Are you tired of scrolling through Facebook and seeing Reels everywhere? Maybe you prefer reading updates from friends, checking photos, or catching up with family without being interrupted by endless short videos. If that sounds familiar, learning how to hide Reels on Facebook permanently can help you create a less distracting browsing experience.

Facebook has made Reels an important part of its platform, placing short videos in the main Feed and dedicated video sections. Unfortunately, there is no universal setting that permanently removes every Reel or disables the entire Reels feature across Facebook. However, you can hide individual Reels, ask Facebook to recommend fewer similar videos, adjust your feed preferences, and stop videos from playing automatically where the relevant controls are available. <Cite refs={[“turn165447search1″,”turn165447search11”]}/>

In this step-by-step guide, we will explain how to hide Facebook Reels on Android, iPhone, and desktop, reduce unwanted video recommendations, manage autoplay, and troubleshoot common problems. We will also explain which methods actually work and which supposed permanent fixes you should avoid.

Table of Contents

Quick Answer: Can You Hide Reels on Facebook Permanently?

No, Facebook does not currently offer a universal switch that permanently removes all Reels from every part of the platform. You can, however, reduce their visibility and make your Feed less focused on short videos.

Here are the most practical options:

Tap the three-dot menu on an unwanted Reel and choose Hide Reel, if available.
Select Show less or Not interested when Facebook offers that option.
Unfollow accounts that regularly share videos you do not want to see.
Review your Feed preferences to control unwanted recommendations.
Turn off video autoplay where supported.
Use the Friends, Groups, or Favorites feeds when they better suit your browsing needs.

These methods have different effects. Hiding one Reel does not necessarily hide all Reels, and disabling autoplay does not remove videos from Facebook.

Why Does Facebook Show So Many Reels?

Facebook recommends content based on several signals, including your interactions, viewing behavior, followed accounts, and the relevance of available videos. Its recommendation systems aim to help you discover content you might enjoy.

For example, if you watch several cooking videos, Facebook may recommend more recipes. If you regularly watch funny clips, you might see more comedy Reels.

This can be helpful when the recommendations match your interests. But what happens when you want to stop watching short videos altogether?

The platform may continue displaying Reels because they are part of its standard browsing experience. Even if you rarely watch them, you may still encounter them in Feed, Watch, or the dedicated Reels section.

The good news is that you can influence recommendations and change how videos behave while browsing.

How to Hide Reels on Facebook Permanently: Step-by-Step Methods

Let’s start with the most effective built-in controls. Because Facebook regularly updates its interface, menu names and button locations may differ between accounts.

Method 1: Hide Individual Reels From Your Facebook Feed

This is the simplest method when you encounter a Reel you do not want to see.

Steps to hide a Reel

Open the Facebook app or visit Facebook in your browser.
Scroll through your Feed until an unwanted Reel appears.
Tap or click the three-dot menu associated with the Reel.
Look for Hide Reel, Hide, or a similar option.
Select the option if it is available.
Continue browsing and repeat the process for other unwanted videos.

The selected Reel should be removed or hidden from the relevant viewing area, depending on the interface.

Important: This action applies to the particular Reel or recommendation. It does not guarantee that Facebook will stop showing every other Reel.

Method 2: Choose “Show Less” on Facebook Reels

Facebook offers recommendation controls that let you indicate whether you want to see more or less content like a particular video. Meta describes these controls as a way to personalize Reels recommendations. <Cite refs={[“turn165447search1”]}/>

How to use Show Less

Open Facebook.
Find a Reel that does not interest you.
Tap the three-dot menu on the video.
Select Show less, if available.
Continue using the option on recommendations you do not enjoy.

Facebook may also display Not interested or similar feedback wording in some interfaces.

These controls can help reduce the ranking of similar recommendations, but they are not permanent global filters. Meta has described the Show More and Show Less effects as temporary ranking adjustments. <Cite refs={[“turn165447search1”]}/>

Use this method when you want fewer recommended videos about particular topics or from particular creators.

Method 3: Unfollow Accounts That Frequently Post Reels

Sometimes the problem is not Reels themselves but the accounts that repeatedly publish them.

If a Page, creator, or friend frequently shares videos you do not enjoy, unfollowing that source may reduce its posts in your Feed.

Steps to unfollow an account

Open a post from the person or Page.
Visit the person’s profile or the Page.
Tap or click the Friends or Following control, if available.
Select Unfollow.
Repeat for other accounts whose posts you no longer want in your Feed.

Unfollowing someone generally does not remove them from your friends list. You can still visit their profile and interact with them directly.

However, this method does not prevent Reels from other creators or Facebook’s recommended sources from appearing.

Method 4: Adjust Your Facebook Feed Preferences

Feed preferences can help you manage the sources and content that appear in your Feed.

Steps to review Feed preferences

Open Facebook and sign in.
Open your profile menu.
Select Settings & privacy.
Open Settings.
Look for Feed or Feed preferences.
Review the available options for Favorites, unfollowing accounts, snoozing sources, or managing recommendations.
Adjust the options that fit your needs.

