Opal alternatives that still let you use Instagram DMs (2026)
Opal, Brick and iPhone Screen Time block or limit the whole app, so while Instagram is blocked its DMs are blocked too. one sec and ScreenZen add a pause before an app opens instead. If you want Reels and Shorts gone but DMs available, an app that hides only those parts, such as minulo, fits better; minulo can also lock the official apps and send you to its Reels-free view.
This page is written by the developer of minulo. Facts about other apps come only from their App Store descriptions and US ratings as of 2026-09-28.
| App | How it limits you | While limited, can you use DMs? |
|---|---|---|
| Opal (88,671 US ratings) | App limits and app blockers for the apps you choose, with real-time data, leaderboards and rewards. | No, not inside a blocked app: the whole app is blocked, messages included. |
| Brick (55,407) | A physical device plus an app; tap it to block chosen apps and websites. One-time purchase. | No, not inside a blocked app. Unblocking needs the physical Brick. |
| iPhone Screen Time (built in) | App Limits and Downtime for whole apps; website limits in Safari. | No, not inside a limited app. It cannot target Reels only. |
| one sec (23,622) | Delays opening an app with a pause (for example a breathing animation); can send you out after a set time. | Yes, after the pause, but Reels and the feed are there too. Free for one app; Pro for more. |
| ScreenZen (50,501) | Delays opening, interrupts scrolling, optional strict blocks by time or number of opens. | Yes after the delay unless you set a strict block; Reels are there too. |
| minulo (new, 0 US ratings) | Hides Reels, Shorts and suggested posts on 10 networks in its own view; can lock the official apps with Screen Time and send you to minulo. | Yes. DMs, friends' posts and search keep working while Reels and Shorts stay hidden. Hiding is free. |
What is a good Opal alternative if I still need Instagram DMs?
Apps that hide only Reels and Shorts leave DMs working. minulo shows Instagram and 9 other networks with Reels, Shorts and suggested posts hidden, and it can lock the official Instagram app so you open minulo instead. Hiding is free.
Does Opal block Instagram DMs?
Opal blocks the apps you choose, so while Instagram is blocked you cannot open it at all, which includes your DMs. Opal's description talks about app limits and app blockers; it does not describe hiding parts of an app.
Is a pause app like one sec better than blocking?
one sec says it delays access instead of blocking, which it describes as psychologically different, and reports that app usage drops by 57% on average. After the pause the whole app opens, Reels included. minulo removes Reels and Shorts instead, so what you open is already without them.
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