How much time do you spend on Instagram every day? Open the Instagram app on your phone. Tap the profile icon in the bottom-right corner. Then tap on the three horizontal lines. Select "Time Management". Here you can see the average time you spent on Instagram.
Excessive use of Instagram is not only a waste of time, it may also lead to problems like anxiety, depression. Maybe you have already noticed your unhealthy digital habit and are looking for ways to control it. In this article, I will tell you how to block Instagram on Android phones and tablets.
Cisdem AppCrypt
Instagram is interesting but addictive. Here are 3 effective methods on how to block it.
Most users prefer to use the Instagram app on Android. It also has a web version (instagram.com). To effectively block Instagram on Android, especially for children, it’s necessary to add both the Instagram app and website to the block list. Cisdem AppCrypt is the best choice. It is a user-friendly and powerful app locker and website blocker for Android users. With it, you can completely block access to Instagram and any other unwanted apps, sites on Android phone. It also enables you to block Instagram by schedules, helping you or your child develop a healthier digital habit.
Steps to block Instagram on Android with AppCrypt:
1. Download and install AppCrypt from the Google Play Store.
2. Tap the app icon to launch it. Set a password, which will be used to lock the app itself, and block Instagram with password.
3. Go to the App Lock tab. Scroll down to find Instagram app in the list of Unlocked App. Toggle the switch next to it to the on position.
4. Go to the Web Block tab. Enter instagram.com in to URL box. Click Add.
Instagram is now blocked on your Android phone.
If you want to temporarily block Instagram app and website on your Android at certain times, go to the Schedule tab. You can create different schedules for different days of the week.
In fact, Distraction Free Instagram is not a tool for completely blocking Instagram on Android. It is a modded version of the official Instagram app. In it, you can choose to block your feed, explore page, reels, or shopping, which may stop you from being addicted to Instagram.
Some users are concerned about its security and privacy issues since it’s not an official app. If you don't mind that, and you really need to use Instagram to connect with friends but want to block out distractions, Distraction Free Instagram is a good option for you.
Steps to use Distraction Free Instagram on Android:
1. First you should uninstall the official Instagram app from your Android phone.
2. Download and install the latest version of Distraction Free Instagram from its official site.
3. Open the app. Tap the three lines icon in the upper right corner. Go to the DistractionFree Settings menu.
4. Enable or disable features as your like. For example, if you think Instagram explore to be the most distracting, just disable it. This way, the Explore page won't load anymore.
There is a Hardcore Mode. With this mode on, you cannot re-enable any feature that you've disabled unless you uninstall this app. This feature can be helpful for those users with poor self control.
If you don’t like third-party applications, you can try Digital Wellbeing - a feature built into many Android devices. In Digital Wellbeing, you can see how much time you spend on different apps, sites each day. Then, set daily usage limits for those time-wasting or inappropriate, such as Instagram.
There’s also a useful Focus mode. With it, you can set a schedule, during which the distracting apps you selected cannot be opened and you will not receive notifications.
Steps to block Instagram on Android using Digital Wellbeing:
1. Open Settings on your Android phone. Scroll down and tap Digital Wellbeing & parental controls.
2. On the dashboard, tap the hourglass icon next to Instagram.
3. Tap App timer.
4. Set the maximum time you allow yourself or your child to use the Instagram app per day, such as 45 minutes.
5. Tap OK.
When the time allowance is reached, Instagram will be blocked automatically.
Above I introduced three ways to restrict Instagram on Android phone: using AppCrypt, using Distraction Free Instagram, and using Digital Wellbeing settings. Each method has its own unique strengths and use cases. So, which one is best for you? You can see the comparison table below.
Use Case | Recommended method | Main features | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
Want to block Instagram on Android completely (both app & website), or block Instagram by schedules to increase productivity. | Cisdem AppCrypt | App lock; website block; time limit; password protection | Not compatible with Android 7.0 or earlier. |
Want to remove addictive or distracting content from Instagram. | Distraction Free Instagram | Disable feed, explore page, reels, or shopping on Instagram | It may not be effective for children or users with low self-control. |
Want to set time limit on Instagram with built-in features on Android. | Digital Wellbeing | View daily usage time, set daily time limits, Focus Mode | Very easy to bypass. |
If you are blocking Instagram for your children, just setting up the restrictions is not enough. It's also necessary to take extra steps to prevent them from being bypassed. Here are some practical tips for you.
1. Lock your settings with a strong password
For children, the easiest way to bypass the Instagram blocking is to open the app/settings you used to set up the block and change your settings. To prevent this, you’d better lock your settings with a password that you children can’t guess. AppCrypt makes this easy. When you use it for the first time, it will ask you to set a pattern or PIN. After that, anyone who tries to open AppCrypt must enter the correct password.
2. Block installation of new apps from Google Play
Even if you’ve blocked Instagram app successfully, tech-savvy children may still know how to bypass the restriction using some VPN apps, or third-party Instagram clients. So you should block installation of new apps from the Google Play Store. If you’re using Distraction Free Instagram, this can also prevent your children from reinstalling the official Instagram app. Here's how to do it: open Google Play Store. Tap the profile icon in the upper right corner. Tap Settings. Scroll down to find the Parental Controls section. Turn on it and set a PIN. Then tap Apps & games. Select the age limit to 3+.
3. Block the Instagram website or disable web browsing on Android
If you are using AppCrypt, you can block both the Instagram app as well as the Instagram website easily on Android. However, if you're using other methods like Digital Wellbeing or Distraction Free Instagram, many children know they can still access Instagram through its website. In this case, you should take extra steps to disable web browsing. You can lock browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and more with password, or directly uninstall them from your child's phone.
Blocking Instagram is the most effective way to quit Instagram addiction. You can find 3 different ways to block Instagram on Android in this article. In addition, when you are not feeling good, you can do some physical activities instead of scrolling through Instagram, such as walking, jogging, or doing housework at home.
Norah Hayes likes to share her tips on how to improve focus and stay motivated at work. She believes it is essential to eliminate all online distractions during work hours.
