How to find messages on instagram website

How to Check Your Instagram Messages

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Instagram started as a photo and video-sharing social platform. After a while, it introduced comments and direct messaging to encourage more interaction between users. These days, Instagram has all the features of a modern messaging app.

You can send text messages, upload photos in your DMs, and even make video calls. You can do it all, whether you want to send out a private message or send notifications in bulk. Check out a few ways the platform allows you to check your messages on any device and a few tricks and workarounds for some pesky privacy issues.

How to Check Your Instagram Direct Messages (DMs) on the iPhone App

Launch the Instagram app and log in with your credentials.
From the home screen, tap the mail icon.
Tap on any message to bring up the entire conversation.

When you log into the app, you’ll notice the number of unread messages. It’s marked in red over the Mail icon. As you browse your unread DMs, you’ll notice that the app lists them from most recent to oldest.

How to Check Your Instagram Direct Messages on the Android App

If you’re using an Android device, the process is the same. Unlike other apps, Instagram for iPhone and iOS is basically the same. That includes the wording on various settings and features.

Launch the Instagram app and log in.
Select your account, if you have multiple.
Tap the mail icon in the upper right corner
Read the newest messages.
Tap on any message to bring up the entire conversation and the reply box.

How to Check Your Instagram Direct Messages on a Windows, Mac, or Chromebook Browser

If you don’t have your phone on you, you can always use the browser to check your DMs. Instagram’s official website interface does an excellent job of providing you with a smooth user experience.

Visit Instagram’s official website.
Log into your account.
Click on the Messages icon (paper airplane icon in the upper-right corner).
Scroll through the conversations featured in the left pane.
Click on a message to open it in the right pane.

When you reply from the desktop browser version of Instagram, you can include emojis and photos from your drive.

Instagram also offers a Windows 10 desktop version of the app. You can use this instead of a browser to manage your profile and read or exchange messages.

Log into the Microsoft App Store.
Type in Instagram and search for the app.
Select the app and click Install.
Launch the app and sign in using your credentials.
Click on the paper airplane icon in the upper right corner of the home screen.
Click on unread messages to expand the box and read them.

Note that you can enable camera and microphone access for PCs and laptops. However, on Windows 10, microphone access is off by default for the Instagram app. You may press the enable button many times without success.

Instead, enter your Windows privacy settings (Win key + I). Select Privacy. Click on the Microphone tab and scroll down until you find the Instagram app. Change the settings to enable the microphone.

Another way to check Instagram on a computer is via an Android emulator, like BlueStacks or Nox. Install either emulator on your OS. Go to the app store and search for Instagram. Once you find the app, install it.

Launch the app, and you can input your account credentials and sign in. When using an emulator for Instagram, it’ll be like you’re using it on an Android phone; save for the touchscreen if your screen doesn’t support that.

Just keep in mind that it’s an emulator, so it’s not perfect. Certain updates or neglecting to update can cause serious bugs and instabilities. Your app may refuse to open, or it may not work accordingly.

How to Check Instagram Messages on an Android or iPhone Without the App

Although most users use the mobile app version of Instagram, the social platform also has a browser alternative. In many ways, it’s similar to the Lite version of Facebook Messenger. It doesn’t have a full range of features, yet it lets you check up on things.

Launch your preferred mobile browser.
Go to the official Instagram website.
Log in using your credentials.
Tap on the mail icon to access your DM inbox.

While you can read and send messages, comment, and like pictures, you can’t upload anything from the browser interface. For that, you need to use the Instagram app.

How to Send a DM on Instagram

Just in case you’re new to the platform, let’s also cover the process of sending a DM to someone. Here’s how to start a message thread on Instagram:

Launch the app on your device.
Tap the message icon to bring up your DMs.
Tap on the Search bar and type in a username.
From the list of results, tap on the user account you want to message.
Scroll down to get to the message box and type your message.
Add any gifs, photos, or emojis and tap Send.

You can also start a group chat using Instagram’s messaging feature.

Go to your DMs.
Type a name in the Search bar.
Tap the name you want to message.
Type a new name in the Search bar.
Select a new name.
Repeat the process as many times as you want.
Type your message in the message box.
Tap Send.

Note that you can only send a group message to people that you follow. You can send a DM to anyone, but you can’t include random users in your group chat.

Additional FAQ

Here are more answers to your frequently asked questions.

Can I tell when someone has read the message I sent through Instagram with a read receipt?

Yes and no. By default, Instagram enables read receipts. This means that any messages you send on the platform appear with a Seen icon once the recipient reads it. However, people can use a workaround if they want to read messages without the sender knowing it.

It’s possible to do this when you don’t open a DM immediately. While logged into your Instagram account, put your device on Airplane Mode. Reading the message in offline mode doesn’t trigger a read receipt. But, once you relaunch the app, it triggers the read receipt.

