How to Turn Off Instagram Reels

Last Updated: 2024. 06. 24

While TikTok is getting banned in India and the United States, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts soon take over the market. Even though many people are addicted to 60-second short videos, tons of people may still be offended by the endless notifications and the inconveniences of accessing Instagram Feed.

Luckily, it is possible to turn off Instagram Reels whether you want Instagram Reels gone for good or just temporary. Check the methods below and find the method that really works for you.

Instagram Story Fashion Promo
Preview
Instagram Story Fashion Promo
Use This Template
Instagram Story Outro
Preview
Instagram Story Outro
Use This Template
Instagram Story Travel Video
Preview
Instagram Story Travel Video
Use This Template

Can't Miss: How to Add Multiple Pictures to Instagram >

Fix Instagram Story Quality Bad Issues >

Method 1. Access Instagram via Browser

When accessing Instagram via a browser, it is not hard to notice that there is a Reels section on the left side. That means you can browse Instagram Reels, but Instagram separates Reels from Feed and Posts.

This method may bring you less satisfying UI/UX experiences, but it works nearly on all browsers, including popular Chrome, Firefox, Safari and more.

Step 1
Visit Instagram log in page via a browser, input your account name and password.
Step 2
Go to the Home section, you will be able to enjoy the Instagram Reels Free experience.
Access Instagram via Browser

Access Instagram via Browser

Method 2. Use Older Version of Instagram

Instagram Reel is a feature launched in August 2020. The latest version of IG version before the update was the 2020 July version. So if you can get Instagram APK before that, you can remove Instagram Reels permanently.

We will not recommend you any APKs because using an older version of Instagram is not a safe act. The APK may ask for too many permissions to access your information. Besides, Instagram may ban your account if you log in from a very old version too frequently.

Step 1
Download an old version of APK before 2020 August, follow the prompt and launch it. You will see the Instagram Reels will be gone for good!
Step 2
Next up, disable Auto-Update in case Instagram automatically updates itself. Go to Settings to check the Instagram version. Click on the 3 vertical dots, uncheck the box Enable auto-update.
Disable Instagram Auto-Update

Disable Instagram Auto-Update

Method 3. Enable Instagram Reels on iOS Devices

Instagram app actually offers you the option to manage Reels. This is not a permanent way to disable Instagram Reels, however, doing so will help you check Instagram Feed without any interruptions.

Step 1
Click on your profile to enter the profile page. Click on Settings > Account > Reels.
Step 2
Turn off the Show Reels toggle.
Manage Reels on iOS Devices

Manage Reels on iOS Devices

Method 4. Use Third-Party Software

If you spent too much time on Instagram Reels, a third-party free software like WallHabit can help discipline yourself. You can set up certain times to block access to Instagram, whether it is Instagram Feed, Instagram Post, or Instagram Reels.

Here is how to use WallHabit.

Step 1
Get WallHabit from Google Play and install it on your phone. Sadly, it is not available on iOS devices.
Step 2
Access its main page, check the box of Instagram Reels then confirm the changes. Refresh the Instagram app and you will see all Instagram Reels are gone.
WallHabit Interface

WallHabit Interface

How to Remove Your Own Instagram Reels

Before turning off Instagram Reels, you might need to remove your own Instagram Reels in case others downloading or sharing them. Following are the detailed steps below to remove your own reels from Instagram.

Step 1
Log in to your Instagram account, access your Instagram Profile page, tap Reels.
Step 2
Find the Reels you want to remove, hit the three horizontal dots, hit Remove. You can also remove the Instagram Reels all at once. Tap on the three vertical dots on the top, select Your Activity > Photos & Videos > Reels. Hit Select to choose all the reels and then hit Delete.

Remove Instagram Reels Video Tutorial

FAQs About Removing Instagram Reels

How to Delete Draft Reels on Instagram?

To remove draft reels, you first need to access the profile page, click on the Reels tab. All draft Reels will be watermarked with the text Draft. Click on any of them, you will see all Reels drafts. Press Select to check any of them and hit Delete.

How Do I Remove Suggested Reels on Instagram?

Follow the steps below, you will clear suggested Reels on Instagram once for all. Launch the Instagram app, access the profile page. Go to Settings & Privacy > Suggested Content. Toggle off the option of Snooze suggested posts in feed. This will disable all suggested posts, reels on your Instagram.

How Do You Hide Instagram Reels Without Deleting Them?

Again, go to the profile page by clicking on the profile picture. Switch to the Reels section, select any Reels you want to remove, hit the three vertical dots. Now go to Manage, press Archive and confirm the changes.

The Bottom Line

That’s all for how to turn off Instagam reels. Before turning off Instagram reels, do remember to remove all your reels. By the way, we also provide other blogs about sharing YouTube video to Instagram, sharing Facebook video to Instagram. Check them out to get more tricks!

Group 11
Make a free video online
Create Your First Video With FlexClip Now
Get Started - Free