How to Fix IG DMs Problems on Instagram Step-by-Step -2026

Quick Summary

• Check the Basics: Toggle your Airplane Mode on and off or switch from Wi-Fi to data to force a fresh connection.

• Update and Restart: Hit the App Store to ensure you’re on the latest version, then force-close the app and restart your phone.

• The "Web" Test: Log in via a desktop browser; if messages work there, the issue is definitely a glitch within your mobile app.

• Clear the Clutter: Clear your app cache (Android) or reinstall the app (iPhone) to wipe out corrupted temporary data.

• Hunt for Hidden Mail: Check the "Requests" and "Hidden Requests" folders in your inbox for messages filtered out by Instagram’s spam bot.

Introduction

We’ve all been there. You go to send a quick reply or share a hilarious Reel, and... nothing. The spinning circle of death appears, or worse, your message just sits there with that annoying "sending" status that never actually sends. It’s frustrating because Instagram DMs are how most of us actually stay connected these days.

When your DMs start acting up, it’s usually not because your phone is broken. It’s almost always a tiny software glitch, a server hiccup, or a setting that got toggled by mistake. The good news? You can usually fix it in under five minutes.

In this guide, I’m going to walk you through exactly how to get your inbox back to normal. We’ll cover the quick wins, the deeper fixes, and how to find those "hidden" messages you might be missing.

If Instagram DMs are critical to your business or creator workflow, it’s worth understanding how they fit into the bigger system - from automation and lead handling to sales conversations and scaling safely.

For that broader context, start with our complete automation and sales guide to IG DMs for Instagram creators in 2026.

What does a dm mean on instagram?

If you’re new here, let’s keep it simple: a DM is just a Direct Message. Think of it as Instagram’s version of texting. It’s a private space where you can chat one-on-one or in groups, away from the public eye of comments and likes.

Whether you’re sliding into someone’s mentions or just sending a meme to the group chat, DMs are the "private room" of the app. If they aren't working, you’re missing out on the best part of the platform.

How to check dms on instagram?

Sometimes, a message is there, but you just can't see it. This happens a lot with Message Requests.

1. Go to your Inbox.

2. Just above your messages, look for the blue text that says "Requests."

3. If someone you don't follow sends you a DM, it lands here. Instagram won't always notify you about these, so it’s worth checking once a day so you don't accidentally ignore someone!

Troubleshooting: Let’s Get Your DMs Moving Again

If your messages are stuck, don't panic. Work your way through this list from top to bottom. Usually, the first three steps solve 90% of the problems.

1. The "Airplane Mode" Trick

Before you go digging into settings, try this: Toggle your Airplane Mode on for 10 seconds, then turn it off. This forces your phone to reconnect to the nearest cell tower or Wi-Fi router. It’s the digital equivalent of a "breath of fresh air" for your connection.

2. Update Your App (Seriously)

We all ignore those "Update" buttons, but Instagram releases fixes for DM bugs almost every week. Head to the App Store or Play Store. If you see an Update button next to Instagram, hit it. This often clears out those weird "it just won't load" glitches instantly.

3. Log Out and Back In

It’s a pain to remember your password, I know. But logging out and logging back in refreshes your "session." It tells Instagram’s servers, "Hey, I’m here, give me my data." This is a classic fix for when your inbox looks empty even though you know you have messages.

4. Clear the Junk (Cache)

If you’re on Android, go to Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage > Clear Cache. It’s like cleaning out a cluttered desk. It doesn't delete your photos or messages; it just gets rid of the temporary files that might be slowing things down. (iPhone users: you’ll need to delete the app and reinstall it to get the same result).

5. Check Your "Blocked" List

Sometimes we accidentally block someone or restrict them without realizing it. Go to Settings > Privacy > Blocked Accounts. If you’re not seeing messages from a specific person, check if they ended up on this list by mistake.

The "Pro-Level" Solution: Automate to Avoid Glitches

If you’re running a business or a creator account, manual DMs can be a nightmare - not just because they’re slow, but because Instagram’s app is prone to these "freezing" bugs. This is where a tool like InstantDM becomes a lifesaver. Unlike the standard app interface which can lag, InstantDM uses the official Meta API to handle your messages, comment automation, and even post scheduling.

Since it’s Meta-verified, it’s safer than those "gray-area" bot apps, and at a flat $9.99/month for unlimited messages, it’s a reliable way to ensure your customers never get "ghosted" by a technical glitch. If the standard app is giving you a headache, moving your workflow to a dedicated dashboard is often the best permanent fix.

Preventive Tips: How to Avoid DM Drama

• Keep your phone storage lean. If your phone is 99% full, apps like Instagram start to crawl.

• Avoid "Bot" apps. Using apps that promise to show you "who unfollowed you" is the fastest way to get your DM privileges suspended by Instagram.

• Don't spam. If you send the exact same link to 20 people in five minutes, Instagram might think you're a bot and "shadowban" your outgoing messages for a few hours.

• Use Meta-Verified Automation. If you're overwhelmed by messages, don't use sketchy "unfollower" apps. Stick to verified tools like InstantDM to manage high volumes of DMs and comments safely without triggering spam filters.

The Bottom Line

Most Instagram DM issues are just temporary blips. Give it a quick refresh, check your updates, and you’ll usually be back to chatting in no time. If it’s still broken after an hour, it might be a global outage -you can check sites like Downdetector to see if everyone else is struggling too!

People Also Ask:

Can you screenshot IG DMs without them knowing?

For standard chats, yes. Instagram does not notify the other person if you take a screenshot of a regular text DM or a permanent photo. However, if you are in Vanish Mode or if you screenshot a "disappearing" photo/video sent through the camera icon, Instagram will send a notification to the sender.

How to delete DMs on IG from both sides?

To remove a message for everyone, long-press the specific message you sent and tap "Unsend." This removes the message from your chat and the recipient's inbox. Note that if you just delete the entire conversation (by swiping left on the thread), it only removes it from your view; the other person can still see the whole history.

How to see deleted DMs on IG?

Technically, once a DM is "unsend" or a thread is deleted, it is gone from the app. Your best shot is to go to Settings > Your Activity > Download Your Information. Request a "HTML" or "JSON" copy of your data. Once Meta emails you the file, you can often find archived or recently cached message data that no longer appears in the app.