7 Fixes For Instagram DMs Not Working in 2023

Are you facing issues with your Instagram direct messages (DMs)? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Instagram users often report various problems regarding voice messages, login issues, slow loading times, etc. Among these glitches, Instagram DMs not working is one of the rising errors these days.

When users try to send or receive messages on the Instagram app, they encounter various errors. While it can be a frustrating situation, there are many solutions as well that can help you get the direct messages feature back to work quickly.

I’ve compiled a list of some solutions that you can implement to troubleshoot the Instagram DMs issue and run it back smoothly. From simple to advanced solutions, I’ve got you covered. So, make sure to stick to the end.

7 Ways to Fix Instagram DMs Not Working

The Instagram Direct feature was launched back in December 2013 to facilitate users to send private messages to each other. Since its launch, users have been experiencing various issues and report that direct messages not working.

Implement the following fixes one after another to get your DMs feature working again:

1. Check the Internet Connection

An unstable and weak internet connection is a leading factor that causes issues with Instagram’s DMs. If so, try changing your WiFi connection, then reopen the Instagram app, and send the direct message again to see if it works fines.

Key Points:

• Check your WiFi signal strength
• Restart your WiFi router or Modem
• Connect to a high-speed internet connection
• Enable airplane mode for a while and disable it again

A poor internet connection speed can cause issues with Instagram’s direct messages feature. You should have a stable and fast internet connection to send and receive private messages smoothly. Also, slow internet speed can cause other problems, including slow Instagram feed loading, lag in video streams, and reels.

You can check your internet speed with the help of online tools like Speedtest by Ookla. If your internet speed is slow, try restarting your router or modem. If multiple devices are connected to your network, try disconnecting some of them to free up bandwidth.

Also, you can try connecting to a high GHz WiFi network. Once you’ve done that, check if you’re, now, able to send direct messages on Instagram. You can also turn off airplane mode for a while and turn it back on to see if the Instagram messages are showing.

2. Enable Internet For Instagram App

If Instagram DM is not working on your smartphone, perhaps you have not enabled the internet connection for the app. On Android, go to Instagram app Settings > Data usage, then enable internet access. On iPhone, open Settings app > Select Cellular, then enable the internet for Instagram.

Key Points:

• Enable Mobile Data and WiFi access to the Instagram app
• Don’t share your smartphone with anyone you don’t trust

The app might not have internet access because you accidentally disabled it, or perhaps someone else did. This can lead to various issues with the app’s functionality, including Instagram DM.

To solve this issue, we just need to provide internet access to the Instagram application from the device Settings app. Also, make sure you enabled the Instagram notifications.

For future precautions, ensure that you don’t share your mobile device with someone who may intentionally disable important app permissions, as this can lead to further issues with the app’s performance.

On Android: Provide Internet Access to Instagram

• Tap and hold on the Instagram app icon
• Go to Data usage
• Make sure the Disable mobile data option is toggled off
• Also, toggle off Disable Wi-Fi option

Once done, close and restart the app. Now, your Instagram direct messages should work fine. You can try sending a private message to any Instagram user.

On iPhone: Provide Internet Access to Instagram

• Open the Settings on your iPhone device
• Scroll down and select Instagram from the list
• Toggle on Mobile Data

Now, you should be able to send and receive direct messages on Instagram.

3. Update and Reopen the Instagram App

Temporary glitches with the Instagram app can cause it to become unresponsive on your phone when sending DMs. To prevent it from happening, try updating the app. Open Play Store or App Store > Search for the Instagram app, then install the latest version if available.

Key Points:

• The Instagram app update method also worked for many users
• Enable Auto Update apps on your Android or iPhone device

You may have an older version of the Instagram app containing bugs or compatibility issues that can cause problems with Instagram DMs. Additionally, it can also cause Instagram story unavailable issues.

Keeping your Instagram application up-to-date is very important to ensure you have access to the latest features and bug fixes.

To make this process easy, you can enable automatic app updates on your device to ensure you always have the latest version of the Instagram app. Furthermore, updating the app will hopefully make your Instagram DM feature work again.

Enable Auto-update Apps on Android:

• Launch the Google Play Store on your Android phone
• Tap on your Profile picture located at the top right corner
• Go to Settings > Network preferences
• Set Auto-update apps to Over Wi-Fi only

Enable Auto-update Apps on iPhone:

• Go to the iPhone settings app
• Navigate to the App Store
• Toggle on App Updates

4. Clear the Instagram app Cache

If you’re unable to send DM on Instagram, it could be due to the outdated app cache stored on your phone. On Android, long-press the Instagram app icon > tap App info ⓘ > Storage usage, then tap Clear cache. For iPhone users, press and hold the Instagram icon > Delete App, then re-install the app.

