How to Get Rid of Reels on Facebook

You can't remove them, but you can use the 'Hide' option to see Reels less often

By
Jennifer Allen
Jennifer Allen
Jennifer Allen
Writer
  • Swansea University, Staffordshire University
Jennifer Allen has been writing about technology since 2010. Her work has appeared in Mashable, TechRadar, and many more publications.
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Updated on August 26, 2022
Reviewed by
Jessica Kormos
Jessica Kormos
Reviewed by Jessica Kormos
  • Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Jessica Kormos is a writer and editor with 15 years' experience writing articles, copy, and UX content for Tecca.com, Rosenfeld Media, and many others.
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What to Know

  • Facebook app: Tap ellipsis next to the Reels and tap Hide to see them less often.
  • Switch off autoplay by tapping Settings > Media > Never autoplay video.
  • Facebook via the browser doesn't show reels, so use it to avoid seeing them.

This article teaches you how to disable or block reels on Facebook. It looks at methods for the Facebook app as well as how the web browser version is impacted, along with how to disable auto play on videos. It also shows you how to limit who can see your reels.

How to Stop Seeing Reels in the Facebook App

Facebook reels are short videos that are similar to what you see on TikTok or Instagram. While there's no way to completely remove reels from the Facebook app, you can cut down on the amount you see. Here's what to do to hide them so that you see fewer of them.

The best way to completely avoid reels is to use Facebook in your web browser. Both the Android or iOS web browser allow you to use Facebook without seeing reels.

  1. In the Facebook app, scroll down until you find the Reels and short videos section.

  2. Tap the ellipsis next to the title.

  3. Tap Hide.

    Steps on Facebook app to hide Reels.

  4. You should now see fewer reels on the Facebook app.

How to Stop Autoplaying Videos in the Facebook App

If you simply don't want reels autoplaying in the Facebook app, here's how to disable the feature so you need to click on one to view it.

Disabling autoplay can save data usage as well as ensure that no videos loudly play while you use the app.

  1. In the Facebook app, tap Menu.

  2. Scroll down and tap Settings & privacy.

  3. Tap Settings.

    Steps on Facebook app to access Settings.

  4. Tap Media.

  5. Tap Never Autoplay video to disable autoplay.

    Steps on Facebook app to disable autoplay of videos.

How to Stop Seeing Reels on Facebook

The Facebook website doesn't currently show Reels, with the feature currently an app exclusive. However, with a growing amount of video content on the site, here's how to stop videos (including reels if they are introduced) from autoplaying via your web browser.

  1. On the Facebook site, click your profile image in the top right corner.

    Facebook site with profile image highlighted.

  2. Click Settings & privacy.

    Facebook site with Settings & privacy highlighted.

  3. Click Settings.

    Facebook site with Settings highlighted.

  4. Scroll down and click Videos.

    Facebook settings with Videos highlighted.

  5. Next to Autoplay videos, click On.

    Autoplay video settings on Facebook site with On highlighted.

  6. Click Off to switch off autoplay so that reels don't automatically play.

    Facebook site with autoplay videos switched to Off.

How to Remove Reels From Your Own Facebook Account

If you want to disable your own Reels so they don't appear on Facebook along with everyone else's, the process is quite simple. This will change the setting so Reels are only seen by your friends.

  1. In the Facebook app, tap More.

  2. Tap Settings & privacy.

  3. Tap Settings. 

    Facebook app with steps needed to find Settings.

  4. Scroll down and tap Reels.

  5. Tap the options you feel most comfortable with. 

    Facebook app Reels privacy settings.

    Most users will want to switch off allowing others to share their reels, as well as limit the audience to Friends.

FAQ
  • Why can't I see Facebook reels?

    If you're sure you haven't disabled reels, update the Facebook app to make sure you have the latest version that supports reels. You may not see reels if you have a weak internet connection.

  • How do I share reels on Facebook?

    To share Facebook reels, tap the Reel icon. Then, tap the Share icon next to the reel you want to share. Select Add reel to your story or tap Send next to a follower's name.

  • How do I search for reels on Facebook?

    You can't search for specific Instagram reels, but you can search by hashtag. Enter a search term to see reels tagged with the hashtag.

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