Need Instagram for class group chats but not Reels? A guide for students on iPhone (2026)
Deleting Instagram sounds easy until the class group chat, the club chat and the project partner all live there. Most minulo users are high-school and college students in exactly this spot: they need Instagram for messages, not for an evening of Reels.
This page is written by the developer of minulo. Menu names can change with app and iOS updates.
| What you need | What to turn on in minulo |
|---|---|
| Class and club group chats on Instagram | Open Instagram in minulo; Reels, Explore and suggested posts are hidden, DMs work |
| Nothing on Instagram except messages | Instagram rule Every tab but DMs |
| YouTube for lectures and tutorials | Open YouTube in minulo; Shorts are hidden, search and subscriptions stay |
| TikTok only because friends send you videos | Open TikTok in minulo; the For You feed is hidden, DMs stay |
| Not opening the real app on autopilot during study time | Lock the official apps with Screen Time; the block screen has an Open in minulo button |
Setup in about two minutes
- Install minulo and open Instagram inside it. You log in on Instagram's own page; minulo does not see your password.
- Reels, Explore and suggested posts are hidden right away. For messages only, turn on Every tab but DMs in the Instagram rules.
- Add YouTube and TikTok the same way if you use them.
- Optional: let minulo lock the official apps with Screen Time while you study.
Will I still get group chat notifications?
Notifications come from the official Instagram app. If you keep the official app unlocked, notifications arrive as usual and you can reply in minulo. While minulo blocks the official app with Screen Time, its notifications do not arrive, so only lock it when you don't need them, for example during study time.
Can I hide Reels but keep YouTube for lectures?
Yes. In minulo, YouTube Shorts are hidden while search, subscriptions and normal-length videos stay.
Is it free for students?
Hiding Reels, Shorts and suggested posts is free on every network. minulo Pro (optional) adds schedules, longer blocks and multiple block lists.
