Instagram is a social app that lets us share photos, videos and more with other friends and followers in a fast and fun way. It has become a popular platform that allows us to connect with others online and see a lot of interesting people and things. But it can also be addictive. You can block it to prevent you from being distracted by it all the time, especially when you're doing something that requires high concentration. In this article, I will introduce you 4 easy ways on how to block Instagram on computer.
Cisdem AppCrypt
Free Download Windows 11/10/8/7 
Free Download macOS 10.12 or later
Cisdem AppCrypt is a powerful privacy protection software and productivity tool, which can password-encrypt applications on computer, or block access to specific/categories of websites. Most users use Insragram on computer simply by accessing the instagram.com website. There are also a handful of Windows users who use its desktop app, which works the same as the web version.
AppCrypt can easily block Instagram on computer whether you use Instagram website or its desktop app. The specific steps are as follows:
1. Download AppCrypt and install it on your Windows/Mac.
Free Download Windows 11/10/8/7 Free Download macOS 10.12 or later
2. Open it and set a password. Click Submit.
3. Right-click its icon in the Windows task bar/Mac menu bar. Choose Open Main Window.
4. Enter the password and click OK.
5. Click Web Block.
On Windows computer, you need to install the extension for your browser first. When you navigate to the Web Block tab for the first time, a window will pop up asking you to install the extension. Click Install and follow the guide to add the extension to your browser.
6. Add the URL: instagram.com to the top box. Click Add.
Now Instagram is blocked on your computer. You’ll get an error message next time you try to visit this website on computer.
Other functions:
1. Block Instagram during working hours.
Instagram can make us get distracted while working. If you found you constantly check for new notifications on Instagram when you are working, you can use the Schedule feature of AppCrypt to block Instagram on computer during working hours. Select Instagram from the block list. Click the small clock icon that appears. Turn on Custom Schedule and click Add Schedule. Set the time that you want to block this site.
2. Block YouTube, Facebook and other social media sites on computer.
According to statistics, we spend more than 2 hours a day on social media sites. In addition, some social platforms do not have strict content review mechanisms, and there may be some posts that are not suitable for children. Cisdem AppCrypt supporting batch blocking of all popular social media on computer. Go to the Web Block tab. Click Import > Social Sites. It’s extremely easy.
Using website blocker extension is another way to block Instagram website, below I'd like to introduce Block Site to you.
Block Site is a Chrome/Firefox/Edge extension that allows you to block individual page or entire website on computer. You can choose the days and time intervals you want Block Site to be active. Compared to website blocker app, Block Site is easy to use. But if you want to block more than 6 websites on your browser, you have to pay. Another disadvantage: the extension can be easily removed. Here're how to use it to block Instagram on Firefox:
1. Open the Firefox, click the Extensions button in the upper-right corner. Click Manage extensions.
2. Search for Block site. Select the first one by Ray from the search results.
3. Click Add to Firefox. Click Add on the pop-up window.
4. Check the box next to Allow this extension to run in Private Windows. Click Okay.
5. Now visit instagram.com on your browser. Right click on anywhere of the page. Tap on Block this page.
Then Instagram will be blocked on Firefox on your computer immediately.
Hosts is a system file that can be opened with Notepad. Its function is to establish an associated database between some commonly used URL domain names and their IP addresses. When the user enters a URL, the system will automatically find the corresponding IP address from the Hosts file. Once found, the system will immediately open the corresponding web page. Otherwise it will not be accessible.
In Windows system, 127.0.0.1 is the IP address of the local machine. It’s also called localhost. We usually use it in the hosts file to block some unwanted websites. To block Instagram on computer:
1. Click the Start menu. Search for Notepad. Right-click it and select Run as administrator.
2. Click File > Open.
3. Navigate to the following path: This PC > Windows > System32 > drivers > etc.
4. Select hosts in the etc folder. Open it.
5. Add 127.0.0.1 instagram.com and 127.0.0.1 www.instagram.com at the bottom of the text. Press Ctrl S to save.
6. Restart your computer. Now try opening Instagram in any browser on this computer, you’ll see that it is blocked.
Mac computer also have built-in features to block Instagram website. Screen Time is a set of useful features on Apple devices. You can use it to monitor your screen time, app usage time, set time limit on specific apps, and limit certain websites on Safari, etc. If you want to block Instagram on Mac computer and Safari is your frequently used browser, you can set Screen Time up and add Instagram to the block list by following these steps:
1. Open your Mac. Go to the Apple menu. Click System Settings (System Preferences).
2. Click Screen Time on the left side.
3. Click Content & Privacy under Restrictions.
4. Select Limit Adult Websites. Then click on the Customize button that appears.
5. To block access to Instagram on computer, just add instagram.com to the Restricted list.
6. Click Done.
Now Instagram website is blocked on Safari on Mac.
Can I block Instagram website on all devices in my home?
If you want to block Instagram on all your devices at home, the easiest way is to use router’s built-in web filtering. You can find this feature and set it up in your router’s settings. But first you need to make sure that your devices are always connected to the Wi-Fi network. Otherwise the blocking won’t take effect.
What can parents use to block Instagram for children?
Cisdem AppCrypt is one of the best parental controls tools that help block Instagram and other inappropriate sites/apps on child’s computer. Effectively control and manage their online behavior. Parents can also log into child’s Mac account and use Screen Time to block Instagram on child’s account. For Windows users, you can create a family safety account for your child. Then add him to your family group and set content restrictions on his account.
Instagram is addictive. Blocking Instagram on computer while working can greatly improve our productivity. It also helps protect our privacy when lending computer to others. Above are all about how to block Instagram on computer. Overall, the first method is the easiest and most efficient. Hope this article is helpful for you.
Rosa has worked in Mac software industry for more than eight years. She believes that the purpose of software is to make life better and work more productively. In addition to writing, Rosa is also an avid runner.
