How to use Instagram for DMs only on iPhone (2026): keep group chats, lose Reels
Instagram has no built-in "messages only" mode, and iPhone Screen Time can only limit the whole app, DMs included. If you keep Instagram for group chats and DMs but want the Reels tab, Explore and the feed gone, the practical way on iPhone is an app that opens Instagram for you with everything except DMs hidden.
This page is written by the developer of minulo. Menu names can change with app and iOS updates.
| Option | DMs | Reels and feed |
|---|---|---|
| Instagram app as is | Yes | Always there. Instagram has no setting to hide the Reels tab for adult accounts. |
| Screen Time limit on Instagram | Blocked too | Blocked, but so are your group chats once the limit is reached. |
| instagram.com in Safari with a content-blocker extension | Yes, in Safari | Can be hidden, but only while you remember to use Safari instead of the app. |
| minulo with "Every tab but DMs" | Yes | Hidden: Reels, Explore, home feed and suggested posts. Only DMs and the notifications tab stay. |
Steps with minulo
- Install minulo from the App Store.
- Open Instagram inside minulo and log in on Instagram's own login page. minulo does not receive or store your password.
- In minulo's settings for Instagram, turn on Every tab but DMs.
- Optional: let minulo lock the official Instagram app with Screen Time. Tapping the usual Instagram icon then opens minulo's DMs-only Instagram instead, so you don't fall back into Reels out of habit.
Hiding is free. TikTok has the same "Every tab but DMs" setting.
Does Instagram have a messages-only mode?
Not that we could find. Instagram lets adults switch to the Following feed or set a daily time reminder, but the Reels tab and Explore stay. Apps such as minulo add a DMs-only view on top of Instagram's website.
Will I still get my group chats?
Yes. Group chats are part of Instagram DMs, and DMs keep working in minulo's DMs-only view.
Do I have to delete the official Instagram app?
No. minulo can lock the official app with Screen Time and open its own DMs-only Instagram when you tap the Instagram icon.
