Why Can’t I See My Messages on Instagram?
Instagram not showing or receiving messages can lead to confusion and mistakes, especially if you’re running a business. While the usual troops like unstable networks, server issues, etc., play a role, the issue might be because of the following reasons.
- You might have blocked or restricted the account – If you have blocked someone or restricted them, you can’t receive their messages. You’ll need to unblock/un-restrict the account to continue receiving messages.
- The message was unsent – Instagram lets you unsend messages in a conversation. If someone has made a typo or accidentally sent you a message, the person may unsend the message and delete it from both sides.
- Received disappearing message – While vanish mode messages are great, certain professional accounts can’t receive such messages, it’s Instagram’s policy. So you might have requested the user to disable the setting and send a normal DM.
- Unmute a Conversation – You may not be receiving real-time notifications because you’ve muted the chat thread. Unmute to get prompt notification.
Basic Fixes
- Check Instagram status – When Instagram servers face an outage, you can’t send or receive messages. You can visit Downdetector and search for Instagram to confirm the problem. You need to wait for Instagram to address server-side issues.
- Fix Instagram DM notifications – If you’re facing issues with all Instagram direct message notifications, try our dedicated post to fix Instagram’s DM problem and receive instant message alerts on your phone.
- Log out and log in to your Instagram account – Whether it’s an issue with settings or a bug that is causing Instagram to not receive messages, re-login can be the fix. It should reset the root cause.
- Clear Instagram cache (Android) – A corrupt Instagram cache can lead to issues like Instagram not receiving or showing messages. Clear the Instagram cache and try again.
- Update or Reinstall Instagram app – An outdated Instagram app on your phone can lead to inconveniences with message experience. You need to head to the App Store or Google Play Store and install the latest Instagram update on your phone.
Fix 1. Check Messages in the General or Requests Tab
If an unknown account sends you a message on Instagram, it won’t appear in the primary inbox. You can check such messages from the Requests tab.
Step 1: Open Instagram and move to the Messages tab.
Step 2: Look for new messages in the General or Requests tab.
Fix 3. Try Accessing DMs on Instagram Website
If you are not able to receive messages on Instagram mobile apps, try the web version. Instagram web comes with a dedicated Messages tab to check the latest alerts.
What’s more, users have found that after accessing messages through the web, their messages have started to show up on the app. Maybe it fixes the setting-related issue caused in your account.
Fix 4. Access Instagram DMs via User’s Profile
If you can’t access DMs directly due to some issue, this hack might be able to save you. Moreover, this could also possibly solve the issue by pushing the messages to open.
Step 1: Open Instagram and visit the user’s profile who DMed you or the profile of someone you talk regularly to.
Step 2: Tap Messages from their profile.
Hopefully, you can now see the Instagram messages and the feature should return to normal. However, if the problem persists, you can report the problem to Instagram, they are usually prompt in responding and resolving the issue.
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Last updated on 24 July, 2024
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