You’re probably reading this article because you want to find out how to turn off Instagram message requests. This is a great idea since it will prevent people you're not following from bothering you with messages that you neither want to read nor reply to.
This article will show you how to turn off message requests on Instagram in just a few steps.
What Is a Message Request Anyway?
Before we get started, it's important to know what message requests are.
As an Instagram user whose profile is not private, every other Instagram user can send you a direct message. However, when a user you're not following sends you a message, Instagram keeps the message in a separate folder called "Message Requests".
When you get a message request, you can choose to accept or delete it after reading. Instagram also doesn't let the sender know you've read the message until you accept the request.
Why Turn Off Message Requests?
There are a few reasons why you might want to turn off message requests on Instagram. The most common is that you simply don't want to receive messages from people you're not following.
Another good reason for turning off message requests is if your account isn't private and a lot of strangers are sending you direct messages. With many people messaging, it can get pretty distracting trying to keep up with all the DMs.
The ability to turn off message requests also comes in handy when you want to declutter your Instagram inbox.
How to Turn Off Message Requests on Instagram
Now that we've explained what message requests are and why you might want to turn them off, let's show you how to do so:
- Launch the Instagram app on your device.
- Go to your profile.
- Tap on the hamburger icon to reveal the menu.
- Select Settings.
- Tap Privacy and select Messages on the Privacy page.
- On the Message Controls page, tap on Others on Instagram and select Don't receive requests. Do the same for Others on Facebook.
- You can also stop your followers (that you're not following back) from sending you message requests. Tap on Your followers on Instagram and, again, select Don't receive requests.
Now You Know How to Turn Off Message Requests on Instagram
As you can see, turning off message requests on Instagram is a fairly straightforward process. Just follow the steps we've outlined above, and you'll be good.
Keep in mind, though, that this will only prevent other people from messaging you directly. It doesn't stop them from reaching out to you in other ways, like through comments on your posts.