It’s not easy to Quit Instagram– and you probably don’t even want to quit the app entirely. After all, the memes, updates, and reels are important to you. But many of us could spend a little less time on Instagram.
If you feel like your Instagram usage is getting out of hand (or you just want to turn it back a little to a more reasonable level), here are a few tricks you can try.
Use the Threads app to escape the Instagram feed vortex
The real secret to spending less time on Instagram is to use a separate app from Instagram. The Threads app (on Android and iPhone) was designed to help you keep in touch with your list of close friends, but it was designed to be more.
You can think of Threads as an Instagram DM app. You get access to messages from all of your close friends and your DM list, as well as any posts that people share on DM. So you can still have your meme and your heart.
You can also view the stories from individual profiles – but that’s about it. The whole idea is to check in quickly and then get out right back.
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Set time limits – and actually stick to them
Setting a timer can help you spend less time on Instagram and you can approach this method in two ways. You can have Instagram notify you that you’ve spent your daily allowance, or you can use your device’s screen time feature to block Instagram after your time is up.
To set a notification for yourself, go to your profile in the Instagram app, tap the Menu Key and select Your activity. By doing time Section, use the Set daily reminder Option to set a time reminder.
How you actually block Instagram after a certain amount of time depends on the type of smartphone you have. If you’re an iPhone user, set that up Screen time Function with a time limit for Instagram. If you’re using Android, give the Digital wellbeing Feature. (If your Android smartphone doesn’t have the digital wellbeing function, use the ActionDash app to replicate functionality.)
Use the web app for a better experience
One way to cut down your time on Instagram is to put in some roadblocks – and Instagram’s mobile website is a pretty good roadblock. The website isn’t the most stable and it lacks some features, especially when it comes to story editing.
On the other hand, you get access to all important functions in the web view. You can read all of your messages and have access to the entire feed. But the great thing is that videos don’t play automatically and there isn’t a reel section to lose yourself in for an hour. Plus, opening the Instagram website in a browser is an extra (annoying) step, and that’s an extra hurdle.
Limit your Instagram usage to your computer
Another trick to spend less time on Instagram without completely giving up is device disconnection. In other words, just don’t use Instagram on your smartphone or tablet. Limit use to your computer only (with the Instagram website).
Limiting your usage in this way will force your Instagram usage to be deliberate, which will make you less likely to spend hours scrolling through your feed if you are too lazy to get off the couch.
Prevent notifications from sucking you in
Instagram is really good at getting your attention – especially through notifications. It can be something as simple as a friend posting a new story, someone going live, or the fact that your new post has oh so many likes. You decide to tap the notification to view its contents when you have a minute and then spend a lot of time scrolling through your feed. So what can you do about it? Disable notifications completely.
Go to the settings > Notifications to customize your notifications. You can pause notifications for a while or customize notifications for DMs, new followers, posts, stories, comments, and more (but less is better).
