Last Updated on June 6, 2023 by Val Razo

Take Control: How to Disable Instagram Reels and Customize Your Feed

Reels on Instagram has gained immense popularity among Instagram users, but it might not be everyone’s cup of tea. In this article, written in April 2023, we will guide you through the process of how to turn off Reels on Instagram.

Why You Might Want to Turn Off Reels on Your Instagram Profile

For some users, reels on the app have ruined the original Instagram experience. They find the constant influx of annoying notifications overwhelming and simply don’t want to see these short videos cluttering their feed. Even though Instagram allows for a diverse range of content, reels might not be what everyone is looking for. If you’re one of those users, you’re in the right place.

Remove Reels from Your Feed

To get rid of reels on your feed, follow these simple steps:

1. Open the Instagram app on your phone.
2. Go to your profile by tapping the profile icon in the bottom right corner.
3. Tap the three lines in the top right corner to open the menu.
4. Select “Settings” at the bottom of the menu.
5. Choose “Privacy” from the list of options.
6. Scroll down to “Reels” and tap on it.
7. Toggle off the “Show Reels” option.

After completing these steps, you will no longer see reels from your Instagram feed. However, this doesn’t completely hide reels on Instagram from your experience. You might still come across them when browsing the Explore tab or when visiting other users’ profiles.

If you want to completely remove Instagram reels from your feed and other areas of the app, continue reading as we explore more options in the following sections.

Disabling Suggested Reels on Instagram

While Instagram doesn’t provide a direct option to disable reels entirely, there is a way to minimize the impact of suggested reels on your browsing experience. To disable suggested reels on Instagram, follow these steps:

1. Open the Instagram app and navigate to the Explore tab.
2. Scroll through the feed until you come across a suggested reel.
3. Tap the three dots in the top right corner of the reel.
4. Select “Not Interested” from the menu.

By marking reels as “Not Interested,” Instagram will show fewer suggested reels in the future, helping you declutter your feed.

Using the Browser Version to Disable Reels in Instagram

Another alternative to avoid reels is by accessing Instagram on your browser. When you use Instagram on a browser, such as Google Chrome, the reels feature is not supported, allowing you to enjoy Instagram. To access Instagram on a browser, simply follow these steps:

1. Open your preferred browser (e.g., Google Chrome).
2. Type “www.instagram.com” in the address bar and press Enter.
3. Log in to your Instagram account.

Now, you can browse Instagram without reels interrupting your experience. Remember that using Instagram on the browser might have some limitations compared to the app, such as the inability to upload photos or videos directly.

Opting for Instagram Lite to Dodge Reels

Another effective method to dodge reels is by switching to Instagram Lite. This lighter version of the Instagram app is designed for low-end devices and slow internet connections, and it does not support Instagram reels. By using Instagram Lite, you can enjoy the core features of Instagram without reels cluttering your feed. Follow these steps to switch to Instagram Lite:

1. Uninstall the regular Instagram app from your device.
2. Open your device’s app store (e.g., Google Play Store for Android or App Store for iOS).
3. Search for “Instagram Lite” and download the app.
4. Install and log in to your Instagram account.

Now you can enjoy a reels-free Instagram experience with the lighter and simpler Instagram Lite app. Keep in mind that Instagram Lite might lack some features available in the full version, such as advanced editing tools and filters.

Want to Remove Instagram Reels from Your Profile Grid

If you have created reels in the past and now want to remove reels from the profile grid, you can easily do so by archiving them. Archiving a reel will remove it from your profile grid without permanently deleting it. To archive your reels, follow these steps:

1. Open the Instagram app and navigate to your profile.
2. Tap the reels tab to view your reels.
3. Select the reel you want to remove from your profile grid.
4. Tap the three dots in the top right corner of the reel.
5. Choose “Archive” from the menu.

The selected reel will now be removed from your profile grid and stored in the Archive section of your account. You can access and restore archived reels at any time.

