Keep Instagram DMs, lose Reels: 5 ways to do it on iPhone (2026, compared)
I build one of the apps in this post (minulo), so read the comparison with that in mind. I tried to describe every option from its own App Store page, and I note where another app does something better. The problem You want Instagram for group chats and DMs, YouTube for search and the channels you follow. You do not want Reels, Shorts, TikTok's For You or the "suggested for you" posts in between.…
For many users, Instagram's For You page and group chats are the primary reasons for using the app. However, on an iPhone, these features can be difficult to manage separately due to iOS limitations. The article outlines five methods to achieve this separation on an iPhone.
The first approach is to use the built-in Screen Time feature in iOS settings. This allows limiting or blocking specific apps, including Instagram or YouTube, but it caps the whole app, which means DMs would also be inaccessible when the limit is reached. Users often disable this restriction after a week.
YouTube offers a built-in Shorts limit, but this feature only applies to the YouTube app and not to Instagram Reels. The third option is to use a Safari extension like ScrollGuard, which can hide specific sections like Reels, Stories, and Explore when using Instagram and YouTube in Safari.
The fourth method involves using an app with its own browser for social media sites. These apps open the respective platform's website within the app, hiding the addictive parts while keeping DMs and other desired features functional. Examples include SocialLite, UNDOOMED, Scroll Less, Stillfeed, and minulo.
Lastly, combining Screen Time restrictions with an in-app browser, as implemented in minulo, can be effective. Screen Time locks the official Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok app, and tapping the app icon reveals a "Open in minulo" button, which loads the platform without Reels, Shorts, or For You, keeping DMs accessible. The article provides a link to a comparison table and further resources for users interested in exploring additional options.
Written by urgent.news from Dev.to's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