Facebook’s available Feed controls include tools for managing followed sources and indicating what content you want to see more or less often. <Cite refs={[“turn165447search5”]}/>

Keep in mind that Feed preferences may reduce unwanted content, but they do not provide a universal switch for disabling Reels across the entire platform.

Method 5: Turn Off Video Autoplay on Facebook

If Reels distract you because they start playing while you scroll, disabling autoplay can make Facebook less disruptive.

This setting changes video playback behavior rather than removing Reels from your Feed.

On Android

Open the Facebook app.
Tap the Menu icon.
Open Settings & privacy, then Settings.
Search for Media or find it under Preferences.
Look for the Autoplay setting.
Select Never autoplay videos, if available.

On iPhone

Open Facebook and access the Menu.
Go to Settings & privacy, then Settings.
Find Media or the relevant video playback settings.
Locate Autoplay.
Choose Never autoplay videos if the option is available.

On a computer

Open Facebook in your browser.
Click your profile picture.
Select Settings & privacy, then Settings.
Look for Media or video playback settings.
Disable autoplay if the control is available.

Menu locations and available options vary by device and Facebook version. Autoplay settings may also behave differently on mobile data and Wi-Fi.

Method 6: Use the Friends Feed Instead of Home

Facebook’s Home Feed can contain recommended content from accounts you do not follow. If you want a more familiar browsing experience, try the Feeds section.

Depending on the options available to your account, you may be able to select:

Friends: Posts from friends.
Favorites: Posts from selected people and Pages.
Groups: Content from groups you belong to.
Pages: Posts from Pages you follow.

To find these options:

Open Facebook.
Open the Menu or navigation panel.
Look for Feeds.
Select Friends, Favorites, Groups, or another available category.
Browse the selected feed instead of Home.

These feeds can reduce your exposure to recommended content, but they are not guaranteed to be entirely free of video posts or Reels.

Method 7: Use Facebook in a Desktop Browser

Some users find Facebook easier to manage on a computer because the wider layout makes menus and feed controls easier to access.

To reduce Reels on desktop:

Open Facebook in your browser.
Find an unwanted Reel in Feed or the video section.
Click its three-dot menu.
Choose Hide Reel, Show less, or the closest available feedback option.
Unfollow sources that repeatedly share unwanted videos.
Use the Feeds section when you want to focus on friends or selected sources.

If a control is unavailable on desktop, try the official mobile app. The available options can differ between interfaces.

Method 8: Review Your Followed Pages and Groups

Pages and groups can contribute to the amount of video content you encounter.

For example, a group that once shared helpful articles might now post mostly short videos. Reviewing your memberships can help you decide whether to keep following it.

Open your Facebook Groups or Pages section.
Review the sources you follow.
Unfollow or leave sources that no longer match your interests.
Keep useful communities and creators.
Review your Feed preferences again.

You do not need to leave every group that shares a Reel. If the group provides valuable discussions, consider changing your notification or following preferences instead.

Method 9: Reduce Reels Recommendations by Changing Your Viewing Habits

Your interactions can influence what Facebook recommends.

If you regularly watch a type of video, Facebook may interpret that behavior as interest. If you want fewer Reels, try the following:

Avoid opening recommended videos that do not interest you.
Use Show less or Not interested when available.
Stop following creators whose content you no longer enjoy.
Engage with posts, articles, and discussions that better match your interests.
Use Friends or Favorites feeds for a more focused experience.

You do not need to manipulate your account or repeatedly click random options. Simply use Facebook in the way you genuinely prefer.

Method 10: Keep Facebook Updated and Check the Available Controls

An outdated app may display a different interface from the one described in online tutorials.

To check for updates:

Open the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Search for Facebook.
Check whether an update is available.
Install the update if appropriate.
Reopen Facebook and review the Reel controls.

If a tutorial refers to a button you cannot find, it may be describing an older interface or a feature that is not available to your account.

Updating Facebook does not remove Reels, but it can help ensure that you have access to the current supported settings.

How to Hide Reels on Facebook: Android vs. iPhone vs. Desktop

The following table summarizes the main methods.

Method	Android	iPhone	Desktop
Hide an individual Reel	Usually available where supported	Usually available where supported	Available in supported interfaces
Show less or similar feedback	Available on supported Reels	Available on supported Reels	May be available
Unfollow an account	Yes	Yes	Yes
Adjust Feed preferences	Yes, depending on interface	Yes, depending on interface	Yes, depending on interface
Disable video autoplay	Where supported	Where supported	Where supported
Permanently remove every Reel	No universal setting	No universal setting	No universal setting

Can You Permanently Remove the Reels Tab From Facebook?

Facebook does not document a universal setting that permanently removes the Reels tab from every account.

The Reels section is part of Facebook’s standard interface, and its placement can change as the platform evolves. Hiding an individual video or changing your feed preferences does not necessarily remove the dedicated tab.

