How to stop seeing Reels on Instagram (app and browser, 2026)
Short answer: Instagram has no setting that turns Reels off. In the app you can switch to a feed of only the people you follow and tell it you're not interested in suggested Reels. To hide Reels completely, use instagram.com in a browser with an extension that hides them.
Option 1: Switch Home to “Following”
On the Home tab, tap the Instagram logo at the top and choose Following. You'll see posts from accounts you follow, newest first, instead of the suggested mix.
What to expect: far fewer suggested Reels in your feed. Reels posted by people you follow still appear, the Reels tab is still there, and the app may switch you back to the default feed later.
Option 2: Mark suggested Reels “Not interested”
On a suggested Reel, open the menu (⋯) and choose Not interested. Instagram shows fewer like it.
What to expect: it shapes what you see; it doesn't remove Reels.
Option 3: Set a daily time limit
Instagram has built-in reminders for time spent (look under time management in Settings), and iPhone's Screen Time can cap the app. Like any app limit, it can't separate Reels from messages and friends' posts.
Option 4: Use Instagram in your browser with an extension
- Open instagram.com in Safari (iPhone, iPad, Mac) or Chrome/Firefox on a computer, and sign in.
- Install an extension that hides Reels.
- On iPhone, turn it on in Settings → Apps → Safari → Extensions and allow it on instagram.com.
What to expect: the Reels tab and Reels in your feed are hidden, while posts, stories and messages work as usual. Instagram's website also changes often, so choose an extension that's kept up to date.
Questions
Can I delete the Reels tab in the app?
No. The app's layout can't be changed by you or by extensions.
Will my friends notice anything?
No. Hiding Reels only changes what you see.