Snap scrolling, also known as auto-scrolling or tap-to-advance, is a popular feature on various social media platforms, including Instagram. It allows users to view posts and stories by quickly tapping or swiping on the screen, automatically advancing to the next content. While this feature offers a seamless browsing experience, some users might prefer manual scrolling for more control over their feed. 

How To Disable Snap Scrolling On Instagram?

If you find snap scrolling on Instagram distracting or want to disable it for a different browsing experience, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of disabling snap scrolling on the Instagram app for both Android and iOS devices.

Understanding Snap Scrolling on Instagram:

Snap scrolling is a default browsing behavior on Instagram, wherein users can quickly move through their feed by tapping or swiping on the screen. As soon as you lift your finger after a tap or swipe, the app automatically advances to the next post or story. While this feature is convenient for quickly browsing content, it may cause users to miss some posts or linger on content they might have preferred to skip.

Why Some Users Want to Disable Snap Scrolling:

Several reasons motivate users to disable snap scrolling on Instagram:

a. Content Control: Snap scrolling can sometimes feel too fast, and users may prefer manual scrolling to take their time to read captions, view images, or engage with comments.

b. Accidental Advances: Users may accidentally tap or swipe, causing the app to skip posts unintentionally.

c. Focused Viewing: Some users prefer to concentrate on individual posts without the distraction of auto-scrolling.

d. Accessibility: Snap scrolling can be less user-friendly for individuals with certain disabilities who may benefit from more controlled navigation.

How to Disable Snap Scrolling on Instagram (Android):

Disabling snap scrolling on Android devices requires accessing Instagram's settings, which provides control over various app functionalities. Follow these steps to disable snap scrolling on Instagram for Android:

Step 1: Open Instagram App: Launch the Instagram app on your Android device by tapping its icon on the home screen or app drawer.

Step 2: Access Profile: Tap on your profile picture located at the bottom right corner to access your profile page.

Step 3: Open Settings: Tap the three horizontal lines (hamburger icon) in the top-right corner to open the options menu. Scroll down and tap on "Settings."

Step 4: Open Account Settings: From the settings menu, tap on "Account" to access your account settings.

Step 5: Find "Cellular Data Use": Scroll down to find "Cellular Data Use" under the Account settings.

Step 6: Disable "Use Less Data": You will see an option called "Use Less Data." Toggle this option to the "On" position. Enabling this option reduces the use of cellular data, but more importantly, it disables the snap scrolling feature.

Step 7: Confirm the Change: Instagram will prompt you to confirm the change. Tap "OK" to proceed.

Step 8: Restart the App: To ensure the changes take effect, close the Instagram app completely and then reopen it.

Upon completing these steps, you will notice that snap scrolling is disabled on your Instagram feed. You can now manually scroll through posts at your own pace.

How to Disable Snap Scrolling on Instagram (iOS):

For iOS devices, the process of disabling snap scrolling on Instagram involves slightly different steps. Follow the instructions below to disable snap scrolling on the Instagram app for iOS:

Step 1: Open Instagram App: Locate the Instagram app on your iOS device's home screen and tap on it to open the app.

Step 2: Access Profile: Tap on your profile picture located at the bottom right corner to access your profile page.

Step 3: Open Settings: Tap on the three horizontal lines (hamburger icon) in the top-right corner to open the options menu. Scroll down and tap on "Settings."

Step 4: Open Account Settings: From the settings menu, tap on "Account" to access your account settings.

Step 5: Access "Cellular Data Use": In the Account settings, find and tap on "Cellular Data Use."

Step 6: Disable "Use Less Data": You will see the option "Use Less Data." Toggle this option to the "On" position. As with Android, enabling this option disables snap scrolling on iOS devices.

Step 7: Confirm the Change: Instagram will display a confirmation prompt. Tap "OK" to proceed.

Step 8: Restart the App: Close the Instagram app entirely and then reopen it to ensure the changes are applied.

Upon completing these steps, snap scrolling will be disabled, and you will have full control over manually scrolling through your Instagram feed.

Third-Party Apps and Browsers

As of my last update in September 2021, Instagram's native app does not offer an official setting to disable snap scrolling. However, some third-party apps and alternative browsers may provide additional customization options for Instagram browsing. Users interested in disabling snap scrolling can explore such third-party apps or browsers and their features to find a solution that suits their preferences.

Additional Considerations

App Version: The steps provided in this guide are based on the Instagram app's functionality as of the last update in September 2021. App updates and changes to Instagram's user interface could potentially alter the steps required to disable snap scrolling. Always ensure that your Instagram app is up to date for the best experience.

Account Type: It's worth noting that some features and settings on Instagram may vary depending on the type of account you have. For example, business accounts and creator accounts may have access to additional features and settings not available to regular personal accounts.

User Experience: The decision to disable snap scrolling on Instagram is subjective and may vary from user to user. Some users may find snap scrolling convenient for rapid browsing, while others prefer the control offered by manual scrolling. Experiment with both options to determine which one suits your preferences and browsing habits best.

Accessibility Features: Instagram strives to improve accessibility for all users, including those with disabilities. As the platform evolves, more accessibility features may be introduced, allowing users to tailor their browsing experience to their specific needs.


Conclusion

Snap scrolling, or auto-scrolling, is a default feature on Instagram that enables users to quickly browse through their feed with a tap or swipe. However, not all users prefer this fast-paced browsing experience. Fortunately, Instagram offers an option to disable snap scrolling by enabling the "Use Less Data" feature, which effectively turns off this auto-scrolling behavior. By following the step-by-step guide provided for both Android and iOS devices, users can gain more control over their Instagram feed navigation and enjoy a more personalized browsing experience. As Instagram continues to evolve, users can explore additional options offered by third-party apps and browsers to further customize their Instagram browsing experience to suit their preferences and needs.