How to remove Reels from Instagram (2026)
Instagram has no setting to turn Reels off. Here is what actually works, from the built-in options to removing the Reels tab entirely.
Instagram does not let you turn Reels off. There is no toggle. The Reels tab sits in the middle of the bar, Reels are mixed into your home feed, and the Explore page is mostly Reels. That is by design: Reels are where Instagram makes the most money from your attention.
What Instagram lets you do
- "Not interested" on individual Reels. It trains the algorithm slightly. It does not remove Reels.
- Sensitive content control and "Quiet mode". Quiet mode pauses notifications. It does not touch the feed.
- Daily time limit reminders. A dismissable pop-up.
None of these remove the Reels tab or the Reels in your feed.
Option 1: Use Instagram in a browser
The mobile website has fewer hooks than the app, and the Reels tab is easier to ignore. It is still there.
Option 2: Block Instagram entirely with Screen Time
This works, but you lose your DMs and your friends' posts along with the Reels. Most people last a week.
Option 3: Feedwise
Feedwise opens Instagram inside Feedwise and removes the Reels tab, the Reels shelf in your feed, Explore, "Suggested for you" and sponsored posts. Your feed, your DMs, your profile and posting all stay.
- Install Feedwise (free, iOS and Android).
- Open the Instagram tab and log in on Instagram's own login page.
- That is it. The Reels tab is gone. A Reel a friend sends you still plays; you just cannot swipe to the next one.
It feels slightly slower than the native app. That is on purpose.
Try it. It's free.
Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat without the feeds. DMs stay.