Hitting on your Direct Message (DM) box, only to see that all of it is blank?
Or perhaps, you’re not receiving any messages from your Insta friends. Not even a single notification!
Did you know that these issues are real and you can actually fix them?
Well, in this article, we are going to look at why Instagram direct messages (DMs) are not working for you and how you can stop them from ever happening again.
So, without further ado, dig in!
Why Are Instagram Direct (DMs) Messages Not Working?
There can be myriads of reasons why you’re facing issues with Instagram DMs. But before breaking down why and what causes the problems in detail, let’s find out some common glitches, you may encounter while sending DMs on Instagram:
- Instagram is constantly sending you notifications for new updates.
- Your DMs are not being delivered to your friends.
- You can’t see the DM icon.
- You’re not receiving notifications when someone DMs you on Instagram.
- Your Insta app is stuck while sending a DM.
- You can’t delete Instagram direct messages.
- Your device screen went blank while sending a DM.
- You can’t open the DM, or it seems forever to load the messages.
- You’re unable to start a new message.
- You’re seeing black stripes on the direct messages.
- You’re unable to see the replies from your friends.
If you face any of the issues we’ve listed above, your Instagram DMs won’t work properly. Now, let’s figure out what’s the root cause behind these issues.
Why Does This Issue Occur?
If your Instagram direct messages aren’t working properly, the reasons could be:
- You have a poor network connection.
- Your Instagram app is not updated with the latest version.
- Instagram servers are down.
- Your friend has unsent the Insta Dm.
- App bug is affecting the DM feature.
- Instagram might have banned your account temporarily.
So, these are some of the common reasons why you might face a glitch on Instagram DM. No matter what the reason is, there’s always a way to fix these issues.
Let’s move on to our next point to find out how you can solve the issue easily without much technical knowledge.
How to Solve Instagram Direct (DMs) Messages Problem (Proven Solutions)
1. Close And Restart The App
If your device is acting all crazy while sending a Dm, try closing the app. You can force stop the app and restart it again to check if Instagram’s DM feature is working properly.
Here’s how you can do that:
Android Users
- From your Android home screen, tap and hold the Instagram app.
- A pop-up menu will appear on your screen; from there, tap App info.
- Next tap on Force stops to close the app.
- You can restart the Instagram app again from your home screen.
iPhone Users
- Open the app switcher.
- Now swipe right to find the Instagram app.
- Then, swipe up on the Instagram app to close it.
- You can restart it by visiting the app library or home screen, then tapping on the app.
2. Log Out And Sign in Again
This is the easiest yet most effective hack to fix the Instagram DMs issues. All you have to do is simply log out and sign in again to ensure that the direct messages are working.
Here’s how you can do that:
- Open the Instagram app on your Android or iPhone device.
- Tap on your profile and head to the account settings.
- Scroll down and tap on the log-out option.
- Log in again by putting your email and other credentials.
3. Delete And Reinstall The App
If the Instagram app has any installation issues, you may face trouble while sending or receiving a message via DMs. In such cases, completely deleting the app before installing a fresh version can work amazingly.
Here’s how you can do that:
- Uninstall or delete the Instagram app by long-pressing it. You can also delete it from the settings menu.
- Tap on Uninstall or Remove App.
- Now, reinstall the app from the App Store or Play Store.
4. Change Your Data Connection
If the DM issue is still there, even after closing and reinstalling the app, try changing your data connection. People often overlook this simple hack.
But, having a poor connection can interrupt your massage services on Instagram.
So, here’s what you can do to solve this problem:
- Open the settings menu on your device.
- Check whether your WiFi or Mobile data is turned on.
- Try changing between WiFi and mobile data connection.
- Contact your WiFi operator to check the internet speed.
5. Update Your Instagram App
Using an outdated Instagram app can cause various glitches.
That’s why make sure to check if the app version is up-to-date or not.
If you’re using an older version of Instagram, visit App Store or Play Store to see if there’s the latest update pending.
6. Wait For Instagram to Solve The Issue
If you’re unable to access DMs, maybe the problem is with Instagram itself.
With over 1 billion active users worldwide, the app rarely causes problems. However, sometimes the app’s server can go down.
Also, there can be some bug issues within the Instagram app, which cause problems when loading the messages.