Why can’t I see my DMs on Instagram?

There can be many causes for missing DMs. The most common issue is lag, but it can also be a software-related problem. Try to check your DMs on a different device or the browser version of the app. If you can check your DMs from the browser, then try reinstalling the app on your phone.

Can I see DMs from someone who blocked me?

Just because someone blocks your account on Instagram doesn’t mean that the messages also disappear. All previously sent messages remain in your inbox unless you manually delete the conversations.

Bring up the DM inbox and type the username of the person who blocked you in the search box. All non-deleted messages should appear.

Can I turn off read receipts on Instagram?

Since Facebook acquired Instagram, the social media file-sharing platform has embraced the same philosophy. Facebook never allowed its users to turn off read receipts, which now show as profile icons to indicate a read message.

Thus, turning off read receipts for your Instagram account is also impossible. There’s no privacy setting or notification setting that touches on the subject. However, you can read messages without immediately sending a notification to the sender. While logged in, switch your device to Airplane mode and read the message. Then close the app when you’re done.

How do I check Message Requests?

When someone you don’t follow sends you a message, it may go to your Message Request folder. This means you won’t get a notification or see the text in your DMs. But you can find it by following these steps:

1. Open Instagram and tap on the DM icon in the upper right corner.

2. Tap Requests under the search bar to the right.

3. Here, you will see any messages that didn’t go to your DM folder.

Do be mindful that some messages in the Requests folder may be scams. Unless the text comes from someone you know, it’s best not to interact with it.

Final Thoughts

Instagram’s messaging feature has been implemented without a hitch. The system works smoothly and has a very simple and intuitive user interface. The only issue, as far as most users go, is the read-receipt feature.

It can create awkward social situations when you see that someone has read your message, but you don’t get a reply. It goes the other way around too; if you send a message, but never get a read receipt.

Unfortunately, there’s no privacy setting you can configure to get around this. And even the Airplane Mode trick doesn’t always work right. Besides, this is something you can’t do if you’re using Instagram in your browser and not the app itself.

As far as the read-receipts feature goes, how do you want to see it handled in the future? Would you prefer to have an option to disable it like you can on Twitter? Do you find it useful? Or do you think that no matter what happens, Instagram will always follow Facebook despite what users want?

Let us know your thoughts on the DM system and privacy policies in the comments section below. Tell us if you like having a DM system for Instagram or if you miss the first version of the app that only focused on media sharing, likes, and comments.

Instagram Brings Direct Messages to Desktop — Where to Find Them

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Paige Leskin/Business Insider

Instagram has now made it possible for all users to direct message on desktop computers and web browsers after first testing out the feature in January.
Direct Messages have long been a feature only available via Instagram's mobile app, but many users now have the ability to start, read, and send DMs on their laptops and computers.
Here's how to see if you're one of the users who has Instagram DMs on their desktop as the company completes the feature's global rollout.
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Instagram has brought a crucial feature to desktop computers and web browsers that has up until now been limited to the platform's mobile app: Direct Messages.

A "small percentage" of users have had access to DMs on their desktop since January, when Instagram first told The Verge it was testing the feature. Instagram appeared to ramp up the rollout earlier this week, and announced Friday the feature was now available to its millions of users, "no matter where you are in the world. "

Accessing Instagram DMs via desktop will be a welcomed addition for influencers, brands, and others who heavily rely on direct messaging on a regular basis. Users will be able to start one-on-one and group chats, read and send to messages, share photos, and double-tap to react to responses. However, you're still unable to video chat via Instagram, which you're able to do through DMs on the mobile app.

Facebook, Instagram's parent company, has made a series of changes in the last year to prioritize private messaging across its family of platforms. A standalone app launched in late 2019, called Threads, for Instagram users to exchange messages and photos with those on their Close Friends list. Facebook debuted a desktop app for Messenger just last week. All of this comes after the New York Times reported in early 2019 that Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg had directed employees to integrate private messaging services across Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger. Zuckerberg later said that the integration wouldn't come until 2020 at the earliest.

Here's how to check if you're one of the users given the ability to send and receive Instagram DMs on their desktop:

Click on the icon to bring up your Direct Messages. From there, you can read and respond to DMs, share photos, and start new chats. Now it's even easier to get distracted by Instagram on your computer without going on your phone.

Paige Leskin/Business Insider

How do I view messages received via Instagram Direct?

Help Center

Instagram features

Direct messaging

You can view and manage Direct messages on the Instagram app for Android and iPhone, and the Instagram Lite app for Android.

How can I view a received Direct message?

Instagram app for Android and iPhone

Tap the or icon in the top right corner of the feed. nine0003

Click on the desired conversation.

instagram.com in a mobile browser

instagram.com in a desktop browser

Instagram Lite app for Android

Why can't I see a Direct message in my chat list?

If the person you follow sends a message, it will appear in the chat list.