Key Points:

• Clear the Instagram cache from Android’s Settings
• In the case of iPhone devices, re-install the app to clear the cache

Clearing the app cache can help to eliminate any corrupted data or temporary files that may be causing the problem while sending direct messages to others. So, you just need to clear the Instagram application cache from Settings,

Also, it’ll improve the app’s performance and request the latest data from the server. to provide you with a better app experience. Moreover, it’ll also help to fix Instagram Direct Messages issues.

Also, if you use Instagram on your mobile browser, consider refreshing your Android and iPhone browsers to fix this issue.

Clear Instagram Cache on Android Devices:

• Go to the Settings app on your Android mobile
• Navigate to Apps or App management
• Find Instagram from the list
• Tap on storage usage > Clear cache

Alternatively,

• Tap and hold on the Instagram icon
• Then, select App info
• Go to storage usage > Clear cache

Clear Instagram Cache on iPhone Devices:

• Go to your iPhone Settings app
• Navigate to General > iPhone Storage
• Find Instagram app > Offload app
• Once removed, install the app again from the App Store

You can also uninstall and reinstall the app directly on your mobile phone. This is the only way to clear the Instagram cache on iPhone devices. After performing the above steps, your Instagram direct messages should work.

5. Try Logging out and Log Back in

The bug with your Instagram account might be causing the Instagram DMs problem. The easiest way to solve this issue is by logging out of your IG account and then, logging back in. To do so, tap Profile > Hamburger ☰ menu > Settings, then scroll down and tap Log out.

Key Points:

• Re-login to your Instagram account after signing out
• Try sending a direct message to your friend to verify

This is one of the easiest solutions to fix the Instagram direct messages issue. It might sound like a simple fix, but it can often solve many problems. This action will refresh your account and clear any temporary glitches that may be causing this problem.

In addition, the app, sometimes, may not be able to connect to the server. Once you sign out and sign in again, you force the Instagram app to reconnect to the server and re-establish the connection.

Steps to Log Out from Instagram App:

• Open the app > tap on your Profile photo
• Then, tap on the hamburger icon ≡
• Go to Settings > scroll down and select Log out

Once you’ve logged out, wait a few seconds and then log in again by entering your registered username and password. Check if the Instagram DM feature is working or not.

6. Use the Instagram Web

If you’re not able to send DM on the Instagram app, you’ll need to use Instagram Web to use the direct messages feature. Simply go to the Instagram website > Login to your account > Click the paper plane icon, then DM anyone you want.

Key Points:

• Log in to Instagram Web on your mobile or computer
• Send a message to check if Instagram DMs are working

If you have reached this point, it means you’re still unable to send and receive Instagram messages. In this solution, we’ll use Instagram Web, a web-based version of Instagram just like WhatsApp Web to resolve this problem.

You can open Instagram web on your computer or even mobile browser. Log in to your account and send a private message to your friends.

If the message is sent successfully, there’s a problem with your Instagram app. In this case, reinstall the app on your smartphone. However, if the direct message fails to send, then the issue is likely with your Instagram account. Ensure that you have not violated any rules or exceeded any limits set by Instagram.

Using Instagram Web can be a helpful solution when you’re having trouble with your Instagram DM. Although it’s not an ultimate solution, however, it can provide you with a temporary workaround to stay in touch with your followers.

7. Contact With Instagram Support

Key Points:

• Get in touch with the Instagram support team
• Precisely write your problem with direct messages with screenshots
• Wait until you get a reply from the Instagram team

If your Instagram direct messages are still not working, you can report the issue to the Instagram customer support team as it’s the last option. The support team will provide further assistance and help you resolve the direct messages glitch as soon as possible.

Furthermore, they will inform you of any restrictions or limitations associated with your Instagram account. However, it’s important to be patient as this process may take some time to investigate the problem thoroughly.

Steps to Contact Instagram Support:

• Open Instagram on your mobile
• Navigate to Instagram Settings > select the Help option
• Go to Report a Problem > select Report a Problem > tap on Include and continue
• Describe the issue you are facing with DMs and Send the report
• You should attach the screenshot as well to support your claim

Now, the Instagram support team will review your report and get in touch with your solution soon. After that, you’ll be able to send Instagram direct messages to your friends and followers.

Alternative Ways to Send Instagram Messages

If you’re still unable to resolve the Instagram text messages glitch, there are several other ways as well to communicate with your friends or followers. Although these are not ideal solutions, they allow you to stay connected with others. You can choose any of the following methods you like:

Instagram Comments: You can start a conversation with your friends by leaving a comment on their posts. It’s one of the simplest ways to send messages to your followers. However, you’ll have to keep privacy issues in mind.