In such cases, all you can do is wait for Instagram to solve the issue. Other than waiting, there’s nothing you can do from your side.
7. Check if The User Has Blocked You
No matter what you try, Instagram DMs won’t work if the one you’re trying to text has already blocked you.
If a user blocks your account on Instagram, you can’t send or receive messages from that person. Also, all the conversations you had previously will disappear from your DM.
So, the best thing you can do is check whether you can see the Instagram posts or stories from the user you’re trying to contact. If you can’t see any activity from that user, chances are you’re blocked. And unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do to fix this issue.
8. Contact Instagram support
Try contacting the support team if you’ve tried everything and still can’t get your Instagram direct message working.
Here’s how you can do that:
- Open the app on your device.
- Tap on your profile and head to settings.
- Scroll down and look for the help option.
- Tap on the Report a Problem option.
- Now follow the instructions and explain the issues you’re facing with DMs.
- Tap on Send Report.
Wait until Instagram resolves your issue. This process may take a long time to complete.
Wrapping Up
Many users experience glitches and bugs in Instagram’s DM feature. Mainly because the app often goes through new updates and regulations.
However, if your Instagram direct messages are not working as well, the solution we have provided here will solve the problem permanently.
And before you leave, do you have your own trick for dealing with the Instagram DMs issue? If yes, do share it with us in the comment.
im trying to log in on my pc and it says No configs given whats that mean?
You’re using Mac or Windows PC?
My dms won’t load and keep showing a kinda loading circle, they been like that since 4 weeks ago, idk what to do ?
Same
That is the same with me!
Thank you very much! very helpful- Aloha
You’re very welcome!
The other person whom im texting is unable to read my messages. How do I solve it?
Any chance that person blocked you?
its still not working any chance you can help me?
I’m having this problem that my dm are not loading up because when I enter dm it says that I don’t have any messages and when I receive a dm and open it, it would just load for ever and wouldn’t show up what they send me.
I’m having the same problem
Did U find out a way to fix that issue cause I’m having the same problem
Still have this problem? Because I’m having the same problem I reported it to Instagram but its still goon on
that’s my problem too ?
giorgio papaillas,where u able to fix it and if so could u please tell me how.i am currently having the same issue and its frustrating.
Dears, my problem with Instagram is , i send DM to my wife and receives on notification bar and also can view but when she replies me back , i receive on notification bar but not able to view and read . each time i must log out and log in back to app then i can view and read . pleas help me .
My DMs are all completely erased and I cannot receive any new ones either. This problem only seems to happen on one of my accounts (note I also haven’t been getting the new story features on this account either) as when I switch accounts on the same phone, that account’s features and DMs work perfectly fine. I have tried all the proposed solutions many times over and even contacted customer support three times. None of the solutions did anything and I’ve been waiting for customer support for over 2 months now.
Do you still have this problem because I have it now.
I’ve been having the exact same problem. if u create a new chat with other person you want to dm u can see the past dms, but this takes a really long time plus you wouldn’t know if anyone new dms you.
Have you found a solution yet
My ig is not starting a new thread of dm…. Why?
Can you explain the problem more?
when i go to DM the window is blank. can someone help me out
Thanks for the article. Instagram is a powerful platform to grow your business. I use Instagram messages to attract potential customers’ attention, it works for me. But now I can’t DM on Instagram. I don’t have the slightest idea why this could happen…But did you guys know that there are some other options for sending direct messages online? Actually, I was surprised. e.g. Bluestacks is nice, but it is VERY resource intensive. It consumes lots of memory and slows down my computer. You also need a good graphic card on your computer. Ingramer is fine, this could be very handy for someone who runs into the same issue as me. I send not only text messages but it supports video format. Still, I failed to overcome my confusion about the problem with Instagram DMs.. CAn anyone help me? Pleeeaaaase..
Hey Mickey,
We could not find any stable app instead of BlueStacks.
Some requires money and not working stable.
it still doesn’t work i don’t understand why. i uninstalled it multiple times and powered my device off. i tried my other accounts it works but my main one doesn’t for some reason when i click the dm button all it does is show blank and a loading sign and i checked i was connected to the wifi and it’s still not working.
