How to remove suggested Reels on Instagram is a question many users are asking, especially with the latest update in 2025. Instagram’s algorithm often shows Reels that may not match your interests, which can be annoying or distracting. Whether you’re looking for a cleaner feed or simply want more control over what you see, this guide is here to help.
In this article, you’ll learn step-by-step how to reduce or stop suggested Reels on your Instagram feed, using updated settings and simple actions that work. If you’re tired of random videos showing up while you scroll, keep reading and take back control of your Instagram experience.
Let’s get started and make your feed feel more personal and less cluttered.
What Are Suggested Reels on Instagram?
Suggested Reels are short videos recommended to you by Instagram’s algorithm. These suggestions are based on your previous activity on the app, including:
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Posts and Reels you’ve liked
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Accounts you follow
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Hashtags you interact with
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Time spent on different types of content
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Your search and watch history
Suggested Reels appear in several parts of the app, including your Explore page, Reels tab, home feed, and search results. While they are designed to enhance user engagement, they can quickly become overwhelming if they do not align with your interests.
Can You Completely Turn Off Suggested Reels?
Instagram does not currently offer a built-in feature to fully disable suggested Reels. However, there are several ways to minimize their presence or hide them entirely. By using in-app tools and adjusting your behavior, you can train the algorithm to show fewer suggested Reels—or at least show more relevant ones.
1. Use the “Not Interested” Feature
This is the most straightforward method to influence the type of Reels you are shown.
1. Open Instagram and navigate to the Reels section or scroll through your feed.
2. Find a suggested Reel you do not want to see.
3. Tap the three-dot menu in the bottom-right corner.
4. Select “Not Interested.”
Instagram will hide that specific Reel and attempt to reduce similar content in the future. Repeating this process frequently helps the algorithm understand your preferences better.
2. Reset Your Instagram Activity
Your past behavior influences Instagram’s suggestions. If your current recommendations are irrelevant, resetting some of your activity history may help improve them.
Steps to follow:
1. Go to your profile.
2. Tap the menu icon in the top-right corner.
3. Select “Your Activity.”
From here, you can clear:
- Search history
- Reels watch history
- Liked posts (optional but helpful)
Resetting your activity gives Instagram a cleaner slate to work from, helping reduce the number of unrelated Reels in your feed.
3. Mute or Unfollow Problematic Accounts
Reels often come from people you follow. If you consistently receive Reels that don’t interest you, consider muting or unfollowing the accounts that share them.
To mute Reels from a user:
1. Visit their profile.
2. Tap “Following” and then select “Mute.”
3. Toggle off the Reels option.
This reduces the chances of seeing their content and trains the algorithm to exclude similar material.
4. Adjust Sensitive Content Settings
Instagram includes a content filter that limits sensitive or irrelevant recommendations.
How to adjust:
1. Navigate to “Settings and Privacy.”
2. Tap “Suggested Content.”
3. Select “Sensitive Content Control.”
4. Choose the “Less” option to reduce exposure to unwanted or off-topic Reels.
While this setting is not specific to Reels, it can help improve your overall experience by refining the content suggestions.
5. Use Instagram Through a Web Browser
If your goal is to minimize Reels altogether, using Instagram on a web browser—either desktop or mobile—can offer a cleaner experience.
Benefits:
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No autoplaying Reels
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Limited suggestions in the feed
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Fewer distractions
To use this method, go to www.instagram.com and log in with your credentials. While the web version lacks some features, it significantly reduces Reel’s exposure.
6. Use Alternative Instagram Versions With Caution
Some users turn to third-party or modified Instagram apps that offer ad or Reel blocking. Examples include Instagram Lite or third-party APKs. However, these come with serious risks:
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Violate Instagram’s terms of service
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Potentially lead to account bans or restrictions
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Pose security and privacy threats
Unless you fully understand the risks and use trusted sources, this method is not recommended for most users.
7. Limit Instagram Usage With App Controls
If your main concern is time spent watching Reels, consider setting screen time limits.
- For iPhone users:
Go to Settings > Screen Time > App Limits > Add Limit > Instagram
- For Android users:
Go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing > Dashboard > Instagram > Set timer
Limiting your time on Instagram helps reduce exposure to Reels, especially if they tend to disrupt your productivity or mental well-being.
8. Interact Intentionally to Train the Algorithm
Instagram’s algorithm reacts to what you engage with. To refine your suggestions:
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Only watch and like Reels you genuinely enjoy
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Avoid interacting with content you want less of
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Use the “Not Interested” option regularly
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Unfollow irrelevant hashtags or pages
With consistent behavior, the algorithm will gradually adjust and tailor your experience accordingly.
How to Reduce or Remove Suggested Reels
| Method | Effectiveness | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Mark Reels as “Not Interested” | High | Safe |
| Reset Instagram Activity | Medium to High | Safe |
| Mute/Unfollow Accounts | Medium | Safe |
| Adjust Sensitive Content Filter | Medium | Safe |
| Use a Web Browser | High (temporary) | Safe |
| Use Third-Party Apps | High | Risky |
| Screen Time Limits | Medium | Safe |
| Intentional Engagement | Long-term | Safe |
Final Thoughts
Although Instagram does not provide an official setting to disable suggested Reels completely, users have several practical options to reduce or refine them. From in-app settings like “Not Interested” and sensitive content filters to behavioral changes such as muting or adjusting activity history, there are many tools at your disposal.
These strategies not only help eliminate unwanted distractions but also improve the overall relevance of your Instagram experience. Whether you’re seeking a more peaceful feed, better time management, or more control over what you see, the tips in this guide can help you achieve that.
Take the time to implement these steps, and you’ll notice a significant difference in how Instagram serves you content moving forward.