Like every similar site, Instagram can sometimes experience troubles due to bugs, glitches, server outages, etc. At those times, the app may prevent users from using certain features. Recently, users have reported that their Instagram DMs were not working.

According to users, Instagram DM not fetching any messages; they can’t send, receive, or view them. If you have landed on this page, chances are you’re already facing problems related to Instagram Messages.

Why is Instagram DM not working?

There is not one but many different reasons that may lead to Instagram DM not working issue. Below are some common reasons to look for and resolve it.

• Instagram is facing a server outage.
• Your device is connected to an unstable internet.
• Corrupted Instagram Cache & Data.
• Account-Related Problems.

Since the reason Instagram DM is not working is unknown, we need to go through some basic troubleshooting methods to solve the problem. Here are the best things you can do to fix the issue.

1. Understand Instagram’s Message Limits

Before concluding that Instagram DM isn’t working, knowing the Message Limits rules is important.

Instagram only allows you to forward messages to five chats at a time. If you’ve selected more than five people to whom you want to send a message, unselect a few chats and try sending the message again.

Another important thing to note is that for the accounts that you don’t follow, you can only send text messages to request to connect. During the text-only message (the account you don’t follow), no media files nor multiple messages are allowed.

Also, if you’ve just created the account, you can send/receive limited messages, but new accounts have some limits. So, if your account is new, you should wait a few minutes before sending the messages.

2. Enable the Mobile Data for the Instagram App

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.

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

 

3. On the next screen, make sure the toggle beside Mobile Service is enabled.

3. Check Your Internet

If Instagram DMs are not loading or you cannot view them, check whether your internet works.

Instagram Messages not loading is often a sign of no/unstable internet connectivity. You will also face problems using other app features, not just DMs.

If the internet is not working, the photos won’t show, videos won’t load, etc. If you are experiencing all such problems, head to fast.com and check whether your internet works.

4. Check if Instagram is Down

When Instagram’s servers are down, the DM feature of the app will not work. Even if you open the Direct Messages, you will not be able to reply to messages.

The next best thing you can do is check whether Instagram is experiencing a server outage. You can use this webpage to check the server status of Instagram in real time.

If the servers are down, you must wait and then check the Direct Messages. You can also check the Instagram Twitter handle for potential server issues.

5. Force Stop the Instagram App

If your internet is working and the servers are up, but you still can’t check your Instagram messages, it’s time to force-stop the application.

Instagram DM may not work because of a bug in the app. You can eliminate such apps by force-stopping the application on your Android. Here’s how to force-stop the Instagram app.

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

2. Tap the Force Stop option on the App info screen.

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

6. Disable the VPN/Proxy Services

Instagram doesn’t recommend using VPN or proxy services to unlock the website. You should disable them if you’re using them to access the app.

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

This lengthens the connection time and can cause issues like Instagram DM not working or video playback issues. So, you should turn off all VPN/Proxy services and use the app again.

7. Update the Instagram App

If the Instagram app hasn’t been updated for a while, there is a higher chance that the version you’re using has a bug that prevents messages from loading.

When the server connection fails, users face various problems. Many users have claimed that updating their Instagram app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store fixes the Instagram DMs not working issue.

You can try doing it as well, especially if all other methods have failed to fix Instagram DM not loading issue.

8. Clear Instagram Cache and Data

Clearing the Instagram Cache and Data can help if updating the app fails. Like every other social media and instant messaging app, Instagram uses cached data to provide a smooth user experience.

When this cached data gets corrupted for any reason, the DMs won’t work. Hence, you must clear the Instagram app cache and data on your device to resolve all potential issues.

1. Press the Instagram app icon on your home screen and select App Info.

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

3. On the Storage usage, tap on Clear Cache and then Clear Data.

Now open the Instagram app and log in to your account again. This time, you can access the Instagram DMs without any issue.

9. Reinstall the Instagram App

If clearing the Instagram app cache fails to fix the problem, reinstalling the app is the next best thing to do. Reinstallation will delete all saved corrupted data and download a fresh copy online.

To uninstall the Instagram app, long press on the Instagram app icon and select ‘Uninstall’. Once uninstalled, install it again on your phone from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

10. Contact the Instagram Support Team

While there are various ways to contact the Instagram Support team, the easiest one is to open the Instagram DM and shake your phone to report a problem.

The goal is to reach the Instagram DM and shake the phone to report a problem. Then, on the report, a problem screen, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reporting process.

You need to follow the process and describe your problem and the troubleshooting methods you’ve tried until now. Then, the Instagram support team will look into your issue and automatically fix it.

Also read: How to Save Instagram Story with Music/Song

Instagram DMs not working may be frustrating, especially if you use it to communicate with others. Until the problem is fixed, you can use other messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, etc. Let us know if we missed any important troubleshooting methods.