Meta has also consolidated its video experience, with videos increasingly shared through the Reels format. This means that even longer videos may appear in the same general video experience. <Cite refs={[“turn165447search15”]}/>

If your goal is to stop seeing Reels entirely, the most realistic approach is to minimize exposure through available feedback and playback controls rather than expecting the feature to disappear permanently.

Common Problems When Trying to Hide Facebook Reels

Why Does Facebook Keep Showing Reels After I Hide Them?

Hiding a Reel generally affects an individual item. Facebook can still recommend other videos from different creators or topics.

What to do: Use Show less or Not interested when available, unfollow unwanted sources, and review your Feed preferences.

Why Can’t I Find the Hide Reel Option?

Facebook changes its interface, and not every account displays the same menu options.

What to do: Open the three-dot menu directly on the Reel. Look for Hide, Show less, Not interested, or another relevant recommendation control.

Why Are Reels Still Playing Automatically?

Autoplay may be controlled separately from recommendations. Disabling autoplay does not remove videos from your Feed.

What to do: Check Settings for Media or video playback options and select Never autoplay videos if available.

Why Did Reels Return After I Changed My Settings?

A recommendation preference may only affect certain content or ranking decisions. It does not permanently block every video.

What to do: Repeat the relevant feedback action and review the sources you follow.

Can I Use a Browser Extension to Remove All Reels?

Some third-party extensions claim to hide specific Facebook interface elements, but they are not official Facebook controls and may stop working when Facebook changes its layout.

Be cautious about extensions that request broad permissions or ask for your Facebook credentials. For most users, the safer approach is to use Facebook’s built-in settings and feedback controls.

Best Practices for a Less Distracting Facebook Experience

If you want to spend less time watching Reels, combine feed management with a few simple habits.

1. Set a Browsing Goal

Before opening Facebook, decide whether you want to check messages, read friends’ updates, or participate in a group. A clear goal can help you avoid endless scrolling.

2. Use the Feeds Section

When you want to focus on people and sources you already follow, choose a relevant feed rather than relying exclusively on Home.

3. Review Your Preferences Regularly

Your interests change over time. Check your following list and Feed preferences occasionally to keep your experience relevant.

4. Avoid Unofficial Facebook Modifications

Modified Facebook applications and unknown tools may expose your login credentials or personal information. Do not risk your account for a promised permanent Reels removal feature.

5. Separate Privacy From Recommendation Settings

If you want to stop other people from seeing the Reels you publish, change your Reels audience settings. If you want to stop seeing other people’s Reels, use the feed and recommendation controls described above.

These are two different problems and require different settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I hide Reels on Facebook permanently?

No. Facebook does not offer a universal setting that permanently removes all Reels. You can hide individual videos, use Show less or similar feedback, unfollow sources, and reduce autoplay where supported.

2. How do I hide Reels on Facebook on my iPhone?

Open Facebook, find an unwanted Reel, tap its three-dot menu, and select Hide Reel or Show less if available. You can also review Feed preferences and video playback settings.

3. How do I stop Facebook Reels from playing automatically?

Open Facebook Settings and look for Media or video playback options. Select Never autoplay videos if your account offers that setting. This stops automatic playback where supported but does not remove Reels.

4. Can I remove the Reels tab from Facebook?

Facebook does not provide a universal official setting to permanently remove the Reels tab. You can reduce unwanted videos and use other feed sections to limit your exposure.

5. Does hiding one Reel stop similar videos from appearing?

Not necessarily. Hiding one Reel affects that particular recommendation, while Show less or Not interested may help reduce similar content. Facebook can still recommend videos from other sources.

Conclusion

Learning how to hide Reels on Facebook permanently starts with understanding what Facebook allows you to control. Although there is no universal switch to remove every Reel, you can make your experience less video-heavy with a few practical changes.

Start by hiding unwanted Reels and using Show less or Not interested when available. Then unfollow sources that regularly share videos you do not enjoy, review your Feed preferences, and disable autoplay if the option is available on your device.

If you prefer updates from friends, try the Friends or Favorites feed instead of Home. Remember that these methods reduce exposure rather than guarantee permanent removal.

Your next step: Open Facebook, hide an unwanted Reel, review your autoplay settings, and switch to a more focused feed when possible. With consistent adjustments, you can make Facebook work better for your browsing habits.

Summary: Key Takeaways

Facebook does not offer a universal permanent Reels-off switch.
Use the three-dot menu to hide individual Reels when the option is available.
Select Show less or Not interested to influence recommendations.
Unfollow accounts that repeatedly share unwanted videos.
Review Feed preferences and use Friends or Favorites feeds when available.
Disable video autoplay to reduce interruptions.
Avoid unknown extensions or modified apps that promise permanent removal.
Be realistic: these controls can reduce Reels, but they cannot guarantee that every Reel disappears from Facebook.

The best approach is to combine Facebook’s built-in controls and choose the browsing experience that suits you.