Having Instagram available on an Android device means the app is a constant distraction. Knowing how to block Instagram on Android helps you become more productive.

How to block Instagram on Android

As much as you enjoy browsing photos on Instagram using your Android device, there’s no denying that using it leads to a lot of screen time. Add to that the constant notifications and Instagram can become a major distraction for anyone.

You know you should probably switch it off, but to do that, you need to know how to block the Instagram app on your Android phone or laptop. This guide teaches you how to block apps with practical step-by-step instructions.

The dark side of Instagram and other social media applications

Social media sites are everywhere these days. If you go to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, you’ll see they’re among the most popular apps. At their best, these social media apps can help you to build connections with new and exciting people.

Unfortunately, using social media comes with a dark side.

According to experts at New York’s Columbia University, social media can serve as a platform for bullying and exclusionary behavior.

It can also have a negative effect on mental health. Think about the amount of time you can spend looking at unrealistic lives and body standards when you use Instagram. Every image seeps into your mind, leading you to set expectations for yourself that you can’t possibly achieve.

Social media also presents dangers when it comes to phone usage. Every notification that pings invites you to check your phone or tablet. Before you know it, you spend more time looking at Instagram accounts than on productive activities.

Increase productivity by blocking Instagram on your Android devices

Blocking Instagram on your Android device gives you a break from the distractions the platform creates. It also opens the door for more productive activities.

For example, you may spend 30 minutes each morning scrolling through Instagram in bed. If you block Instagram, you can use that time to exercise, meditate, or give yourself more time to get ready in the morning.

Avoiding Instagram in your work life allows you to focus on what you’re doing rather than what others post on social media. The same goes for avoiding other common apps, such as Snapchat and WhatsApp. The more time you spend away from the screen, the more productive you become.

Steps to removing Instagram from your device

The benefits of blocking Instagram are clear. What isn’t clear is exactly how you can block the app. Several techniques work across most Android devices.

Manage your time using Digital Wellbeing

You may not want to block Instagram entirely. Instead, you want to set a time limit on your usage, giving you more control over your screen time. Android’s Digital Wellbeing utility allows you to do that:

1. Open the “Settings” app.
2. Tap “Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls.”
3. Tap the chart to go to a list of apps you use.
4. Locate Instagram and select the “Timer” icon, which looks like an hourglass.
5. Select the amount of time you wish to spend in the app. If you want to block Instagram entirely, you can set this time to 0.

Think of this technique as a way of setting permissions for how much you use Instagram. You can follow this step-by-step for any Android device with the Android 9 operating system or higher. That includes Samsung phones and Chromebooks.

Block app downloading in the Google Play Store

If you’re wary about your children using Instagram, you can prevent them from downloading the app in Google Play. Set up parental controls using the following steps:

1. Launch Google Play and tap the “Profile Icon” in the screen’s upper-right corner.
2. Select “Settings.”
3. Scroll down to “User Controls” and select “Parental Controls.”
4. Activate “Parental Controls” using the toggle switch.
5. Create a PIN when prompted and select “OK.”
6. Re-enter your PIN to confirm it and tap “OK” again.
7. Select “Apps & Games” from the Parental Controls section.
8. Select the age ratings for third-party apps you wish to allow. Note that Instagram is rated for peopled aged 13 or over.
9. Hit “Save” and you’ve successfully applied parental controls. The device’s user can’t download any apps rated above the specified age range.

Use an app blocker

Several social media blocker apps allow you to add specific apps and web pages to a blocked list. Examples include Freedom, RescueTime, and StayFocusd.

You have several options with these apps. You can use them to limit or block access to the installed apps on your device. Many also come as web browser extensions, allowing you to block websites as well as apps. Some even allow you to prevent a user from making costly in-app purchases.

Living a distraction-free life with these productivity tools

With Instagram out of the picture, you’re ready to lead a more distraction-free life. The following productivity tools help you to get more out of your Android device.

Speechify

Speechify is a text to speech (TTS) app that reads digital content aloud. It uses artificial intelligence to create natural voices which can read text to you while you work.

The app is an excellent productivity tool because it lets you work and read simultaneously. That makes it ideal for research projects. Furthermore, Speechify helps those with reading difficulties make more sense of web-based content.

The app is available in over 14 languages. It’s downloadable as a Google Chrome extension or an app for Microsoft Windows, iOS, Android, and macOS. Try it for free to see what it offers.

TickTick

Maintaining a to-do list helps you track the tasks you need to complete during the day. TickTick allows you to create handy task lists and set deadlines and notification reminders.

These lists are simple and shareable, making them ideal for working in a team environment. When you’re done with a task, tap the appropriate item on the list and move on to the next job.

Evernote

If you need a tool for taking notes, Evernote is great for the job. It allows you to capture ideas and create to-do lists, making it an excellent app for organizing your time.

The app also allows you to upload screenshots, web clips, and files, meaning you can put everything you need for a task in a single note.

FAQ

How do I block Instagram on my child’s phone?

You can block Instagram on a child’s phone by setting age restrictions in the Google Play Store.

How do I block specific apps on Android?

Set time limits for the availability of apps using the Digital Wellbeing utility.

How do I block an Instagram user?

Search for the user’s Instagram name and tap their profile icon. Select the “Block” button in the top right of their profile screen and tap “Block” again to confirm.