Fix Instagram Direct Messages Not Working

There can be various reasons behind Instagram direct messages not working error. Let’s discuss every possible scenario and troubleshoot the issue for you.

1. Check Instagram Servers

One of the biggest culprits behind Instagram messages not working can be Instagram itself. If the Instagram servers are having an off day, the Instagram feed won’t load, and you won’t be able to send any direct messages to another person. How do you check Instagram outrage then? You need to visit Downdetector and search for Instagram. If you notice heavy outrage spikes, then it’s the issue from Instagram’s side and you have no option but to wait for Instagram to fix the issue from their side.

2. Enable Mobile Data for Instagram (iPhone)

This setting only applies to iPhone users. iOS allows users to disable mobile data for a specific app. If you have disabled the Mobile data toggle from the Instagram menu, you need to enable it. Here’s how.

  1. Open the Settings app on iPhone.
  2. Scroll down to Instagram.
  3. Enable Mobile Data toggle from the Instagram menu.

3. Force Stop Instagram (Android)

This trick only applies to Instagram users on Android. If the Instagram Android app is acting up, you can force stop the app and try sending the direct message again.

  1. Find Instagram from the Android home screen or App Drawer. Long-tap on the Instagram icon.
  2. Open the App info menu and tap on Force stop. Open the Instagram app again and try sending a direct message now.

4. Clear Instagram Cache

Overburden of Instagram cache data in the background may lead to common app problems such as direct messages not working. You need to clear the cache from the App info menu. Here’s how.

  1. Long-press on the Instagram app icon and open the app info menu.
  2. Tap on the Storage and cache menu and Clear cache from the following menu.

5. Relogin Instagram

This trick has worked wonders for many out there. You need to log out from your current Instagram account and log in again to see if you are able to send direct messages or not.

  1. Open Instagram on your iPhone or Android.
  2. Tap on the Profile and go to Account Settings.
  3. Scroll down and log out from your current account. Login with the same account credentials and try sending the direct message again.

6. Use Instagram Web

Instagram also offers Instagram web to check the latest feed on a big screen. Users can send direct messages from the Instagram web as well. If you are still having issues with Instagram mobile apps, you can go with Instagram web and use direct messages there.

7. Use Threads from Instagram App

Just like Messenger for Facebook, Instagram also has a dedicated app just for direct messages called Threads. If you are facing issues with direct messages on the main Instagram app, you can give Threads a try and send messages to friends and family. Get Threads from Instagram for iPhone Get Thread from Instagram for Android

8. Start Messages Conversation in a Different Way

The standard way to send a direct message on Instagram is by swiping left on the home screen and select a recent conversation. We have an alternative method as well. You can use that and start sending messages on Instagram. Go to the Account menu, open any of your posts, and tap on the send icon below every post. Select the person with whom you want to start a conversation and tap on the Send button at the bottom to share the message.

Wrapping Up: Fix Instagram Direct Messages Not Working

Needless to say, if you are blocked by another person then you won’t be able to send a direct message on Instagram. In normal situations, you can go through the troubleshooting methods above and fix the Instagram direct messages not working issue.