How to block instagram from iphone

How to Block Instagram & Find Freedom

March 9, 2022 by Erin Rupp

When was the last time you were scrolling Instagram and completely lost track of time? Maybe you fell down the hashtag rabbit hole or kept swiping up for just one more dancing baby reel, only to look up and realize your entire afternoon was wasted.

You’re not the only one — we’re all guilty of overusing Instagram and other social media from time to time. But when the occasional binge spirals out of control, it can become an addiction.

While we may believe we’re just chatting with friends and having a little fun, we’re actually being manipulated into an addictive habit cycle. Over 210 million people worldwide are thought to suffer from social media and internet addiction.

If you want your next Instagram ban to last, you’ll need more than good intentions — you’ll need a plan. Find out how you can take a break from Instagram and why it’s long overdue in this practical guide.

Social media has become a feature of our culture, a phenomenon that will define the 21st century. As of 2020, over 223 million Americans were active on social networks. By 2021, that number had risen to about 295 million, or 82% of our population.

That’s a lot of likes, comments, memes, and messages.

Although we all love a good GIF, many question whether social media is addictive.

The subject of cell phone use and social media addiction is everywhere these days.

It’s no wonder, really. Review.org recently surveyed Americans 18 and older on their smartphone habits — it turns out we pretty much can’t live without our phones.

Americans, on average, check their phones every four minutes — about 344 times per day. Most of us check our phones within 10 minutes of waking up, and 74% can’t leave our smartphones behind without feeling uncomfortable. Mobile app usage is rising, reaching up to 4.8 hours per day, with 142 minutes spent on social media.

Apps like Instagram generate more revenue when you spend more time on them. In the end, companies want to maximize their profits regardless of the impact on our mental health and emotional well-being.

You might think, c’mon, social media is harmless fun. It can’t be that bad!

And you’d be right, technically. Social media addiction isn’t included in the latest Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) used by health professionals for diagnosis, and neither is a broader internet addiction. That’s because, unlike addiction to alcohol or recreational drugs, social media use — even at higher levels — can have benefits.

It keeps us connected to loved ones, maintaining and strengthening our relationships. Online communities allow us greater access to support, networking, and information than we might otherwise be able to find. These aspects are linked to positive social outcomes, including trust and cooperation.

But researchers assert that although the diagnostic criteria don’t formally exist yet, social media addiction is, in fact, quite real. And it’s on the rise.

Social media consumption has long been the subject of research. The grip that social media has taken over our lives is fascinating, and researchers have turned to science to figure out how and why.

Despite social media’s benefits, research has shown the risks are far more significant. Some of the problems caused by excessive social media use are:

increased rates of depression and anxiety
decline in well-being
higher instances of social comparison and feedback-seeking
long-term lower self-esteem
fear of missing out and loneliness
hyperactivity/impulsivity, anxiety, and depression in teens

And, of course, there is the risk of addiction. In a recent study, 41% of those surveyed had “probable addiction or risk of addiction,” and 14% had “definite or severe addiction. ”

Beyond the effects documented by research, social media has many less-studied consequences.

“Doomsurfing” or “doomscrolling” is an internet phenomenon defined as a “tendency to continue to surf or scroll through bad news, even though that news is saddening, disheartening, or depressing.” Doomscrolling is detrimental to mental health, triggering anxiety, stress, depression, and panic.

Overuse of social media can also cause dysphoria, or a state of generalized unhappiness, agitation, dissatisfaction, or distress.

“Once we’re curating a false image of ourselves, online or otherwise, we become alienated from ourselves and we start to not feel real in the world, and not tethered to our existence,”

Dr. Anna Lembke said in a New York Times interview.

“This generates enormous amounts of anxiety and dysphoria, and it’s a really dangerous place to be.”

How Instagram Keeps Us Hooked

Yet despite the dangers, we keep scrolling.

Even though Instagram is not the most popular social media platform today (yep, still Facebook), its popularity has remained steady. 40% of adults say they use Instagram, of which 76% are young adults. 73% of 18- to 29-year-old Instagram users report using the site daily, and roughly half say they use it multiple times a day.

What makes us continue to use something that is causing us so much harm?

Instagram is designed to be addictive. Behind all the pretty flat-lays and perfectly posed profile pictures is something called behavioral design.

Behavioral design is just what it sounds like — a way of guiding users’ behavior. It’s a form of the Hook Model, designed to create a Habit Loop.

App developers follow a three-pronged approach to programming social media — motivation, an action, and a trigger. It’s based on the Fogg Behavior model developed by Stanford professor B.J. Fogg.

Applied to Instagram, the model could look like this:

Motivation: Instagram is associated with the release of “happy hormones” like dopamine and serotonin
Action: Click on the app and read a comment or see a like
Trigger: An audible or vibration alert indicating a notification

Apps like Instagram use this model because it works — it successfully creates a habit loop that keeps us coming back for more.

