How to Block Instagram on iPhone
By John, ScreenBuddy Founder
You can block Instagram on iPhone using Screen Time's App Limits (set Instagram to 1 minute), by deleting the app and blocking reinstalls through Content & Privacy Restrictions, or by using a third-party app blocker for stricter control. Screen Time is the fastest method but has an easy bypass button. Here's how each method works.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: How to Block Instagram on iPhone
Screen Time App Limits (fastest): Go to Settings > Screen Time > App Limits > Add Limit > Select Instagram > Set to 1 minute
Block reinstalls: Delete Instagram, then go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases > Set "Installing Apps" to Don't Allow
Block Instagram website too: Go to Content & Privacy Restrictions > Web Content > Limit Adult Websites > Add instagram.com under "Never Allow"
Third-party blockers: Apps like Opal, Freedom, and ScreenBuddy offer stricter controls that are harder to bypass
Method 1: Block Instagram with Screen Time App Limits
The quickest way to block Instagram is setting a 1-minute daily limit through Screen Time. After one minute of use, the app grays out for the rest of the day.
Go to Settings > Screen Time
Tap App Limits, then Add Limit
Tap the Social category, then select Instagram specifically
Set the time to 1 minute (the minimum allowed)
Toggle on Block at End of Limit
Tap Add
After your minute is up, Instagram shows a "Time Limit" screen. You can also find Instagram directly by scrolling down and using the search bar instead of navigating through the Social category.
Best for: Quick setup when you want to limit Instagram without completely removing it.
Limitation: The "Ignore Limit" button lets you bypass the block with one tap. A Screen Time passcode helps, but if you set it yourself, you already know it.
Method 2: Delete Instagram and Block Reinstalls
If a 1-minute limit isn't enough, delete Instagram entirely and prevent yourself from reinstalling it.
Press and hold the Instagram app icon, then tap Remove App > Delete App
Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions
Toggle on Content & Privacy Restrictions
Tap iTunes & App Store Purchases
Set Installing Apps to Don't Allow
The App Store icon disappears from your Home Screen. You can't download Instagram (or any app) until you reverse this setting.
Don't forget the browser: You can still access Instagram through Safari at instagram.com. To close this loophole:
Go to Content & Privacy Restrictions > Web Content
Select Limit Adult Websites
Under Never Allow, tap Add Website
Enter instagram.com
Best for: People who've deleted Instagram before and reinstalled it within a week.
Limitation: If you know the Screen Time passcode, you can undo everything in 30 seconds. For a stronger block, have someone else set the passcode.
Method 3: Use a Third-Party App Blocker
If Screen Time's bypass button defeats you every time, third-party blockers offer stricter options.
Hard blockers like Opal and Freedom let you schedule sessions where Instagram is completely inaccessible. Their Strict Modes prevent you from ending a session early, even if you want to.
Friction-based blockers like ScreenBuddy and One Sec take a different approach. Instead of locking Instagram completely, they add a pause before you can open it. ScreenBuddy shows a 25-second countdown every time you tap Instagram, giving you a moment to ask whether you actually want to scroll. This works better for many people because you're less likely to delete the blocker out of frustration.
Best for: People who've tried Screen Time limits and keep bypassing them.
Which Method Should You Choose?
If you want a quick limit: Use Screen Time App Limits with a 1-minute cap. It's free and takes two minutes to set up.
If you keep reinstalling Instagram: Delete the app and block the App Store. Add instagram.com to your blocked websites so you can't access it through Safari.
If you keep bypassing your own limits: Try a third-party blocker with Strict Mode, or use a friction-based app that makes you pause before opening Instagram.
Bottom Line
Screen Time works for casual Instagram limits, but if you keep hitting "Ignore Limit," you need something stricter. Deleting the app and blocking reinstalls is free and effective. If willpower still fails, a friction-based blocker can break the automatic habit of opening Instagram without making your phone feel unusable.
For more options beyond Instagram, see our complete guide to blocking apps on iPhone. If you're trying to limit all social media, check out how to block social media on iPhone.
