Like any similar platform, Instagram can sometimes experience issues due to bugs, server outages, etc. During these times, the app may prevent users from using certain features. Recently, several users have reported that their Instagram direct messages (DMs) were not working. 🚫💬

According to users, they're unable to send, receive, or view Instagram DM messages. If you've reached this page, you're likely experiencing issues related to Instagram Messages.

Why aren't Instagram DMs working?

There's not just one reason, but many different ones, that can lead to Instagram DMs not working. Below, we'll show you some of the most common causes and how to resolve them.

• Instagram is experiencing a server outage.
• Your device is connected to unstable internet.
• Corrupted Instagram cache and data.
• Problems related to your account.

Since the reason why Instagram DMs are not working is unknown, we need to review some basic troubleshooting methods. of problems To resolve the issue, here are the best things you can do to fix it. 🔧

1. Understand Instagram Message Limits

Before you conclude that Instagram DMs don't work, it's important to know the rules regarding Message Limits.

Instagram only allows you to forward messages to five chats at a time. If you selected more than five people to send a message to, deselect some chats and try sending the message again. 📧

Another important thing to keep in mind is that, for accounts you don't follow, you can only send text messages to request connection. During this text-only message, media files and multiple messages are not allowed.

Additionally, if you've just created an account, you can send/receive limited messages, as new accounts have certain restrictions. So, if you have a new account, you should wait a few minutes before sending messages.

2. Enable Mobile Data for the Instagram App

iOS allows you to disable cellular data for a specific app. So, if you're using an iPhone and accidentally disable cellular data for the app, DMs won't work. It's best to make sure cellular data is enabled for the Instagram app. 📱

1. Open the app Settings on your iPhone.

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

3. On the next screen, make sure the switch next to Mobile Data is enabled.

3. Check Your Internet

If your Instagram DMs aren't loading or you can't see them, check if your internet is working.

Instagram messages not loading is usually a sign of an unstable or nonexistent connection. You'll also experience issues using other features of the app, not just DMs.

If your internet is down, photos won't display, videos won't load, etc. If you're experiencing all of these issues, head to fast.com and check if your internet is working. 🌐

4. Check if Instagram is down

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

The best option is to check if Instagram is experiencing a server outage. You can use this page to check the status of the Instagram server in real time.

If the servers are down, you'll need to wait and check your direct messages again. You can also check Instagram's Twitter account for possible server issues. 🐦

5. Force Stop the Instagram App

If your internet is working and the servers are active, but you still can't check your Instagram messages, it's time to force stop the app.

Instagram DMs may not be working due to a bug in the app. You can fix this problem by force-quitting the app on your Android. Here's how:

1. Long press the Instagram app icon on your home screen and select App Information.

2. Tap the option Force Stop on the app's information screen.

Once stopped, relaunch the Instagram app and check your DMs. 📥

6. Disable VPN/Proxy Services

Instagram does not recommend using VPN or proxy services to access the platform. You should disable them if you're using them to access the app.

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

This lengthens your connection time and can cause issues like Instagram DMs not working or video playback issues. So, make sure to disable all VPN/Proxy services and use the app again. 🌍

7. Update the Instagram app

If the Instagram app hasn't been updated in a while, it's more likely that the version you're using has a bug that's preventing messages from loading.

When the server connection fails, users face various issues. Many have reported that updating the Instagram app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store resolves the issue of DMs not working.

So give it a try, especially if all other methods haven't solved your Instagram DM loading problem. 🚀

8. Clear Instagram Cache and Data

Clearing Instagram's cache and data can help if the app update fails. Like other social media and instant messaging apps, Instagram uses cached data to provide a smooth user experience.

When this cached data becomes corrupted for any reason, DMs won't work. Therefore, it's necessary to clear the cache and data of the Instagram app on your device to resolve any potential issues. 🗑️

1. Long press the Instagram app icon on your home screen and select App Information.

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

3. In storage usage, tap on Clear Cache and then in Delete Data.

Now open the Instagram app and log back in. This time, you'll be able to access your Instagram DMs without any issues. 🙌

9. Reinstall the Instagram app

If clearing the Instagram app cache doesn't fix the problem, reinstalling the app is the next best option. Reinstalling will delete all corrupted saved data and download a fresh copy online.

To uninstall the Instagram app, long-press the app icon and select "Uninstall." Once uninstalled, reinstall it from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. 🔄

10. Contact Instagram Support

There are several ways to contact the Instagram support team, the easiest is open DMs from Instagram and shake your phone to report a problem.

The goal is to access your Instagram DMs and shake your phone to report an issue. Then, on the report an issue screen, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reporting process.

You should describe your problem and the troubleshooting methods you've tried so far. The Instagram support team will then review your issue and automatically resolve it.

Not being able to use Instagram DMs can be frustrating, especially if you use it to communicate with others. Until the issue is resolved, you can use other messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, etc. Let us know if we missed any important troubleshooting methods. 👍