Lost productivity, mental and emotional harm, intentionally addictive qualities — there are more reasons than ever to kick that Instagram addiction to the curb!

Using apps to change behavior isn’t always detrimental. Apps can help us increase productivity or achieve our goals. The problem arises when companies design them so that they become addictive. Apps like Instagram generate more revenue when you spend more time on them. In the end, companies want to maximize their profits regardless of the impact on our mental health and emotional well-being.

In fact, Facebook, the parent company to Instagram, was aware that the Instagram app exacerbated body image issues among teenagers. As reported in the Wall Street Journal, the company’s own internal studies revealed just how much harm the app was doing. Still, they did nothing to remedy the situation — in fact, they planned to launch a children’s site (fortunately, that was scrapped).

Scram, Instagram!

Lost productivity, mental and emotional harm, intentionally addictive qualities — today, there are more reasons than ever to kick that Instagram addiction to the curb. Yet many of us wonder how to stop checking Instagram or if that’s even possible.

It’s not only possible — it’s simple. How to stay off Instagram? Just block it!

There are many ways to block your access to Instagram:

delete Instagram account
temporarily block Instagram
delete or block the Instagram app on your device
block the Instagram website on your web browser
use a block list to block specific websites in the social media category, including Instagram
use a browser extension to block Instagram and other distractions on the internet
block the entire internet
block access to your computer or device entirely

Using Freedom, we’ve made it easy to use any of these methods to control your Instagram access. Whether you want Instagram blocked from your devices entirely or just want to learn how to temporarily block Instagram, we’ve got the tools you need.

Discover how to delete Instagram from your life with these step-by-step guides.

How to block Instagram on an iPhone or Android

To get started, download the Freedom app to your device.

If you already have Freedom installed, check to make sure you have the latest version (Version 5.18.1). To find out what version you have, go to Settings and select About Freedom.

Block Instagram on your iPhone

To block Instagram on your iOS device, open the Freedom app and log in.

Tap Blocklists in the bottom menu, then select Add a Blocklist. Give your new blocklist a name. Scroll down and select Instagram. Add anything else you want to include in your block session (toggle on the Social button at the top of the list to automatically add other social media sites), and click Save in the upper right corner.

Your new blocklist will now appear on the Blocklists screen. You can edit it at any time by selecting it from the menu.

Your next step is to choose when your session will start: now, later or recurring.

Click the Start Session button in the bottom menu to begin a block session immediately. Click Blocklists, select your new list name, then click Session Settings to return to the setup. Next tap Devices and select which devices you wish to include in your session. Finally, select either the Session Length or desired End Time, then click Start.

You can schedule sessions to start later or recur on multiple days by tapping Sessions in the bottom menu. Select Schedule a Session. Fill in the fields to name it and choose the start and end times. By default, there is only one scheduled session, but if you want your block to repeat, tap Repeats and specify the days.

Select your Instagram blocklist via Blocklists, tap Add Session to return to setup, and then Save in the upper right corner.

Block Instagram on Your Android Device

You can block Instagram on Android by opening the Freedom app and logging in.

To start, choose the Blocklists button from the menu on the bottom of the screen. From here, choose Manage. Select Instagram in the list of applications and toggle to enable it.

If you also want to block the site, tap the plus sign at the top of the screen. Choose Instagram (and any other domain you like, or even add your own). Click Save.

You can start a session right now, later, or make it recurring. Use the Start Now option to immediately turn off Instagram. Just enter the duration by tapping Length, enter the number of hours you’d like to block the app, and click Start Session.

With Start Later, you can schedule a one-time session that occurs automatically at a specific start and end time. Utilize Recurring Sessions if you would like that session to repeat. Select the days and times you’d like to repeat the session, and you’re done.

How to block Instagram on a Mac and Windows computer

Start by logging in to your Freedom account through your browser or desktop app. You’ll then be taken to My Sessions, where you can create a blocklist to block Instagram.

Click on Add Blocklist and enter a name for your new list. Instagram can be added either by clicking on the plus sign next to it or by manually typing in the address.

If Instagram is the only site you want to limit, click Save.

To block all social media, select the Social option to automatically add sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat. You can also select individual social media sites manually from the list.

Once you are satisfied with your list, click Save.

Scroll up to My Sessions and you’ll see your new list appear under Block These Distractions. Simply select your new list by clicking the box.

Next, decide how long the blocking session will last. Use the arrows to customize the Minutes or Hours, or type directly into the fields.

Finally, determine when to start your session. You should be on the Start Now option by default — if it’s underlined in green, just click Start to block Instagram right away. To start your block session later, select the Start Later option, schedule the desired start and finish times, and click Save.

