How to See Message Requests on Instagram

You get a message request when an IG user you don't follow sends you a DM

By
Jennifer Allen
Jennifer Allen
Jennifer Allen
Writer
  • Swansea University, Staffordshire University
Jennifer Allen has been writing about technology since 2010. Her work has appeared in Mashable, TechRadar, and many more publications.
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Updated on July 10, 2022
Reviewed by
Ryan Perian
Ryan Perian headshot
Reviewed by Ryan Perian
  • Western Governors University
Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions.
lifewire's editorial guidelines

What to Know

  • Tap the message arrow in Instagram > Requests > Hidden Requests to view your message requests. 
  • Tap accept to message them back or delete to remove it.
  • Tap block to report the user if you believe they are a spammer. 

This article teaches you how to see message requests on Instagram. It also looks at how to manage them. 

How to View Requested Messages on Instagram

While checking regular Instagram messages is pretty straightforward, message requests can seem hidden away. Here's how to view your requested messages on Instagram.

  1. On Instagram, tap the arrow in the top right hand corner.

  2. Tap Requests. 

    If you have a professional account, a number will be next to Requests denoting how many messages you have.

  3. Tap Hidden Requests. 

    Steps required on Instagram to find hidden message requests.

    Sometimes, new messages will add a number next to this name, but other times, it will display 0 even if there are messages.

  4. Tap on any of the messages to view them.

    The sender can't yet see if you have 'seen' the message.

  5. Tap Accept to be able to respond to the message.

  6. Tap Delete to remove it from your account or tap Block to block the user's account and potentially report them to Instagram.

    Steps required to read a hidden message in Instagram.

What Are Message Requests on Instagram?

Message requests on Instagram are much like Facebook's 'other' inbox. If someone you are not following on Instagram sends you a message, it goes to the message request section so that it doesn't fill up your inbox. 

Often, these requests can be spam messages from accounts that are bots or scammers. They can also be messages from strangers keen to get in touch.

What Should I Do With a Message Request? 

With any message request, you have a few options. 

  • Accept the message and allow them to send you more and see that you have 'seen' the message request. The message will be moved to your primary inbox so that it is easier to access. You can then reply like you would any friend on Instagram. 
  • Delete the message. The other user won't know that you deleted or have even seen it.
  • Ignore, block, or report the account. Tap block and choose one of those options. By reporting the account, you can block any others the person creates. Oddly, you will still need to delete the message separately to remove it from your message requests.

It's a good idea to be wary of who could be messaging you. Unless you know the person, tap delete or even block if you wish to report them for spamming purposes. Even if you think you know the person, if their message seems unusual, err on the side of caution and avoid responding. 

FAQ
  • How do I reply to a message on Instagram?

    First, select the Messenger icon in the upper-right corner of the home screen to reveal all of your messages. Select the message you want to reply to, type your response in the box at the bottom of the screen, and then tap Send. To reply to a specific message in a conversation, tap and hold on it, and then select Reply.

  • How do I react to a message on Instagram?

    In the conversation, tap and hold on the message you want to react to. A selection of emojis will appear, but you can tap the plus sign to choose from any emoji. Tap the reaction to send it, or tap and hold to "super react," which adds an effect and a vibration.

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