How To Disable Instagram Reels on iPhone, iPad & Mac

Step-by-step directions on how to disable Reels on Instagram in 2025 by using official and third-party solutions.

There are several options on how to mute Instagram reels:

Turn off suggested Reels on Instagram by utilizing the official app & website
Hide Reels on Instagram by using third-party solutions

Turn Off Reels On Instagram App & Website (The Official Way)

Can you disable Reels by using official tools provided by Instagram & Meta? No. There is currently no official way to completely disable Instagram Reels. Why? Because Reels is designed to boost engagement—which leads to more ad views and, ultimately, more revenue for Instagram. As a result, Instagram has no incentive to offer a way to block it entirely!

Hide Instagram Reels (Third-Party Solutions)

iPhone & iPad (Instagram Website on Safari Method)

To disable Reels on Instagram via third-party solutions:

Uninstall Instagram app
Open Instagram website on Safari
Install a Safari extension (like #blockit or Social Focus) that is designed to help you remove Reels from various sections of the website

Mac

Nearly all Mac browsers have extensions that can remove Instagram shorts:

Safari (the same apps mentioned in the iPhone section):
- #blockit
- Social Focus
Chrome & Firefox & Others:
- IGPlus Extension (see the "Installation" section for directions for your browser)
- Antigram for Chrome

iPhone & iPad (Instagram App Method)

There is no way to remove Reels inside the Instagram app. Instead, the recommendation is to manage Instagram usage by using app blockers like Refocus with 3 steps:

Block Instagram all day
Unblock for a short duration when needed
Repeat

This method flips how you use Instagram. Instead of mindlessly opening Instagram and losing track of time, you consciously decide how long to use it. Learn more about why this method works here.