GrivunHow to use Instagram without Reels and Explore
Instagram gives you no way to turn Reels off. Here is what you can do about it in Chrome, keeping messages, profiles and search.
What Instagram lets you change
Very little. In the app you can switch the home feed to "Following" or "Favorites" for a while, and Instagram quietly returns you to the algorithmic feed later. Reels and Explore stay one tap away at all times, and there is no setting anywhere that removes them. On the website in Chrome it is the same feed, with the same Reels tab, and no option at all.
That is deliberate. Reels are where Instagram makes its money, so the product is built so that you cannot opt out.
What feed mode does on Instagram
Grivun's feed mode on instagram.com works by route, rather than by fighting Instagram's design, which changes every few weeks:
- Home feed hidden. Open instagram.com and instead of the feed you get a small card with one link: your messages.
- Reels and Explore redirect. Any visit to
/reelsor/explorelands on your inbox instead. There is no scroll to fall into. - Everything else works. Direct messages, profiles, search, stories from a profile, notifications, and a post or Reel someone sends you as a direct link.
Chrome asks permission for instagram.com only. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Setting it up
- Install Grivun.
- Open the extension's options, go to Feed mode and turn on Instagram. Chrome asks for permission on instagram.com.
- Tick Hide home feed and Block Reels and Explore.
If you want Instagram gone entirely
Feed mode is for people who need Instagram for something: messages, a business, friends abroad. If that is not you, a full block is simpler: add instagram.com to Grivun and the site stops opening. "Ask for intent" sits between the two: write why you want in, wait a few seconds, get five minutes.
Questions
Can I still watch a Reel a friend sends me?
Yes. A direct link to one Reel opens normally. What is blocked is the Reels tab, the endless one.
Does this work in the Instagram app?
No, only in Chrome on a computer. Instagram is designed to push you to the app for exactly this reason.
Does Instagram know?
No. Nothing is sent to Instagram or to anyone else; the changes happen inside your browser.
Try it on the site that costs you the most
Grivun is free for up to three sites and feed mode on one platform, with seven days of full Pro to start. No account, and nothing leaves your browser.
Add to Chrome — free