5 Ways to Fix Instagram Messages Not Sending

Quick Tips

• Ensure there are no problems with network connectivity on your device.
• If you’re sending a message first time to a user who doesn’t follow you, you can only send one direct message before they reply.
• Direct messages on Instagram can only feature up to 2000 characters.

Basic Fixes

• Check if Instagram is down: Check if Instagram is facing downtime. If yes, wait for the platform to be restored.
• Check network connectivity: Ensure there are no problems with network connectivity on your Android device.
• Update Instagram: Update Instagram to the latest version on your Android or iOS device for a bug-free experience.
• Ask the intended recipient to DM you: If you are not able to send a message to someone on Instagram, you can try asking them to message you instead.
• You may have been blocked:  When blocked on Instagram, you won’t be able to send direct messages.

Fix 1: Check Content Limit for DMs

• Direct messages can feature only up to 2000 characters.
• Avoid sending images and videos that are large in size. You may hit the limit set by Instagram.
• If you haven’t previously connected with someone on Instagram, and they don’t follow you – you can only send one DM before they reply. You won’t be able to send photos or videos.

Fix 2: Enable Cellular Data for Instagram

If you can’t DM while you’re using mobile data, check if you’ve disabled cellular data access for Instagram

On iPhone

Go to Settings, scroll down, select Instagram from the list, and enable Mobile Data.

On Android

Step 1: Tap and hold the Instagram app icon, and select App Info.

Step 2: Select Data usage and ensure you haven’t enabled Disable mobile data.

Fix 3: Disable Data Saver

Instagram has a built-in data saver toggle that helps reduce cellular data consumption as you use the app. However, if you are facing an issue while using the app and are not able to send messages, it is always recommended to turn this toggle off and give Instagram unrestricted access to the internet.

The data saver mode on Instagram may affect loading speeds in the app.

Step 1: Open the Profile tab, and tap on the menu button at the top right corner.

Step 2: Select Media quality and turn off Use less mobile data.

Fix 4: Clear Cache

Clearing cache and junk files may resolve the issue with DMs. You can check our guide on what happens when you clear your cache on Instagram for a better understanding.

On Android

Step 1: Long-press the Instagram app on the home screen and tap on App info. Tap on Clear Data.

Step 2: Tap on Clear cache and select OK to confirm.

On iPhone

Offloading an application on your iPhone removes temporary data, including cache and junk files.

Step 1: Open the Settings app. Go to General -> iPhone Storage.

Step 2: Scroll down and select Instagram from the list. Select Offload App. Wait for the offloading to complete, then tap on the Reinstall App option.

Fix 5: Log Out and Login to Instagram

Once you sign out of Instagram and log in again, there is a good chance that the issue with messages will be resolved.

Step 1: Open the Instagram app and go to the Profile tab. Tap on the menu button and select Settings.

Step 2: Tap on Log Out. Once you are logged out, sign in to your account.

If none of the above methods work, try contacting Instagram’s support team.