Threads can turn one reply into a long run through recommendations, quote posts, and conversations you never meant to join. Its close connection to Instagram also gives you two feeds to check instead of one.
You can limit Threads without blocking Instagram or deleting either account. Screen Time handles daily limits and schedules; Aura can keep Threads closed until you earn the minutes with a habit.
Set a daily Threads limit
An App Limit covers the whole Threads app. Instagram remains separate, so it needs its own limit if you tend to move there when Threads closes.
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Open Settings and tap Screen Time.
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Turn on App & Website Activity if needed.
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Tap App Limits, then Add Limit.
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Open Social and select Threads.
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Choose the daily allowance and adjust individual days if needed.
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Tap Add.
Keep Threads out of work and bedtime
Downtime protects specific hours instead of counting a daily total. Use it when Threads is mostly a morning, workday, or late-night problem.
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Go to Settings, Screen Time, then Downtime.
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Turn on Scheduled and choose the hours you want protected.
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Turn on Block at Downtime.
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Open Always Allowed and make sure Threads is not included.
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Keep calls, messages, maps, and any essential tools available.
Block threads.com too
A limit on the iPhone app does not necessarily block threads.com. Add the website to Screen Time's Never Allow list if Safari becomes the replacement feed.
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Open Settings, Screen Time, then Content & Privacy Restrictions.
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Tap App Store, Media, Web & Games, then Web Content.
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Choose Limit Adult Websites.
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Add threads.com under Never Allow.
Earn Threads time with Aura
Aura keeps Threads locked until you complete a healthy habit. Reading, focused work, exercise, a walk, or another supported habit earns Aura coins. One coin buys one minute of screen time.
The earned time gives the check-in an ending. Reply to the people you meant to reach, then let Threads lock again when those minutes run out.
- Select Threads as a blocked app.
- Complete a habit before opening it.
- Spend the minutes you want to use.
- Let Threads lock when the session ends.
Follow people, not the For You feed
Turn off recommendation alerts and notifications from conversations you did not join. Keep replies and mentions only if they matter to you.
Open profiles or the Following feed when you have something specific to check. If the Instagram feed becomes the substitute, apply a separate rule there instead of pretending the Threads limit solved both habits.
Common questions
Can I block Threads without blocking Instagram?
Yes. Threads and Instagram appear as separate apps in Screen Time and Aura, so you can select Threads without applying the same rule to Instagram.
Does deleting the Threads app delete my account?
No. Removing the iPhone app does not delete your Threads or Instagram profile. Account deletion is a separate action inside Meta's settings.
Can I block the Threads website too?
Yes. If threads.com becomes a workaround, add it to Screen Time's website restrictions in addition to limiting the app.
Can Aura block Threads and leave Instagram open?
Yes. Aura blocks only the apps you select, so each Meta app can have its own rule.
Apple changes Screen Time labels from time to time. If a menu looks different on your iPhone, see Apple's current Screen Time guide and content restriction guide.
