Oxbow: Instagram without Reels or ads for Android, feed optional
Calm from the first launch: Reels, the endless feed, Explore and ads are off by default, each one a switch you can flip back. Add a permanent lock, downloads, ghost mode and clean share links. Messaging, stories and profiles stay.
downloads
What changes?
Keep what matters, remove what distracts
Feed Posts
The endless home feed is blocked at the network level. No more doomscrolling.
Explore Tab
The suggested Explore content is hidden to prevent infinite browsing.
Reels Tab
Reels are blocked at the network level and the tab icon itself is hidden from the bottom bar. No infinite video loops.
Instants (+ in DMs)
The intrusive Instants "+" button at the bottom-right of the inbox is hidden. Toggleable.
Notes (above DMs)
The row of friends' text-bubble Notes at the top of the inbox is hidden. Toggleable.
Downloads
Posts, Reels, stories and highlights download from a native Download row in Instagram's own ⋯ menus. Long-press an avatar for the HD profile picture.
Ghost mode
Stories are not marked seen, DMs send no read receipts and no typing indicator. Off by default.
Clean share links
Copied and shared links drop tracking parameters such as igsh and utm_* automatically.
Stories
View and post stories from the people you follow.
Direct Messages
Full messaging functionality including shared reels and posts.
Profile & Search
Access your profile, search for users, and get notifications.
Why Oxbow?
For people who need Instagram DMs, stories and profiles, but do not want Reels, Explore, ads or the endless feed.
Real Android app
Oxbow patches the real Instagram Android app instead of wrapping the mobile website in a WebView.
Open patches
Every patch is public, so you can inspect what is changed before installing anything.
Built for focus
It keeps the useful social features and removes the parts designed for endless scrolling.
Classic APK vs Clone APK
Choose the install type that matches how you want to use Instagram on your device.
oxbow.apk (classic)
Replaces the regular Instagram app by keeping Instagram's original package ID. Use this if you only want Oxbow installed.
oxbow-clone.apk (clone)
Uses a different package ID so it can be installed alongside the official Instagram app. Use this if you want both apps on the same device.
Safety and trust
Oxbow does not collect, proxy, store, or transmit your Instagram credentials.
Build it yourself
You can patch the APK locally from source instead of trusting a prebuilt release artifact.
Unofficial project
Oxbow is not affiliated with Instagram or Meta. It is a modified APK, so use it at your own risk.
Documented behavior
The README documents the current blocked network paths for feed, Reels, Explore, ads, telemetry and related features.
Guides
How to use Instagram without Reels, the feed or ads on Android.
Instagram without Reels
Instagram has no setting to turn off Reels. Five ways to use it without them, compared.
How to remove Reels on Android
Every option, from Instagram's own settings to removing the Reels tab.
Instagram without the feed
Keep only direct messages and stories.
DFInstagram alternative
A maintained, open-source distraction-free Instagram.
Oxbow vs ScrollGuard vs WallHabit
Patched app or blocker app: which one fits you.
What the EU found
Instagram's addictive design under the Digital Services Act.