Instagram has a direct messaging feature that allows you to message your friends.
You can also make a group chat and add multiple people.
You can direct message anyone on Instagram who does not have privacy limitations.
You can send a DM to a public account by tapping on the “Message” button.
For private accounts, you need to tap on the three dots on their profile followed by “Send Message”.
In some cases, you might face the Instagram DMs not loading issue.
In this guide, you’ll learn why Instagram direct messages are not loading and how to fix Instagram DMs stuck on the loading screen.
Why are Instagram direct messages not loading?
Instagram direct messages are not loading because Instagram is down.
Otherwise, you’ve sent too many DMs and you’re temporarily blocked from doing so.
Reasons why your Instagram direct messages are not loading:
- Instagram is down (view the status of Instagram on downdetector.com/status/instagram).
- You’ve sent too many DMs (you’ll be temporarily blocked from sending direct messages).
Author’s note: I’ve been temporarily blocked from sending direct messages many times before and the block is typically lifted after 1 to 3 hours.
There are a couple of ways to check if Instagram is down—visit downdetector.com/status/instagram or Twitter.
On Downdetector, a spike in the graph means that Instagram is most likely down.
On Twitter, search for the problem that you’re facing (e.g. Instagram DM not loading) and check the latest tweets.
If there are many people tweeting about it, it means that Instagram DMs are probably down.
If Instagram DMs are down, you need to wait for 24 hours for the feature to work again.
How to fix Instagram DMs stuck on the loading screen
To fix Instagram DMs stuck on the loading screen, you need to wait for 24 hours (if Instagram is down).
If Instagram is not down, you can try to use Instagram Web (instagram.com).
You can also try to switch your network or report a problem on the app.
Lastly, you can try clearing Insatgram’s cache, updating, or uninstalling and reinstalling it.
Fix 1: Wait for 24 hours
- See if Instagram is down on downdetector.com/status/instagram—if it is, you need to wait for about 24 hours for DMs to work again.
- If you’ve sent too many direct messages, you’ll be temporarily blocked from doing so and you need to wait for a few hours to use the feature again.
Fix 2: Use Instagram Web
- If Instagram DM is not loading, you can try using the web version of Instagram to view or send messages.
- Method 1: Go to instagram.com on a PC > Log in > Try viewing your DMs.
- Method 2: Download Instagram from the Microsoft Store > Log in > Try viewing your DMs.
Fix 3: Switch your network
- If you’re using a Wi-Fi network, connect to mobile data instead.
- If you’re using mobile data, connect to a Wi-Fi network instead.
- You can also try using another Wi-Fi network (that’s preferably faster).
Fix 4: Report a problem
- Navigate to your Instagram profile and tap on the menu icon.
- Settings > Help > Report a Problem.
- Report a Problem > Include and Continue.
- Describe your problem and send the report.
Note: If you’ve turned on “Shake phone to report a problem”, open your DMs, shake your phone, and report a problem there.
Fix 5: Clear Instagram’s cache, reinstall, or update it
- Clear Instagram’s cache: Open the Settings app > Apps > Instagram > Storage > Clear Cache.
- Update Instagram: Open the App Store/Google Play Store > search for “Instagram” > tap on the “Update” button.
- Uninstall and reinstall Instagram: Uninstall the Instagram app > open the App Store/Google Play Store > search for “Instagram” > reinstall it.
Further reading
How to Fix Instagram Direct Messages (DMs) Not Working
