Instagram Reels have become one of the most engaging features on the platform, offering users an endless stream of short, entertaining videos. However, there are times when you might want to mute Instagram Reels—whether you're in a quiet environment, trying to focus, or simply prefer watching videos without sound.
If you’ve ever wondered how to mute Instagram Reels, this guide will walk you through various methods, from muting individual reels to managing sound settings on your device. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to mute reels on Instagram in 2025 and beyond.
Why Would You Want to Mute Instagram Reels?
Before diving into the steps, let’s explore why muting Reels might be useful:
- Public Places: Watching Reels in a library, office, or other quiet setting requires muting the sound.
- Avoiding Distractions: Background music and sound effects can be overwhelming when multitasking.
- Saving Battery & Data: Audio playback can drain battery life and consume mobile data.
- Personal Preferences: Some users simply prefer a silent browsing experience.
Whatever your reason, muting Reels on Instagram is simple once you know how.
How to Mute Instagram Reels in 2025
Instagram updates its interface frequently, so methods that worked in previous years may no longer be effective. Here are the latest ways to mute Instagram Reels in 2025:
1. Muting an Individual Reel While Watching
If you want to mute a specific Reel as you're watching it, follow these steps:
- Open Instagram and navigate to the Reels section.
- Play a Reel and locate the volume icon in the bottom right corner.
- Tap the volume icon to mute the sound. It should change to a muted symbol.
- If you want to turn the sound back on, tap the icon again.
This method is the quickest way to mute Reels on Instagram while browsing.
2. Muting Instagram Reels Using Your Phone’s Volume Controls
If you prefer a universal method, you can mute Reels using your phone's volume buttons:
On iPhone:
- Press the volume-down button until the sound is completely off.
- Toggle the silent switch (if available) to mute all sounds instantly.
On Android:
- Press the volume-down button until you see the mute icon.
- Use the Do Not Disturb (DND) mode to silence media sounds if you don’t want to adjust volume manually.
This method ensures that all Reels (and other Instagram videos) play without sound.
3. How to Mute Instagram Reels in Stories and Feed
Reels also appear in Instagram Stories and the main feed. If a Reel plays automatically with sound, here’s how to mute it:
- For Stories: Tap and hold the screen with one finger to pause the video and mute the sound.
- For the Feed: Scroll past the Reel and return to it; it will usually start muted unless you tap for sound.
4. Muting Instagram Reels from a Specific Account
If you're tired of hearing Reels from a specific account, you can mute them without unfollowing:
- Find a Reel from the account you want to mute.
- Tap the three-dot menu (top-right corner of the post).
- Select Mute > Mute Reels.
Now, their Reels won’t appear with sound unless you actively unmute them.
5. Turning Off Instagram Reels Sound Permanently
Unfortunately, Instagram does not offer a built-in setting to mute all Reels permanently. However, you can try these workarounds:
- Keep Your Phone in Silent Mode: This will mute all videos, including Reels.
- Use Accessibility Settings: Some phones allow you to disable sound for certain apps.
- Turn Off Instagram's Auto-Play Sound (If Available): In your Instagram settings, check for any new options related to sound and video playback.
FAQs About Muting Instagram Reels
1. Can I watch Instagram Reels without sound by default?
Yes, if your phone is in silent mode, Instagram Reels will automatically play without sound.
2. Will muting Reels affect my Instagram experience?
Not at all! You can still enjoy the visuals and captions without the need for sound.
3. Does Instagram have a "mute all Reels" setting?
As of 2025, Instagram does not have a global mute option for Reels. However, device settings can help achieve a similar effect.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to mute Instagram Reels 2025, you can enjoy a distraction-free browsing experience. Whether you’re using Instagram in public, avoiding noise, or simply prefer silent scrolling, these methods will help you control the sound of Reels effortlessly.
Have you tried any of these tricks? Let us know in the comments, and happy scrolling!