How to Fix Instagram DM Not Working

Despite the hundreds of photo-sharing websites and applications available today, Instagram stands out for its incredible feature set and ease of use.

Nearly everyone uses Instagram, a free site. You can send direct messages (DMs) and share images, videos, and Reels on the website.

The photo-sharing website’s Direct Messages feature is essential since it allows users to have private, one-on-one conversations with each other. Nonetheless, a lot of Instagram users have encountered issues lately with the Direct Messages (DMs) function.

Instagram occasionally experiences issues because of bugs, malfunctions, server outages, etc., just like any other similar website. The app can then restrict your ability to use specific features. Many have recently complained that their Instagram direct messages aren’t working.

Users report that they are unable to send, receive, or view messages on Instagram DM because it is not retrieving them. It’s likely that if you’ve found yourself on this page, you’ve already encountered Instagram Messages issues.

Why doesn’t Instagram DM function?
The issue of Instagram Direct Messages not working could be caused by a variety of factors, not just one. Here are a few typical causes to investigate and fix it.

There is a server outage on Instagram.
The internet connection to your device is unreliable.
Invalidated Instagram Data & Cache.
Account-Specific Issues.

How to Solve the Issue of Instagram DM Not Working
Since the cause of the Instagram DM issue is unknown, we must use some fundamental troubleshooting techniques to find a solution. The best solutions for the Instagram DM Not Working issue are listed below.

1. Recognize the message limits on Instagram
It’s crucial to understand the Message Limits guidelines before assuming that Instagram Direct Messaging isn’t functioning.

You can only forward messages to five chats at once on Instagram. In order to send a message to more than five recipients, unselect a few chats and try again.

Another important thing to note is that for the accounts that you don’t follow, you can only send text messages to request to connect. During the text-only message (the account you don’t mind), no media files nor multiple messages are allowed.

Also, if you’ve just created the account, you can send/receive limited messages, but new accounts have some limits. So, if your account is new, you should wait a few weeks and try sending the messages.

2. Enable the Mobile Data for the Instagram App
iOS allows users to disable the mobile data for a specific app. So, if you’re using an iPhone and have accidentally disabled the Mobile data for the app, the DMs won’t work.

So, it’s best to ensure that the mobile data for the Instagram app is enabled. Here’s what you need to do.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.

2. When the Settings app opens, scroll down & tap on Instagram.

3. On the next screen, make sure the toggle beside Mobile Service is enabled.

This is how you can enable the mobile data for the Instagram app to resolve the DM not working issue.

3. Check Your Internet

If Instagram DMs are not loading or you cannot view them, you must check whether your internet works.

Instagram Messages not loading is often a sign of no/unstable internet connectivity. You will also face problems using other app features, not just DMs.

If the internet is not working, the photos won’t show, videos won’t load, etc. If you are experiencing all such problems, head to fast.com and check whether your internet works.

4. Check if Instagram is Down

When Instagram’s servers are down, the DM feature of the app won’t work. Even if you open the Direct Messages, you won’t be able to reply to the messages.

The next best thing you can do is check whether Instagram is facing any server outage. You can use this webpage to check the server status of Instagram in real time.

If the servers are down, you must wait and then check the Direct Messages. You can also check the Instagram Twitter handle for potential server issues.

5. Force Stop the Instagram App
If your internet is working and the servers are up, still you cannot check the Instagram messages, it’s time to force stop the application.

Instagram DM may not work because of a bug in the app. You can Force-stopping such programs on your Android device will remove them. Here’s how to close the Instagram app abruptly.

1. On your home screen, long press the Instagram app icon, then choose App Info.

2. On the App details screen, tap the Force Stop option.

This will cause your phone’s Instagram app to crash right away. Check your DMs and restart the Instagram app after stopping.

6. Turn off the proxy and VPN services.
Instagram advises against unlocking the website with VPN or proxy services. It’s time to disable it, though, if you utilize it to access the app.

When you use a VPN or proxy service, the Instagram app tries to connect with a different server far from your actual location.

This lengthens the connection time and creates issues like Instagram DM not working, video playback issues, etc. So, it’s recommended to turn off all VPN/Proxy services and use the app again.

7. Update the Instagram App

There is a greater likelihood that the version of the Instagram app you are using has a bug that stops messages from loading if it hasn’t been updated in a while.

Users experience a variety of issues when the server connection drops. Many users have reported that upgrading the Instagram app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store resolves the Instagram DMs not working issue.

If all other attempts to resolve the Instagram DM not loading issue have failed, you can also try doing it.

8. Delete Instagram’s Data and Cache
If updating the app doesn’t work, you can try clearing the Instagram Cache and Data. Instagram employs cached data, just like many other social media and instant messaging apps, to give users a seamless experience.

When this cached data gets corrupted for any reason, the DMs won’t work. Hence, you must clear the Instagram app cache and data on your device to resolve all potential issues.

1. Press the Instagram app icon on your home screen and select App Info.

2. On the App Info screen, tap Storage Usage.

3. On the Storage usage, tap on Clear Cache and then Clear Data.

Open the Instagram app at this point, then log back into your account. You should have no trouble accessing the Instagram direct messages this time.

9. Reinstall the Instagram application

Reinstalling the Instagram app is the recommended course of action if cleaning the app’s cache doesn’t resolve the issue. All stored corrupted data will be removed during reinstallation, and a new copy will be downloaded via the internet.

Long press the Instagram app icon and choose “Uninstall” to remove the app. After uninstalling, reinstall it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store on your phone.

10. Contact the Instagram Support Team

While there are various ways to contact the Instagram Support team, the easiest one is to open the Instagram DM and shake your phone to report a problem.

The objective is to shake the phone and send a problem report to the Instagram DM. After that, to finish the reporting procedure, adhere to the on-screen directions on the report’s problem screen.

You must adhere to the procedure and explain the issue you’re having as well as the troubleshooting measures you’ve already attempted. After that, the Instagram support staff will investigate your problem and resolve it on its own.

It can be annoying when Instagram Direct Messages don’t work, particularly if you use it for communication with people. You can communicate using other messaging apps, such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, etc., until the issue is resolved. Learn more