How to use Recurring schedules and Locked Mode to limit your access to Instagram

Consider setting up Recurring Sessions that are customized to your Instagram use. Freedom’s Recurring Sessions are a great way to block certain sites, like Instagram, at certain times when you know they can be problematic.

Multiple sessions can be created for any blocklist. For instance, you could block access to Instagram during work hours, when you have a class, or before bed every night. It’s also a great tool for parents, allowing them to keep an eye on how their children use Instagram.

Creating recurring schedules is similar to creating a block list. When you reach the last step of choosing your start time, select Recurring Session.

Give your schedule a name and select your Start and End times. Select the checkboxes for the days you want the schedule to recur, and then click Save.

Find Freedom from Instagram addiction

If Instagram is taking up too much of your time, consider taking a break. With Freedom, you can end Instagram addiction and get back to the things that truly matter.

How to Block Instagram on iPhone

What’s a Rich Text element?

The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.

Static and dynamic content editing

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!

How to customize formatting for each rich text

Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

If you find yourself scrolling through Instagram for the majority of the day, you may have already wondered whether this behavior was normal. Instead of studying for an exam or working on a task, you spend hours looking through your followers’ photos, reels, and stories.

But what if we told you that many people also struggle with this problem?

Like you, they’ve become addicted to Instagram’s algorithm so much that it’s already taken a toll on their productivity and well-being. However, there’s a simple way to regulate your time on Instagram and get your footing back – by simply blocking the app.

Find out how to block the Instagram app on iPhone easily and quickly here.

How to Block Instagram App Through Downtime Schedule

The quickest way to block Instagram on your iPhone and prevent you from getting addicted is by deleting the app. But if you want to continue having it on your phone, you can always restrict your use.

Here’s how you do it:

Step 1. Go to Screen Time on your iPhone’s Settings.

Your iPhone’s Screen Time panel gives you an overview of how much time you’ve spent on your productivity apps, social networking apps, and many more. But it also lets you set your usage and content restrictions.

Step 2. Tap Downtime.

By enabling Downtime, you can schedule the amount of time you’ll be on screen. You’ll also only be able to access your phone calls and Always Allowed apps.

Step 3. Set Your Downtime Schedule.

Once you’ve enabled Downtime, you can begin customizing how frequent and long your time away from the screen will be. You can set your limit every day or only on specific days of the week.

How to Block Instagram App Through App Limits

Alternatively, you can also block any app on iPhone such as Instagram through the App Limits option on the Screen Time panel.

Simply follow these steps below:

Step 1. Tap Add Limit.

Unlike Downtime, the Add Limit option lets you set a daily limit for your app categories. In addition, it restricts the amount of time you can spend on a cluster of apps.

Step 2. Press Social Networking or All Apps & Categories.

Under the Add Limit option, you can choose among different app categories you want to restrict. Since Instagram falls in the Social Networking category, make sure to select this option. But you can also choose All Apps & Categories.

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Step 3. Add a Limit Schedule.

After selecting an app category, you can now set the amount of time you can use these apps.

How to Block Instagram App Through iTunes & App Store Purchases

If you want to block Instagram by deleting the app on your iPhone, you can prevent yourself from reinstalling it again through iTunes & App Store Purchases.

Here’s what you should do:

Step 1. Enable Content & Privacy Restrictions.

You can block inappropriate content and app downloads by enabling the Content & Privacy Restrictions on the Screen Time panel.

Step 2. Tap iTunes & App Store Purchases.

Since your goal is to prevent yourself from downloading the Instagram app again, you’ll need to modify your iTunes and App Store options.

Step 3. Set Don’t Allow on Installing Apps.

Under the iTunes & App Store Purchases panel, select Installing Apps and set the option to Don’t Allow to block store purchases and redownloads.

Conclusion

Instagram, like many other social media sites, is designed to be addictive.

Even if you downloaded Instagram with good intentions, like connecting with your family and friends, it's hard not to fall victim to the addictive algorithm. Soon, you're receiving hundreds of likes on your most recent vacation photo, watching Reel after Reel and tapping through stories of people you haven't talked to in years.

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If you're looking for a way to block Instagram so you can be more present in your life, Opal is here to help. Opal, the #1 Screen Time App, is designed to help you schedule your days, block distracting apps and focus fully, on any device.

1. Download Opal from the App Store and sync the Chrome extension;

2. Create an App Group to block specific social media sites, like Instagram;

3. Start a session.

Yes, it's that easy! While you'll still be able to open the Instagram app or visit the website, you won't be able to refresh your feed and see any new posts. And if you want to block an app that's not on Opal's block list, it's easy! Here's how.

Say hello to focusing on better things.

