How to turn off downloads for your Instagram Reels

Want to share your Reels on Instagram while keeping other people from downloading them through the app? This guide walks you through turning off downloads for your account or a specific Reel, including one you have already posted. Choose which setting you want to change, then check that downloads are off.

For public accounts, you can change download permissions while posting, in your account settings, or on a Reel you have already shared. Instagram explains who can download Reels and how to manage the setting.

Change downloads while posting a Reel

Record and edit your Reel. Before sharing it, tap Next, then More options. Find Allow people to download your reels and turn it off. Instagram may also ask whether to apply the choice to all Reels or only the one you are preparing. Choose the scope you want, return to the previous screen, and tap Share.

Change the setting for your account

In the Instagram app for Android, open your profile and tap Menu.

1. Open Sharing and reuse.
2. Under Downloads, below Allow people to share externally, turn the setting off.

To check the setting, return to Sharing and reuse and confirm Downloads is still off. For a published Reel, open Options and Manage; if you see Turn on downloading, downloads are off for that Reel.

Instagram says downloads for new Reels on public accounts follow this setting. To change an individual Reel you already shared, open that Reel and use the steps below.

Turn off downloads for a published Reel

Open the Reel from your profile and tap Options. Tap Manage, then choose Turn off downloading. If you change your mind, return to the same control and turn downloads on.

Know what this setting controls

Private accounts do not allow people to download their Reels while the account remains private. For public accounts belonging to people under 18, downloads are off by default, though they can be turned on. Instagram also says copies already downloaded to devices are not affected by a settings change. The setting controls downloading from Instagram; it cannot recall existing copies or control what someone does with a Reel after downloading it.

If you are preparing to publish a Reel, see how to schedule Instagram Reels or how to share Instagram posts to Facebook.