How to Fix Instagram Messages Not Showing

Nothing stalls a conversation faster than a message that just won't show up. If you've opened your Instagram DMs only to find that messages you know exist have vanished or aren't loading, you're not alone. This guide is all about getting those messages back on your screen with a series of proven fixes, from the simplest checks to more involved solutions.

The First Line of Defense: Quick and Easy Fixes

Before you get worried about a major bug, let's start with the basics. These simple steps solve a surprising number of app glitches, including disappearing messages.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

It sounds almost too simple, but a weak or unstable internet connection is the number one cause of DMs not loading. Instagram needs a stable connection to fetch new messages and update your inbox.

• On Wi-Fi: Try turning your device's Wi-Fi off and then back on. If that doesn’t work, restart your router.
• On Cellular Data: Make sure you have a strong signal. Try toggling Airplane Mode on for 10 seconds, then turn it off to reset your cellular connection. You can also try loading another app or website to confirm if the issue is with your connection or just with Instagram.

2. Completely Close and Re-Open the Instagram App

Just like people, apps can get tired and glitchy after running for a long time. Force-quitting the app clears out temporary errors and gives it a fresh start.

• On iPhone: Swipe up from the bottom of your screen (or double-press the home button on older models) to open the app switcher. Find Instagram and swipe it up to close it.
• On Android: Open the app switcher (usually by swiping up from the bottom or pressing the square-shaped button). Find the Instagram card and swipe it away to close the app.

After closing the app, wait a few seconds and then re-open it to see if your messages have reappeared.

3. Restart Your Entire Device

The classic "turn it off and on again" trick works for a reason. Restarting your phone or tablet clears its memory (RAM) and shuts down background processes that might be interfering with Instagram. It's a universal reset button that solves countless minor software hiccups.

Diving Deeper: App and Account-Level Solutions

If the quick fixes didn't do the trick, it's time to look at the app itself and your account settings. One of these next steps is very likely to solve the problem.

4. Update the Instagram App

Running an outdated version of Instagram is a common source of bugs. Developers constantly release updates that patch glitches, improve performance, and keep the app compatible with your phone's operating system.

• Go to the App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android).
• Search for "Instagram."
• If you see an "Update" button, tap it. If it says "Open," you're already on the latest version.

Always try to keep your apps updated to avoid known issues that have already been fixed.

5. Check if Instagram is Down

Sometimes, the problem isn't on your end at all. Instagram's servers can experience outages that affect services like DMs, Stories, or the main feed. Before you spend more time troubleshooting your device, do a quick check to see if Instagram is having problems.

A quick and easy way to do this is to visit a third-party status site like Downdetector. These sites gather reports from users around the world, giving you a real-time picture of any widespread issues. If you see a major spike in reports, you can relax and just wait for their team to fix it.

6. Clear Instagram's Cache

As you use Instagram, it stores temporary data called a "cache" to help it load faster. Over time, this cache can become corrupted or overloaded, causing issues like messages not appearing. Clearing it gives the app a clean slate without a big reset.

• On Android: The process is straightforward. Go to Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage > Clear Cache. This won't log you out or delete any of your data, like photos or DMs.
• On iOS: Apple's iOS doesn't give you a direct button to clear an app's cache. The most effective way is to "offload" the app. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Instagram and tap "Offload App." This deletes the app but keeps your documents and data. Once it's offloaded, simply tap "Reinstall App" from the same screen.

7. Log Out and Log Back In

Logging out and back into your account can often resolve temporary synchronization issues between your device and Instagram's servers. It forces the app to re-authenticate your session and fetch your account data, including messages, from scratch.

• Go to your profile page.
• Tap the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner.
• Scroll down to the bottom and tap "Log Out."
• After a moment, log back in using your username and password.

Are Your Messages Hiding in Plain Sight?

Instagram's inbox isn't always as simple as it looks. The app often filters messages from people you don't follow, so your missing message might just be in a different folder.

8. Check Your Message Requests Folder

When someone you don't follow sends you a message, it doesn't appear in your main inbox. Instead, Instagram places it in a separate "Message Requests" folder to prevent spam and unwanted contact.

• Open your DM inbox.
• Look for a "Requests" button or tab, usually at the top right of the screen.
• Tap it to see messages from people not in your network.

9. Look in the Hidden Requests Folder

Instagram goes a step further and has a folder within your Message Requests for messages that its algorithm flags as potentially unwanted, offensive, or spammy. These are stored in "Hidden Requests."

• Navigate to your Message Requests folder.
• Inside, you might see a "Hidden Requests" button. If the message you're looking for contains certain keywords or came from a suspicious account, it could be in there.

When Nothing Else Works: Advanced Troubleshooting

If you've gone through all the steps above and are still staring at an empty or incomplete inbox, there are a few final things to try before waving the white flag and contacting support.

10. Reinstall the Instagram App

This is a slightly more drastic version of clearing the cache. Deleting and reinstalling the app from scratch erases all of its local data and forces a completely fresh installation. This often solves deeper, more persistent bugs that other steps can't fix. Just be aware that this will likely wipe any post drafts you have saved in the app.

Simply uninstall the app as you normally would on your device, then head to the App Store or Google Play Store to download it again.

11. Consider Account Restrictions or Blocks

If you're having trouble receiving messages from a specific person, there might be an account-level issue at play.

• Did you block them (or did they block you)? If a block is in place on either side, you won't be able to exchange messages. Your previous message history with that person will also disappear from your inbox.
• Is your account temporarily restricted? If you've violated Instagram's community guidelines, your account may be temporarily restricted from certain actions, including sending or receiving DMs. You would normally receive a notification about this, so check your "Account Status" in the settings.

12. Report the Problem to Instagram

If all else fails, it's time to report the problem directly to Instagram. While you may not get a personal response, reporting a bug helps their developers identify and fix widespread issues in future updates.

• Go to your Instagram profile.
• Tap the menu icon (three lines) > Settings and Privacy.
• Scroll down and tap on "Help."
• Select "Report a Problem."
• Follow the prompts to describe your issue clearly, explaining the steps you've already taken. You can even include a screenshot of your empty inbox.

Final Thoughts

Figuring out why your Instagram messages aren't showing can be frustrating, but the solution is usually within reach. By systematically working through these troubleshooting steps - from checking your internet connection and restarting the app to clearing the cache and searching hidden folders - you can almost always resolve the issue and get back to your conversations.

We know how critical community management is, especially when DMs are a key channel for your brand or business. Chatting with your followers across multiple platforms can feel like a full-time job. That’s why we built the unified inbox feature in Postbase. Being able to see and respond to all your DMs and comments from Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and more in one feed helps you stay on top of every conversation. It saves you from constantly switching between apps and ensures an important message from a customer or follower never gets missed.