How to Hide Reels on Instagram from Others

To hide your reels from others, you can make them visible only to a select group of people using the Close Friends feature. This will ensure that only the people on your Close Friends list will be able to see your reels. To hide reels on your profile from others, follow these steps:

1. Open the Instagram app and create a new reel or select an existing one.
2. When you are ready to share the reel, tap “Share to” on the bottom of the screen.
3. Select “Close Friends” instead of “Your Story” or “Reels.”
4. Tap “Share” to publish the reel.

Now, they only be visible to those on your Close Friends list, keeping it hidden from others on Instagram.

Want to Disable Disable Instagram Reels Notifications? 

If you want to disable reels notifications, you can easily do so by customizing your Instagram notification settings. By turning off these notifications, you’ll no longer receive alerts for reels-related activities. To turn off reels notifications, follow these steps:

1. Open the Instagram app and navigate to your profile.
2. Tap the three lines in the top right corner to open the menu.
3. Select “Settings” at the bottom of the menu.
4. Choose “Notifications” from the list of options.
5. Scroll down to the “Reels” section.
6. Toggle off all the notifications related to reels.

After completing these steps, you will no longer receive any notification related to reels, allowing you to enjoy a more peaceful Instagram experience without interruptions.

Using an Older Version of Instagram to Avoid Reels From Your Instagram

If you prefer the Instagram experience without reels, you can consider using an older version of the app. By doing so, you’ll have access to the features you enjoyed before reels were introduced. However, keep in mind that using an outdated version of Instagram may come with some security risks and might not receive updates or support from the developers. To revert to an older latest version, you can:

1. Uninstall the current version of Instagram from your device.
2. Search for an APK file of an older version of the Instagram app online.
3. Download and install the APK file on your device.

Please note that this method may not be recommended due to potential security risks. Instagram recently introduced a new feature – reels – and it’s essential to weigh the risks and benefits before deciding to use an outdated version.

Blocking Instagram Reels from Certain Users

If there are specific users whose reels you do not enjoy, you can block Instagram reels from those users. By doing so, their reels will no longer appear in your feed, allowing you to customize your experience. To like reels from certain users and block others, follow these steps:

1. Open the Instagram app and navigate to the user’s profile you want to block.
2. Tap the three dots in the top right corner of their profile.
3. Select “Block” from the menu.

Blocking a user will prevent their reels and other content from appearing in your feed. If you change your mind later, you can always unblock the user by following similar steps and selecting “Unblock.” Remember to remove blocked users if you decide you want to see their content again.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Reels on Instagram

In conclusion, while reels similar to TikTok have become a popular addition to Instagram, not everyone is fond of the feature. The new feature allows users to share short 15-second videos with creative editing tools, allowing them to connect and share videos with friends in a fun and engaging way.

However, some users may find the feature distracting or not in line with their preferred Instagram experience. It’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of Instagram reels and choose the best approach for your personal preferences. Whether you decide to disable, hide, or embrace reels, it’s all about creating a customized and enjoyable Instagram experience that suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions and Recap: 

How can I remove reels from Instagram on my feed?

To remove the reels from your Instagram feed, you can unfollow the users who frequently post reels or mute their reels by tapping on their profile picture in the feed, then tapping “Mute Reels.” This will prevent their new reels from appearing in your feed, allowing you to have a more tailored experience.

Is there a way to remove Instagram reels completely from the app?

Unfortunately, there is no official way to remove Instagram reels completely from the app. However, you can try using Instagram Lite or the browser version of Instagram to access a version of Instagram without reels. Keep in mind that using these alternatives may come with some limitations and reduced functionality.

How can I disable reels on Instagram and stop receiving notifications?

To disable reels on Instagram and stop receiving notifications, you can go to your account settings, tap on “Notifications,” and then select “Reels.” From there, you can customize your notification preferences or turn off the reels notifications entirely.

Can I turn off reels on Instagram for specific users?

Yes, you can turn off reels on Instagram for specific users by muting their reels. To do this, go to the user’s profile, tap on the three-dot icon in the top right of your phone, and select “Mute Reels.” This will prevent their reels from Instagram from appearing in your feed.

How do I hide reels on Instagram so that others can’t see them?

To hide your reels on Instagram, tap on the bottom right corner of the reel you want to hide, then tap on the three dots. From the options menu, select “Hide Reel.” This will make them invisible to others, but it will still be visible to you on your profile.