If a message is sent by someone you don't follow, it will appear in your inbox as a message request. To accept or decline a message request:

Instagram app for Android

Tap the or icon in the top right corner of the feed.

Select Requests.

Touch and hold a message.

Select Delete or Accept. You can click Remove All at the bottom of the screen to reject all requests at once.

Instagram app for iPhone

Tap the or icon in the top right corner of the feed.

Select Requests.

Swipe left on the message. nine0003

Select Delete or Accept. You can click Remove All at the bottom of the screen to reject all requests at once.

instagram.com in a browser on a computer

Instagram Lite app for Android

If you accept someone's message request, all subsequent messages from that person will immediately go to the chat list.

Learn more about how to manage correspondence requests and report offensive messages. nine0003

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Privacy

How to see the first post on Instagram without scrolling

Many times when we want to relive our memories with a person, we read our chats. It sends us into nostalgia. However, in order to start this journey, we must get to the first message. You might think that this should be an easy task, i.e. pressing a button will do the job.

The real world is different - or should I say the online world. On Instagram, if you need to read old posts from the beginning, you'll have to scroll through the clock to get to the first post. Nobody will like it. Then how to reach the top?

Well, that's what we're going to tell you here. Without further ado, let's see how to get to the first post on Instagram

Fast scroll to the start of a thread

Without raising your expectations, let me put it straight. There is no direct way to quickly scroll to the top in Instagram Direct Messages (DM). Luckily, you can read Instagram posts right from the start. To do this, you will need to download data from Instagram in JSON format and convert the JSON posts into a readable format.

Here are the steps in detail.

Download Instagram data

You will need a computer to download Instagram data as this feature is not available for mobile apps. nine0003

Here are the steps:

Step 1 . Open the Instagram website on your PC through any browser and log in with your credentials. On the Instagram home page, click on the profile icon at the top.

Step 2: On your profile page, click the settings gear icon next to Edit profile. In the pop-up window that appears, click "Privacy and Security". nine0003

Step 3: Scroll down on the "Privacy & Security" page and click on "Gift Upload Request" under Data Upload.

Step 4: Your email address will be pre-filled. Press "Next".

Step 5 : You will be prompted for a password. Do this and click the Request Download button. That's all. Now sit back and wait for an email from Instagram. If you're having trouble uploading data, check out our detailed guide. nine0003

Note: email from Instagram may take 1 to 48 hours.

Also on

5 Cool Instagram Bio Hacks You Should Know

View Instagram Downloaded Data

The downloaded data from Instagram will be in ZIP format. Download the ZIP file to your computer and extract it. Your computer will create a new folder with the same name as the ZIP file. Open it. You will find various folders containing images and videos where the files are in JSON format. nine0003

Note . JSON stands for JavaScript Object Notation. The format is used to store information in an organized manner.

If you notice, you will have a direct folder and message file. The direct folder contains all your photos and videos sent/received via direct messages (DM). However, we are currently interested in the message file.

You can open the JSON file with Notepad. And if you do, the data won't make sense, especially if your inbox is full. Therefore, we need to convert the message file into an easily readable format. nine0003

Convert Instagram JSON to human readable format

There are three ways to decode JSON data.

1. Tree view

Open the messages.json file in notepad and copy all the data. Now visit any website that shows JSON data in an expandable tree structure. I tried JSONViewer and it worked well.

Open the website and paste the data copied above into the Text tab. Then click on the Viewer tab next to the Text tab. nine0003

You will see several entries with a plus sign next to them. Click the icon to show the data, which includes the participants and the conversation. Find the member whose messages you want to read from the beginning.

Once you have found the right person, right-click on the conversation option and select Expand All from the menu.

All items in conversations will open. Scroll down and you can check the first post. nine0003

2. Convert JSON to CSV format

Another way to view and read JSON is to convert it to a CSV file. To do this, open the aconvert.com website and click "Choose File". Navigate to the messages.json file located in the Instagram folder. Make sure the target format is CSV. Then click "Convert Now".

Please wait for data to be converted. You will find the CSV file in the Conversion Result section. Right-click on the file and select "Save Link As" to download it to your computer. nine0003

Now open the downloaded file in Excel. All your posts can be found here. To make them easy to read, we will extract the string containing the required messages.

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# How to / Guides

Click here to see our articles page with instructions/guides

Retrieve messages

Step 1 . Click the New Sheet icon at the bottom of Excel to add a sheet to the previously downloaded Excel file. nine0003

Step 2: Open the first sheet again and find the person whose DM you want to read from the beginning. Select and copy this line and the first line containing headers.

Step 3 : Move to the second sheet and right click on the first empty cell. From the menu, select "Transpose Gift" under "Paste Options". You will see that the columns have been transposed into rows, making the messages easier to read. nine0003

3. View as PDF

If you don't like the CSV format, you can also convert messages to PDF.