Instagram Dms Not Working? Here’s Fix
Instagram is one of Meta’s flagships. Users all over the world use this platform to upload pictures, videos, and, of course, send Instagram messages.
Most of the time, Instagram DMs are trustworthy and reliable, but this isn’t always the case.
Sometimes, Instagram stops working without further notice, and this is when problems begin.
Fortunately, we know how to solve all Instagram DM glitches that exist, so continue reading this post on our website to learn more about:
- Why are Instagram DMs not working?;
- How to fix Instagram direct messages not working;
- What to do if you can’t stop getting the Instagram DM not working error?
3 Common Issues With Instagram Direct Messages
In order to get Instagram working properly again, we first must understand why Instagram DMs stopped working.
Depending on the kind of problems you are facing, the solution for the bug might be entirely different.
Many users have experienced the same issue that you are having right now, so do not despair, and let’s see what’s happening.
1. Instagram DM Video Not Playing
If you cannot make an Instagram video call, or if your friends have sent you a video and you cannot load it, then we might be talking about a connectivity problem.
Loading Instagram content, such as posts, pictures and even direct messages on your account, will always require that you have a reliable Internet connection active.
2. Instagram DMs Disappear
If you had an Instagram conversation with your friends, and all of a sudden, the conversation isn’t there anymore, then perhaps they have blocked you.
In this case, do not blame Instagram - your DMs won’t be deleted out of nowhere, so there’s a high chance that the other person has prevented you from texting them!
3. Instagram Reactions in DM Not Working
Then again, users who cannot react to messages on Instagram are surely facing either connectivity or server problems.
The thing is that reactions cannot load, which means that you are facing a technical issue.
It can also be related to the app’s version or having a full cache folder on your phone.
How to Fix Instagram DMs Not Working
Instagram direct messages not working is a common error that has haunted several users lately.
Fortunately, the fixes on the Instagram app are as straightforward as they get.
Continue reading this post so we can give you all the info you need to get Instagram messages working correctly again!
Fix 1: Check Your Internet Connection
This is the absolute first thing you have to do - double check if your Internet connection is working! Otherwise, Instagram won’t load direct messages at all.
Switching to mobile data does the trick sometimes, so turn on mobile data, and try to send direct messages to another person.
If the Instagram direct message problem disappears, then you can go back to normal.
Having faulty connections will also not let you log in, access the platform, and receive messages, so watch out!
Fix 2: Update Instagram App
In order to use new messages features and ensure the correct functioning of your Instagram account, you must have the latest version of the app always downloaded.
- Android users must open Google Play Store on their Android device, search for Instagram, and download the new version;
- iPhone users must go to the Apple App Store, look for Instagram, and update the platform ASAP.
If this solves your problem, then you are good to go! If not, continue with the following fix.
Fix 3: Check if Instagram Users Have Blocked You
Although there is no such thing as a “You have been blocked” notification, there’s a high chance that another Instagram user has just blocked you.
- Look for the username of the specific account you want to send messages to. If you cannot find it, then you have been blocked;
- See if you can send a new message to other accounts. If the problem happens with just one profile, then you are indeed blocked by them!
Fix 4: Check Instagram Server Status
Instagram servers are often pretty reliable, but they can fail nonetheless. If the servers are failing, you just need to wait!
Most likely, Instagram won’t be the only platform that belongs to Meta failing at that time.
If you cannot open your Instagram feed at all or send new Instagram direct messages due to server problems, wait for a few minutes or hours until it’s all sorted out.
Fix 5: Clear Instagram Cache
The Instagram App accumulates cache files. This messes up with direct message features, which leads to direct messages not working on the app.
In order to clear Instagram cache, do the following:
- On your Android, go to Settings, look for the App Tab, locate Instagram, and press Clear Cache;
- On your iOS device, go to iPhone settings on the home screen, look for Apps, locate Instagram and clear all cache memory.
Then, force close the Instagram app and see if you can use it now.
Fix 6: Comply with Instagram DM Daily Limits
Users can only forward the same message to up to 5 different accounts on the Instagram app.
What’s more, according to Instagram, you can send up to 150 DMs the entire day, unless we talk about organic conversations.
DM Spam is a real thing nowadays on social media platforms. Facebook, Twitter, and of course, Instagram, have daily limits that must be respected.
Your account might even end up being banned from the Instagram app, so make sure to follow their guidelines in order to avoid such abuses.
Fix 7: Use Instagram Web or a Different Device
If you have the opportunity to use DMs on another phone or computer, do it. Try to open Instagram web version and see if you can send DMs from there.
Also, delete Instagram and reinstall the Instagram app to see if this solves Instagram Direct Message issues.
There are two scenarios here:
- If you cannot send messages from another device, then your account is the problem;
- If you can indeed send DMs from another device, then your main device needs to be checked (cache, connection, limits, and so on).
Fix 8: Report the Problem to Instagram Team
Trying everything and not being able to fix problems is really frustrating - we know it.
But do not lose your hopes yet: contact Instagram Customer Service and tell them that you have a problem with the App direct message feature.
They should check out your profile and tell you what is happening.
All in all, following these fixes will ensure that you can send IG DMs again in no time.
FAQ
How Do You Get Instagram DM Notifications?
You can enable Instagram DM notifications by going to Settings on your IG account, looking for the Notifications Tab, and selecting “DM notifications” - as simple as that!
Karen is a senior technical writer and copywriter here at GrowFollowing. Her area of expertize are social media apps and new media.