I have the same problem… DMs works on other accounts but not my main account – it is just showing a loading sign! Nothing seems to work. This is so frustrating and has been going on for 2 months. Has anyone been able to solve this issue?
Hey, did you get it to work yet? I’m having the same problem
i tried everything n stilll its nut solved since a month
Have you ever tried from different browser?
My problem is, I am unable to send back message to one of my friend but I am receiving the messages when i open his chat box suddenly my Instagram account hanged and force closed directly. Please let me know why this is happening.
Hey,
Please use different browser or device, then should be fixed.
Hey lol, so I kinda found a solution, well, I’ve been having this problem for around 8 month and I searched all over the internet and there was nothing, the reason and the problem is your account, one of my accounts work and other doesnt. The only solution is to make a another account which probably sounds fucked up, the other way is you have to wait to for another Instagram update and there’s a 50 50 percent chance of it working and yea ( btw the problem Is whenever I click the dm all I see is a blank white screen with a loading)
can anyone help me out my instagram latest version is 110.0 and im not receiving message notifications on my phone…untill i open the app nd check for evey time to see any new msgs…and even in settings all my notifictaions are enabled…i reported many times but no response from instagram…what to do plzzz suggest??
Am trying to send msgs not going tru what could have happened?
It was a temporary issue, will be fixed shortly for sure.
i cant send or receive messages on my IG and i do get notification that i have a message but when i log in to my IG it wont show up i have been faced this issues over two months now
It was a temporary issue, will be fixed shortly for sure.
My problem is I can’ start a new thread, it’s always telling me that the action was blocked, they restricted certain content and action to protect their community “ how should I rectify that please?
Hey there,
Action block is a new term on Instagram, if you like many photos or video in a very short time, your account will get that issue.
Try not to do that for 24 hrs+ then it will be automatically fixed.
Thanks for not providing ANY useful information about how to do these things. How do you clear the cache on the Instagram app? There’s no way to do it. How do you get Instagram to let you send DMs if they’ve blocked you? There’s no way to do it. They don’t tell you why, or let you get your DMs back.
Hey If you are using iPhone,
Better to remove and install again to purge cache.
Hi,I use the web version of Instagram. When I send a message,it looks like its sent,but when I reload the page,it shows that my messages were not sent in the first place. Why?
Hello there,
It must be a network issue or account may restricted.
Please how can i fix my Instagram problem, i can not love pages anymore, i can not follow friends any more. Pleas i need help
You might get Shadow ban, give it sometime should be fixed shortly after.
I need help my dms are not showing it only shows suggestions and when I load the page it keeps loading for ever it works on pc but it doesn’t work on all phones I tryed to get help from insta like 5 times but no one helped
I kept deleting my Instagram messages and now it won’t stop loading! It’s been two days! I cant see who messaged me! Please help, it would make my day.
Ignore my comment above. It wasn’t an Instagram update that caused my keyboard to disappear. I just disabled one too many apps on my phone, namely Gboard. Sorry about that!
It’s won’t let me open my messages or text
Hey,
Which device you are using?
Why does it show that I have a new message and when I check, there’s nothing there? How do I fix this problem?
I have this problem where my dms keep disappearing and reappearing again and again.. i used to power off my pc and turn it back on and it worked perfectly, but now, it doesn’t, i restarted my pc a number of times.. but the problem still continues.. i tried all your solutions but it still doesn’t work.. please help me out
Hello! I have seen many people having the same issue as I am having with my dm’s. Instagram its self, is working perfectly fine, even the notifications. If I get a dm and click on it it says “sorry, there was a problem. Please try again.” Even if I go into the app instead of clicking on the dm notification when I click on the chat, it just loads for forever. Even if I pull down the page, to reload it, it says the exact same thing. I have already tried restarting my phone, reinstalling the app, and another device. I would very much appreciate any sort of help. Please and thank you!
that’s the same problem i’m having. when i go into the dm,it says “your inbox failed to load.” i’m on the website because i don’t have a way to get the app. it has done this twice now.
Anybody have this problem?
I send a photo and text via DM to a friend on Instagram.
He can see the text, but no photo.
Same if he sends a photo and text to me.
I see the text but not the photo.
Mine is the opposite way did you found out how to fix it?
Hello my messages keep loading and not showing anything no names no old chats nothing please help