How to temporarily delete (disable) your Instagram account

Social networks have already become such an integral part of our lives that from time to time you frankly start to get tired of them. Do you want to take a break from Instagram? Such a desire is quite understandable. But instead of completely deleting the app or your profile, try simply temporarily deactivating your Instagram account. It is likely that in a month you will want to use the services of this service again. And, having entered it, you will see all your records in the same place - as if there was no downtime. nine0003

Apple in Telegram and YouTube. Subscribe!

♥ BY TOPIC: How to unfollow a person on Instagram so that they don’t find out (so as not to offend).

How to temporarily disable your Instagram account

Temporarily disabling your Instagram account removes your profile from the social network for the period of time you need to take a break from the service. The link to your Instagram profile will become invalid, users will not be able to find you in the search, and they will also not be able to contact you. But these features will be restored after the account is reactivated. nine0003

You can temporarily deactivate your Instagram account whether it is a personal account or a business account.

Oddly enough, you won't be able to disable your account from the Instagram app on iPhone or Android. Instead, you will need to use the Instagram website.

1. Open the Instagram website on your computer or smartphone browser and log in with the account you want to disable. nine0003

2. Go to the main profile page and select " Edit profile " there.

Alternatively, you can go directly to this link to go directly to the profile editing screen.

3. In this section, scroll down and click on the option " Temporarily disable my account ".

4. Instagram will ask you why your account was deactivated. You can select options from the drop down menu. If they do not suit you, or you do not want to specify a specific reason, then select the option " Other .”

After the choice is made, you will need to enter your Instagram password in a special field.

5. Now again you will need to click on the blue button " Temporarily block account " at the bottom of the page. Once again, Instagram will ask you if you want to continue. It remains only to press the button " Yes " in the pop-up window.

This will disable your Instagram account. On the smartphone, the application will exit the service. To see the result of what you have done, you can try searching for yourself by username on Instagram. The service will report that the user either does not exist or has not published anything yet. nine0003

♥ BY TOPIC: Instagram cache on iPhone: where to look and how to clear.

How to restore your Instagram account

All you need is an Instagram username and password. If you forgot it, you can try resetting it. nine0003

Open the Instagram app on your iPhone or Android device, or go to the Instagram website.

Just sign in to Instagram with your username and password.

Your account will be instantly restored and available as before. For added security, we still recommend that you change your Instagram password after reactivating your account.

How to delete Instagram account on iPhone in 2020?

There are many reasons why you need to get rid of your Instagram account as soon as possible. The curious thing is that doing this is not as easy as deciding to do it. The developers prudently removed this function away from the expressive impulse. But in the access of 3 clicks left the opportunity to temporarily block the account. To rest and cool down. But you can do this no more than once a week. nine0003

How to suspend an Instagram account

Instagram is positioned as a mobile app for smartphones. You take pictures with your phone camera and immediately show them through the app. It is logical to assume that the mobile version of the program should include a full set of functions. But no - you can only block or delete a personal page through web applications for a computer.

To temporarily block an account:

1. On a computer or iPhone, log in to the Instagram website. We do not enter through the application, through the site, this is important, since this function is not available in the application. nine0003

2. After we find ourselves in a personal feed, in the right corner if from a PC and the lower right corner if from a smartphone, click on the label with a little man and go to the personal page.

3. Here we click “Edit profile”.

4. On the page that opens, at the bottom, on the right, select “Temporarily block my account”.

5. In the new window, select the reason for blocking from the drop-down menu, enter the account password. We confirm the temporary blocking. nine0003

Now the account is blocked, but all photos, videos, stories and messages are saved in the service. By the way, you can download them at any time, even from your phone.

For this:

We go into the application, go to the personal page, open the menu (3 bars in the upper right corner).
Here, at the very bottom, select “Settings”, “Security”, “Download data”. Here we indicate the email address to which all personal data will be sent. nine0003

At the bottom, press the blue button “Request a file”, enter the password
Now all photos, posts, stories, videos, messages from Direct will be sent within the next 48 hours to the specified e-mail

To restore your account, you need to log in to the Instagram website. After that, the owl account is in operation.

Delete Instagram account

If you decide to permanently end the social network, follow the link https://www.instagram.com/accounts/remove/confirmed/permanent/ . You will not find it on mobile Instagram and on the website. The developers made sure that we did not do stupid things in the heat of the moment.

The page will be greeted with a tearful message and a reminder that the account can always be temporarily blocked.
Then you need to select the reason for deletion in the drop-down list. nine0003
After that, a list of useful articles will appear that can stop the user from hasty action. Enter your password and click the "Permanently delete my account" button. A pop-up window will appear to confirm the action. Click “OK” and the account, and all information associated with it disappears forever.
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