How to Fix Instagram DMs Not Working?
Last updated on September 5th, 2023 at 12:18 pm
Introduction
Instagram is easily one of the most widely used platforms now. Users enjoy the various features of this social media app, like Direct Messages for communication. However, many users get the Instagram DMs not working issue more frequently in recent times.
It is hard to tout something as the main cause in this situation, though multiple risk factors are potentially the reason behind the error. Luckily, there are some sequences one can take to get off this issue- learn about them here.
What Causes the Instagram DMs Not Working Issue?
Multiple possible situations can become responsible for the problem. Here are some of the most common reasons.
- Server outage problem.
- The cache files are corrupted.
- Weak or unstable internet connection.
- Older Instagram app version.
- Glitches or software bugs.
- Many visitors are using this feature at the same time, which clogs the servers.
- Minor system bugs
- Instagram limits user actions in specific accounts.
10 Fixes for the Instagram DMs Not Working Problem
As mentioned before, there are multiple possible causes of the Instagram DMs not working error. Related to them, there are some steps you can take to rectify the app condition, including both simple and complex methods. Here are the top ones we found.
Fix 1: Wait for Some Time for the Servers to Come Back Online
In many cases, users cannot properly use Instagram DMs because of server-related issues. If there is an issue in the server connection causing the error, waiting for some hours should fix it.
To know if the server connection is harmed, you can use online tools like Down Detector to check the condition.
Fix 2: Restart the Phone Device
You can simply turn on your mobile device again when you see Instagram DMs not working. This move fixes the issue since it cleans out unnecessary data in the RAM.
Plus, it might have cut off any glitches causing the issue beforehand. This is because, typically, turning off the phone immediately stops all the running functions. So, if there was some function occurring in the device that suffered a sudden glitch and caused the issue, rebooting interrupts that process and brings the device back to normal functioning.
Fix 3: Clean Instagram Cache
In many cases, the reason Instagram DMs stop working properly may be due to the excess cache in the system. Indeed, too much cache storage of any app in the mobile storage can lag the app’s performance. So, clear it out and check if the Instagram DMs feature works normally.
How to proceed (Android version)?
Step 1: On the Android smartphone you are using, go to the Settings menu.
Step 2: Scroll through the list and click on Apps > App Management.
Step 3: Search for Instagram and tap the option to open its information.
Step 4: Click on the Storage option > Clear Cache.
How to proceed (iPhone version)?
Step 1: On your smartphone, click on the Settings option and choose General.
Step 2: Click on the iPhone Storage option.
Step 3: Scroll through the list until you find the Instagram option, then click on it.
Step 4: Press the Offload App button next. This will remove all temporary cache files in the app.
Step 5: Finally, choose the Reinstall App option.
Fix 4: Log out and Back into Instagram
If you see the Instagram DMs not working issue, you can use the technique of simple log out. After a short wait, you must deactivate the app and log back in again. Yet, before doing this process, get the correct login credentials for your account if you do not remember the exact password.
How to proceed?
Step 1: On your Instagram app, click on your profile icon and press the three-parallel-lines icon at the top-right.
Step 2: Tap on the Settings option to open this menu.
Step 3: Scroll down and click on the Log Out button.
Step 4: Later, log into the app again, adding your account credentials.
Fix 5: Update the Instagram App
Users that operate an outdated or older Instagram app version on their device notice many functional issues, like the Instagram DMs not loading issue. Since the app consistently comes up with software features in every update, your outdated Instagram app may not have compatibility with modern upgrades.
Users that do not have the auto updates feature active typically get this issue. The only solution to this problem is to upgrade the app to the latest version.
So, depending on your device version, go to the respective app store platform, like Google Play Store for Android or Apple App Store for iOS. Click the Update button under the app name on their app store page.
Fix 6: Force Stop the Instagram App
Only Android smartphone users can use this process to fix the Instagram DMs not loading problem. After doing the force stop process, try to send a direct message to another user to check if it is still defective.
How to proceed?
Step 1: Search for the Instagram app on the home page of your Android smartphone or in the App Drawer.
Step 2: Long-press on the app icon and click on App Info.
Step 3: Choose the Force Stop option.
Step 4: Go back to the Instagram app and try to access the Instagram DMs again.
Fix 7: Active Mobile Data for the Instagram app
Like the force stop feature is an Android-only solution, iPhone users can try activating mobile data to solve issues like the Instagram DMs not opening or working normally. Through iPhone settings, you can toggle the mobile data off for the individual Instagram app and then turn it on again to see if the problem still persists.
How to proceed?
Step 1: On your iOS device, go to the Settings menu.
Step 2: Scroll through the list to find and click on Instagram.
Step 3: On the next page, activate the toggle for Mobile Data for the app.
Fix 8: Check the Internet Connection
In many cases, the issue is not because of problems in the app itself or even the device but some external reasons, like bad internet connection. If the app is not connected to a stable network connection, it will naturally stop normal app functions like DMs from opening properly.
So, check if there are spotty connections and your WiFi network is active. Use the mobile data if the WiFi network is showing issues or vice versa.
Fix 9: Try Accessing Instagram DMs through Instagram Web
Users can open their Instagram app through the web version. If the direct messages are not opening smoothly on the iOS or Android-based Instagram app, you can access them through the web version instead.
It is possible to get and reply to Instagram messages in the web version. So, use it as an alternative while you analyze the mobile app version or the device itself for glitches and other unknown problems.
Fix 10: There are unsent DMs from the other side
This may have a simple explanation if you see defects like not seeing the recent messages in the inbox. If only selective messages are deleted, it is possible that the recipient of the conversation unsent the DMs on their side.
On Instagram, the option to remove the DM messages from one side only but remove them on both sides is available. So, check with the other person if they unsent the DMs.
Conclusion
Many server, software, or connection-related problems can cause issues in the Instagram DM functionality. To fix it, you must use different techniques like rebooting the devices, cleaning the cache files, etc.
Try out the different fixes on your device to settle on the best method that works in your situation.
Author Bio:
Dinesh Lakhwani 
Dinesh Lakhwani, the entrepreneurial brain behind “TechCommuters,” achieved big things in the tech world. He started the company to make smart and user-friendly tech solutions. Thanks to his sharp thinking, focus on quality and the motto of never giving up, TechCommuters became a top player in the industry. His commitment to excellence has propelled the company to a leading position in the industry.
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