The messaging feature on Instagram is a large part of the app experience, and Instagram is constantly tweaking it to make it as user-friendly as possible.
You may have noticed your message requests folder before when you open your Instagram messages. But there is another hidden folder buried even deeper, titled "Hidden Requests". Here is what you should know about these hidden messages.
What Are Hidden Requests?
Hidden Requests is a folder of message requests other Instagram users have sent to you that Instagram has flagged as offensive or spam. Instagram has their own list of offensive words, phrases, and emojis that will land a message in the hidden folder.
However, you can also go into your privacy settings on Instagram and add your own list of words, phrases, and emojis that you would like to get filtered into the hidden folder.
You can choose to completely avoid this folder. However, some people may want to check it in case a message has been incorrectly flagged.
Where Is the Hidden Requests Folder?
Follow these few steps to find your hidden requests on Instagram:
- Navigate to your messaging tab on Instagram.
- Tap on (#) Requests on the right of the screen (This will appear in blue font).
- Tap on Hidden Requests.
What if a Message Ends up in Hidden Requests by Mistake?
Instagram also gives you the option to Delete or Accept a message. If a mistake has been made and the message is something you did not want in your hidden requests folder, you can choose to accept the message, which will allow you to reply.
How to Add More Words, Phrases, and Emojis to the Hidden Requests List
If you are noticing some offensive messages still making it into your regular message requests folder, you can add your own personalized list of filter words to send them to the hidden requests folder in the future.
Follow these steps. Navigate to your profile page on Instagram, then tap the three lines in the top-right corner. Tap on Settings, followed by Privacy.
Tap on Hidden words, followed by Manage List. Add each word, phrase, and emoji you would like to get flagged and filtered into your hidden requests folder. Tap Add when you're done.
How to Block Users Sending Inappropriate Messages
Instagram makes it relatively simple to block users who appear in your hidden requests folder. If you would like to block someone, click on the message they sent you, and tap Block in the bottom-left corner.
When you tap the Block button, you will be given the option to ignore, block, or report the user. If the message is harmful you may want to report the message in addition to blocking the user.
How to Report Messages in Your Hidden Requests Folder
If a message comes across as harmful, offensive, seems like spam, or you just don't like it, Instagram gives you the option to report the message. Follow these steps to report a hidden request:
- Tap on the message conversation you would like to report.
- Tap the Block button in the bottom-left corner.
- Tap Report.
- Select the reason for reporting the message.
- You can then choose to block or restrict the Instagram user if you have not already done so. Instagram will also allow you to choose to block any account that person makes in the future.
Why Should You Care About Hidden Requests?
The hidden requests folder on Instagram is a great tool for filtering out harmful, offensive, and spam messages that are sent to you on the app.
But you might want to check this folder from time to time to see what you have received, block or report anything harmful or offensive, or find messages that may have been sorted incorrectly into the hidden requests folder.