Instagram Live: Also, you can go live on Instagram and communicate with your followers in real-time. It’s another convenient way to connect with others, although, it’s not as effective as Instagram DMs.

Instagram Stories: You should also take advantage of Instagram stories to share updates and communicate with your followers in this situation. You can post photos, videos, or simply a text to your story to show your presence.

Problems while Sending Instagram Direct Messages

When sending messages on Instagram (DMs), you can experience several issues that prevent you from sending and receiving messages successfully. Here are some possible problems you can come across while sending DMs:

DMs Stuck on the Loading Screen

The main reason for frozen DMs screen on Instagram is usually a corrupted app cache. On Android, long-press the Instagram app icon > tap App info ⓘ > Storage usage, then tap Clear cache. For iPhone users, press and hold the Instagram app icon > Delete App, then confirm the deletion.

DMs Disappearing

Your DM history can suddenly vanish. Many users have reported this issue recently. It can occur if someone deletes personal messages for privacy or if there’s a problem with Instagram’s server. Sending messages may also be affected when a user deactivates their account.

Blocked from Sending DMs

Instagram may restrict your ability to send direct messages if your account has been flagged for spam behavior. This can occur if you violate Instagram’s community guidelines. It is also possible that the recipient has message controls enabled but hasn’t authorized you as a friend or follower.

Causes Why Instagram DMs are not Working

Although pinpointing the exact cause of this issue is difficult, however, there are some common reasons why users may encounter this issue. By understanding these potential causes, you can take steps to troubleshoot this error.

1. Instagram Server is Down:

Instagram may experience server downtime, which can prevent users from sending or receiving direct messages. With millions of users, Instagram servers may sometimes experience technical difficulties or maintenance work that can disrupt the app’s functionality.

In order to check the Instagram server status, there are several online platforms available. These websites are specifically designed to track the status of popular websites like Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, etc. You can visit one of these websites:

1. Down Detector
2. Down For Everyone Or Just Me
3. Is It Down Right Now

Also, keep checking the Instagram help center for further updates from the support team. You just have to wait patiently until Instagram resolves the problem. It appears that there is an Instagram outage right now.

2. Your Daily Instagram DM Limit is Reached:

Instagram has set a limit on the number of actions you can perform in a day including messages. If you exceed the limit, you’ll not be able to send any more messages until the next day. Moreover, Instagram shows warnings as well if you try to send too many messages at a time.

For fresh accounts, the limit to send direct messages is between 20-50 messages per day. However, reliable accounts enjoy a limit between 100-150 DMs per day.

Instagram is not messaging app like WhatsApp and the limit is set to prevent spamming. If you have reached your daily limit, you will need to wait until the following day to resume sending DMs.

3. Instagram Policy Violation:

If you violate Instagram’s policies and community guidelines, your account may be temporarily restricted or banned from using certain features, including DMs. Make sure you check your Instagram account status to see if your account has been banned.

Follow the given steps to check your account status:

• Go to Instagram’s app Settings
• Navigate to the Account section
• Select Account Status from the list

Always remember that Instagram can delete your account permanently if you continue to violate its community guidelines or post anything that goes against its rules.

So, follow the fair guidelines to keep your Instagram account active. Furthermore, you should periodically keep checking your Instagram action block to avoid account-level issues.

4. Internet Issues:

Instagram requires a stable internet connection to work properly. If your WiFi connection is slow or unstable, you may experience issues with Instagram DMs. In this case, try resetting your router or modem to see if that resolves the issue.

Else, you’ll need to switch your network. It’s also one of the common reasons why the Instagram DM feature doesn’t work. Also, make sure the Data Saver feature is turned off to ensure that you’re able to access all the features of the app without any restrictions.

So, check your network problems first before you blame Instagram. Then, check if you’re now able to send and receive messages.

5. Outdated App Version:

Using an outdated version of the Instagram application can also cause issues with DMs. Usually, the old version contains bugs or glitches that can cause problems with certain functionalities.

The updated app version comes with up-to-date features and bug fixes that help to minimize any issues you might encounter while using Instagram. So, make sure to keep your Instagram app updated all the time. This is the most effective method of resolving this issue of direct messages not working.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bottom Line

Instagram direct message (DM) feature is an essential part of communication, and it can be frustrating when it doesn’t work as expected especially when you want to reach out to someone right away.

Using the solutions explained above, you can easily fix this issue of Instagram DMs not working as desired as soon as possible. Also, you can use alternative ways to communicate on Instagram as well if needed.

If you found this guide helpful, share it with others so that they can also get benefit from it.