Whether you use Instagram for personal or business purposes, regardless of how often you post, you probably receive a few messages a day from your friends or customers. So, when your phone stays silent without a single Instagram notification, it can be concerning—and for good reason.
One of the most common issues users report is direct messages not working. Below, we explore solutions to quickly resolve this problem.
Why Can’t I Message on Instagram?
Instagram Direct Messages may encounter a problem that is usually easy to fix if you know what causes it.
The most common cause of the problem is slow internet. When your internet is slow, you may get a notification that you received a DM, but when you open your chat, the message is missing, as if someone has deleted it before you could read it.
🛠️Solution: Switch to a different Wi-Fi connection, if possible, or to your mobile network.
Another cause of the Direct Message not working is the app’s glitches, which, unfortunately, can not always be fixed on your side. If this is the case, you will receive messages on Instagram, but when you reload the page, those messages will disappear.
🛠️Solution: Try updating your Instagram app if you haven’t done it in a long time. If that doesn’t help, you should see if the same problem persists if you switch to a different device because the issue can be linked to your smartphone. Finally, if nothing helps, it may be a problem on Instagram’s side, which should be resolved soon.
Why Are My Instagram Messages Not Sending?
If you can receive messages on Instagram but can’t send them to a specific account, there can be only a few reasons for it.
Again, an internet connection can be the culprit, but this time, not only yours but also the recipient’s.
An outdated version of Instagram can also be what prevents you from texting to someone on the platform.
Another reason why direct messages are not working is that the Instagram server is down, which means you simply have to wait until it’s up and working smoothly again.
🛠️Solutions: Check your internet connection and speed and update your app to the latest version.
Finally, the last reason why you can’t DM a person is because you were blocked. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do at this point. If the person blocks you, you will understand it by seeing “Instagram User” written instead of the user name.
Why Can’t I Open Instagram Messages?
If you cannot open Instagram messages, it is most likely due to a server outage. Sometimes, when Instagram starts acting up, you won’t be able to load newer posts or reels, and your messages may not be sending or won’t open at all.
If an outage occurs, it affects all social media users, so you’re likely to see updates about the issue on other platforms, such as X (Twitter).
In cases of severe server problems, it may take several hours for Instagram to be fully restored.
How to Prevent the DM Problem on Instagram?
Based on the issues we have discussed above, these are the main reasons why your DMs are not working:
- Internet connection
- Server problems
- Outdated app
Although we have provided you with a few solutions, there is one more thing you can do to prevent the problem from arising. If you have an Android device, you can clear the app’s cache from time to time.
To do it, follow these steps:
- Go to your device’s settings.
- Go to Apps or Application Manager.
- Find and click on the Instagram app in the list.
- Click on Storage.
- Tap on Clear Cache.
This way, you will be able to free up some space and clear cached data that may cause DM problems in the future.
Final Words
When your Instagram Direct Messages are not working, it’s not always the platform that should be blamed. In fact, the issue can lie in your hands, meaning your phone.
If you encounter any problem with DMs, it’s useful to check your internet connection, the application’s available updates, or your cache.
Sometimes, something as quick and simple as closing and opening your app may help reset it and resolve all problems.
However, if the problem persists, it’s likely to be related to the Instagram server. You can easily find recent reports or complaints from users to understand whether it is an individual problem or a widespread occurrence.