Is it possible to delete reels I no longer want on my profile?

Yes, you can delete reels that you no longer want on your profile. To do this, go to the specific reel you want to delete, tap on the bottom right corner, then tap on the three dots. From the options menu, select “Delete.”

Can I block Instagram reels from showing up on my feed?

As of now, there is no direct way to block Instagram reels from your feed entirely. However, you can mute reels from specific users, unfollow users who frequently post reels, or try using Instagram Lite or the browser version of Instagram to enjoy a version of the app with limited reels while browsing the app.

How do I disable Instagram reels from my profile grid?

To disable Instagram reels from your profile grid, you can archive your reels. To do this, go to the specific reel you want to remove, tap on the bottom right corner of the reel, then tap on the three dots. From the options menu, select “Archive.” This will remove the reel from your Instagram profile grid, but it will still be accessible in your Archive section.

Can I turn off Instagram reels notifications on my phone?

Yes, you can turn off Instagram reels notifications on your phone. To do this, open the Instagram app and go to your account settings. Tap on “Notifications,” then select “Reels.” Here, you can customize your notification preferences or turn off reels notifications entirely. This will prevent reels notifications from popping up on your Instagram on your phone.

What is the way to disable Instagram reels if I don’t want to use them?

There isn’t a direct way to disable Instagram reels entirely within the app. However, you can minimize their presence in your feed by unfollowing users who frequently post reels or by muting them. Additionally, you can use alternatives like Instagram Lite or the browser, which do not support the reels feature. Keep in mind that using these alternatives may come with some limitations and reduced functionality.

How can I get rid of reels if I’m using Instagram on a browser?

When using Instagram on a browser, reels are less prominent compared to the mobile app. However, you might still see them in the Instagram feed. To minimize their presence, you can unfollow users who frequently post reels or mute by visiting their profile and clicking on the three-dot icon, then selecting “Mute Reels.” Unfortunately, there is no direct way to completely remove reels from the browser. 

How can I remove Instagram reels from your feed and focus on photo and video content only?

To remove Instagram reels from your feed and focus on photo and video content, you can unfollow users who frequently post reels or mute their reels. To mute someone’s reels, follow the steps below:

1. Go to the user’s profile.
2. Tap the three-dot icon in the upper right corner of the screen.
3. Select “Mute” and then “Mute Reels.”

Keep in mind that you cannot turn off reels entirely, but these steps will help you minimize their presence in your feed.

How can I remove Instagram reels from my feed?

If you are tired of Instagram reels on your feed, follow these steps:

1. Open the Instagram app and go to the Reels tab.
2. Click on the three-dot icon in the upper right corner of a reel.
3. Select “Not Interested” to tell Instagram that you don’t want to see similar content.

Please note that this method doesn’t completely eliminate reels, but it can help reduce their presence. Instagram’s algorithm will adjust your feed based on your preferences over time.

Can I disable reels from the profile grid?

To disable reels from the profile grid, you can archive the reels you have posted. To archive a reel, follow the steps below:

1. Go to your profile and tap on the Reels tab.
2. Find the reel you want to remove from your profile grid.
3. Tap the three-dot icon in the bottom left corner of the screen.
4. Select “Archive” from the menu.

Please note that archiving a reel will remove it from your profile grid but not delete it permanently.

Is there a way to turn off reels on Instagram and only see photo and video content?

Currently, there is no direct way to turn off reels on Instagram completely, so you will still see some reels mixed with photo and video content. However, you can minimize the presence of reels by unfollowing users who frequently post reels or muting their reels. Additionally, you can use alternatives like Instagram Lite or the desktop browser, both of these do not support reels.

How can I access the new feature called reels on Instagram?

To access the new feature called reels on Instagram, follow these steps:

1. Open the Instagram app on your device.
2. Tap the camera icon in the upper left corner of the screen or swipe right from anywhere in your feed.
3. At the bottom of the camera screen, you’ll see different modes like Live, Story, and Reels. Tap “Reels.”
4. Now, you can create and share videos with your friends using reels.

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