagram know which content you don’t want to see.
Instagram’s algorithm is designed to learn from your preferences. When you mark Reels as “Not Interested,” the app recognizes this feedback and gradually reduces similar content from your feed. While this won’t eliminate Reels entirely, it can significantly cut down their frequency.
Steps to Mark Reels as “Not Interested”
1. Find a Reel on Your Feed:
– As you scroll through your Instagram feed, you’ll likely come across Reels.
2. Tap the Three Dots:
– At the top-right corner of the Reel, you’ll see three vertical dots. Tap on them to open a menu.
3. Select “Not Interested”:
– From the menu, choose the “Not Interested” option. Instagram will take note that you don’t want to see similar content.
4. Repeat for Other Reels:
– The more Reels you mark as “Not Interested,” the more the algorithm learns about your preferences.
Additional Tips
- Unfollow Accounts That Post Reels Frequently:
- If certain accounts post Reels more often than other types of content, consider unfollowing or muting them.
- Avoid Engaging with Reels:
- Don’t like, comment, or share Reels, as this signals to Instagram that you enjoy this content.
Option 4: Use Instagram Mod Apps (Android Only)
If you’re looking for a more drastic way to avoid Instagram Reels, you can consider using modified versions of the Instagram app, often referred to as “mod apps.” These third-party apps are unofficial versions of the Instagram app that offer enhanced features not available in the standard version. These mods, like “Instander” or other similar apps, often include options to block Reels entirely, remove ads, or access additional customization settings.
Steps to Use a Mod App
1. Find a Trusted Mod App:
– Research and choose a popular and trusted mod app like “Instander.”
– Make sure to download it from a reputable source to avoid security risks.
2. Enable “Unknown Sources” on Your Android Device:
– Go to your phone’s Settings > Security and enable the option to install apps from unknown sources.
3. Download and Install the Mod App:
– Download the APK file for the mod app and install it on your device.
– Follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.
4. Customize Your Instagram Experience:
– Open the mod app, log in to your account, and access the settings to disable or block Reels.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Security Concerns: Mod apps can introduce malware or spyware to your device, especially if downloaded from unverified sources.
- Violation of Instagram’s Terms of Service: Using a mod app may breach Instagram’s policies, potentially leading to your account being banned or restricted.
- No Official Support: If something goes wrong while using the mod app, there’s no official help or support available.
Option 5: Reduce Reels Visibility on iOS (If Available)
If you’re using Instagram on an iOS device, you might not have as many options as Android users to disable or avoid Reels entirely because iOS does not allow users to install older versions of apps or use mod apps without jailbreaking the device (which is not recommended). However, you can still take some steps to reduce their visibility and make your feed more tailored to your preferences.
Steps to Reduce Reels’ Visibility
1. Adjust Your Instagram Settings (If Available):
– Open Instagram and go to your Profile.
– Tap the three-line menu in the top-right corner and select Settings.
– Navigate to Account > Preferences (if this option is available).
– Look for a section related to Reels settings (availability may vary by region or app version).
– If there’s a toggle for Show Reels, turn it off.
2. Use the “Not Interested” Option:
– Just like on Android, you can mark individual Reels as “Not Interested” to train Instagram’s algorithm to show fewer Reels.
3. Unfollow or Mute Accounts That Post Reels Frequently:
– Identify accounts that mainly post Reels and either unfollow or mute them to limit Reel content in your feed.
4. Avoid Engaging with Reels:
– Don’t interact with Reels by liking, commenting, or sharing. This signals to Instagram that you’re not interested in such content.
Can You Fully Turn Off Reels on iOS?
Currently, there’s no built-in feature on iOS to completely disable Reels in the Instagram app. The steps above can help reduce their visibility, but they won’t eliminate Reels entirely.
Conclusion: Can You Disable Instagram Reels?
In summary, Instagram does not offer an official way to completely disable Reels. The platform has integrated Reels as a core feature, and there’s no built-in option to turn them off. However, you can try the several options we provided in the article to help minimize or avoid Reels on Instagram.
While these methods can’t entirely remove Reels from your Instagram experience, they offer practical ways to regain some control over your feed. Ultimately, the best solution depends on your device, preferences, and willingness to explore alternative approaches.
If you find Reels disruptive, try out one or more of these tips to enjoy Instagram on your own terms.
