Is there a free app to use Instagram for DMs only? (iPhone, 2026)
Yes. In minulo, the Every tab but DMs setting for Instagram is free: Reels, Explore, the home feed and suggested posts are hidden, and only DMs and the notifications tab stay. In most other apps with a messages-only view, that view is paid: Messages Only in UNDOOMED is Pro (per its website), DMs only is Pro in Stillfeed and Premium in Reelmute, and Konvo needs a paid subscription to use Instagram DMs. Instagram itself has no messages-only mode.
Written by Ayumu Kitabayashi, the developer of minulo, which competes with the other apps on this page. Facts about other apps come only from their US App Store pages, release notes and websites, as summarized in the comparison pages on this site (checked in October 2026). Features and prices can change.
| Option | Messages-only view | Cost of that view |
|---|---|---|
| minulo | Every tab but DMs (Instagram and TikTok) | Free |
| UNDOOMED | Messages Only (Instagram and LinkedIn) | Pro, per its website |
| Stillfeed | DMs only | Pro |
| Reelmute | DMs-only | Premium |
| Konvo | Opens Instagram straight to the inbox | A paid subscription is required |
| LoomWeb | DMs-only option | The app is free with a Pro tier; the sources we used don't say which plan has it |
| Instagram app | None | Not available |
| iPhone Screen Time | None. It limits the whole app, DMs included | Free |
Set it up in minulo
- Install minulo from the App Store.
- Open Instagram inside minulo and sign in on Instagram's own page. minulo does not receive or store your password.
- Tap the gear next to Instagram and turn on Every tab but DMs.
- Optional: let minulo lock the official Instagram app with Screen Time. Tapping the usual icon then shows a block screen with an Open in minulo button that leads to your DMs. Locking is free for up to 2 hours per block.
What works and what doesn't
DMs and group chats work, since group chats are part of Instagram DMs, and so does the notifications tab. Posting Stories, voice messages and calls don't, because Instagram's website doesn't have them. When you need one of those, Take a break opens the official app for the minutes you choose.
Notifications come from the official Instagram app. If you leave it unblocked, they arrive as usual and you can reply in minulo. While minulo blocks it, they don't arrive, and minulo sends none of its own.
Limits, so you can decide honestly: minulo can't change the official apps, so Reels and Shorts are hidden only inside minulo. While minulo blocks an official app, that app's notifications don't arrive, and minulo sends none of its own. Posting Stories, voice messages and calls aren't available, because the web versions of these networks don't have them. minulo runs on iPhone and Mac (plus Chrome and Safari extensions), not Android, and it is new, with few ratings. See what minulo can't do.
Is there a free app to use Instagram only for DMs?
Yes. minulo's Every tab but DMs setting is free. It hides Reels, Explore, the home feed and suggested posts, and leaves DMs and the notifications tab.
Why do other apps charge for DMs only?
In most apps of this kind, hiding Reels is free and the stricter views are paid. UNDOOMED (per its website) and Stillfeed put messages-only in Pro, Reelmute in Premium, and Konvo needs a subscription to use DMs at all.
Do group chats still work?
Yes. Group chats are part of Instagram DMs and keep working in the DMs-only view.
Can I make voice or video calls?
Not inside minulo, because Instagram's website doesn't have calls or voice messages. Take a break opens the official app for the minutes you choose.
Will I still get message notifications?
Only while the official Instagram app is not blocked. Notifications come from the official app, and they don't arrive while minulo blocks it.
Sources
