AirDroid App & Web Blocker
- Schedule specific hours to block Instagram
- One-click to block the Instagram app and website
- Control how much time can be spent on Instagram
How to Block Instagram on iPhone and Android
Instagram is one of those apps that's hard to ignore—whether you're exploring new photos & stories, or just chatting with friends. But before you know it, you've spent most of the productive part of your day scrolling endlessly through Instagram.
To avoid this, you might be looking to set a boundary by blocking Instagram completely on your phone. Thankfully, in the next parts, we've compiled several ways to block Instagram for you, whether you're using an iPhone or an Android device. Keep reading!
| Purpose | Methods | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Block the Instagram App📵 | Screen Time | iPhone |
| Digital Wellbeing | Android | |
| AirDroid Blocker | iPhone & Android | |
| Block the Instagram Siteđź”— | Screen Time | iPhone |
| AirDroid Blocker | iPhone & Android | |
| Router Filter | iPhone & Android |
How to Block Instagram on iPhone
Thanks to Apple's built-in Screen Time, you can track how long you spend on your gadgets daily and limit access to several distracting apps or sites. That said, below is how to block Instagram on iPhone through Screen Time. You have several options here:
Set 0-min App Limit for Instagram
Although turning on app limits doesn't mean Instagram will be completely blocked on your iPhone, it will restrict your access to the app for a particular amount of time.
For example, if you set a 0-minute app limit for Instagram on your iPhone, you can only have access to Instagram for 0 minutes a day. Follow the steps below to activate on your iPhone.
- 1)Go to "Settings" on your iPhone.
- 2)Scroll down and select "Screen Time."
- 3)Tap on "App Limit" to add a limit.
- 4)Toggle on "Instagram" under the "Social" category.
- 5)Next, set 0 hrs and 0 minutes to finish the process.
What Will Happen: Once you've done, the Instagram app icon will be greyed out and you won't be able to access it for the rest of the day.
Limitations:
- Easy to bypass by tapping on "Ignore Limit."
Schedule Downtime
By scheduling a downtime in Screen Time, Instagram and other social media apps will be completely blocked on your iPhone. To schedule downtime, follow the steps below:
- 1)Go to "Settings > Screen Time > Downtime."
- 2)Click on "Turn on Downtime Until Tomorrow."
- 3)Or, you can enable "Scheduled" toggle to decide when Instagram and other apps cannot be blocked (e.g., 10 PM to 7 AM).
What Will Happen: During the downtime period, all apps, except core systems (such as Phone, Settings, Safari, etc.) will be greyed out on your home screen.
Limitations:
- Easy to bypass by tapping on "Ignore Limit."
- Affects and blocks other necessary apps aside from Instagram.
Set up Web Content Restrictions
The above options are used to block Instagram apps.
If you want to block access to the web version of Instagram on your iPhone, this option is suitable for you. Screen Time's web content restrictions let you restrict adult and specific websites on Safari, Chrome, and more. All you have to do is:
- 1)Head to "Settings > Screen Time."
- 2)Scroll down and tap "Content & Privacy Restrictions."
- 3)Select "App Store, Media, Web, & Games."
- 4)Under "Web Content," choose "Limit Adult Websites."
- 5)Then, add "instagram.com" in the "Never Allow" section.
What Will Happen: Whenever you visit the Instagram web, you'll see "You cannot browse this page because it is restricted."
Limitations:
- Easy to bypass by clicking on "Allow Website."
How to Block Instagram on Android
Android comes with "Digital Wellbeing" that works almost the same as the Apple's Screen Time. However, Digital Wellbeing doesn't supports blocking websites.
It can only restrict apps through the App Timers feature. By setting the Instagram time limit to 0, the Instagram app will be greyed out instantly on your Android device, thereby restricting your access to it until the settings are adjusted.
With that in mind, let's look at how to block Instagram on Android.
- 1)Go to "Settings" on your Android Phone.
- 2)Scroll down to select "Digital Wellbeing & Parental Control."
- 3)Tap on "App timers."
- 4)From the list of apps displayed, locate "Instagram."
- 5)Tap on the hourglass next to it.
- 6)Set the time limit to 0 hours and 0 minutes.
What Will Happen: The Instagram app will be inaccessible on the home screen and app drawer.
Limitations:
- Easy to bypass if you delete or adjust the app timer.
- No passcode protection.
All-in-One Solutions: Block Instagram on iPhone & Android
Did you know there are all-in-one solutions that can block Instagram on both iPhone and Android? Sounds surprising, right? Well, it's absolutely possible. Here's how you can do it:
1AirDroid Web & App Blocker
Designed for parental controls, AirDroid Blocker is not just for managing the Instagram app but also blocking the Instagram web.
Whether you're trying to stay focused during work or just want to take a break from social media, AirDroid lets you manage both the app and the website across both iPhone and Android.
Another great thing about this app is that restrictions are not possible to bypass. Just follow the steps to block Instagram on your phone.
- 1)Download AirDroid Blocker or go to its web control panel.
- 2)Connect the phone on which you need to block Instagram.
- 3)Once successfully binded:
- 4)Tap on "App & Content Restrictions." Then, select Instagram to block it.
- 5)Go to "Web Restrictions > URL Blacklist" and you can restrict Instagram web by entering "instagram.com."
2WiFi Router Settings
You can also block Instagram on both your phone and the entire network by adjusting your WiFi router filtering settings.
Through this method, Instagram can be limited on multiple devices at once as long as they're connected to your WiFi router. But remember, this method can only block access to Instagram web. It can't block access to the Instagram app. To block Instagram using a WiFi router, follow the steps below:
Note: These steps may vary depending on your router model and manufacturer.
- 1)Connect to your Wi-Fi and open a web browser.
- 2)Type your router's IP address in the address bar.
- 3)Log in with your admin username and password.
- 4)From the settings menu, look for "Access Control," "Parental Control," or something similar.
- 5)Under "Blocked Websites," type "instagram.com."
Block Instagram from Downloading on Your Phone
Let's say you don't even want Instagram to be downloaded on your or your child's phone at all. How will you do it? Well, it's not complex by adjusting the age ratings in the app store. For instance, if you set the rating to 12+, all apps rated above 13 will be hidden from your app store.
Below are practical steps for blocking Instagram from downloading on your Android or iPhone.
For Android
- Open Google Play Store and tap your profile icon.
- Select "Settings > Family."
- Tap on "Parental Control" and turn it on.
- Set up a PIN to prevent unauthorized changes.
- Once you're done, select "Apps and Games."
- Since Instagram is rated "16+" in the Play Store, please select an age of less than 16.
For iPhone
- Navigate to "Screen Time" in the settings app.
- Tap on "Content & Privacy Restrictions."
- Select "App Store, Media, Web & Games."
- Click on "Apps" and choose 9+. (Instagram is rated as 12+ in App Store)
 |  |
Conclusion
Blocking Instagram can help increase focus, reduce distractions, or manage a child's screen time. Both iPhone and Android offer built-in tools, like Screen Time and Digital Wellbeing, to restrict app usage without needing to delete the app. Or, you can opt for third-party apps to gain an all-in-one solution.
Leave a Reply.