Are you getting a “You can’t message this account unless they follow you” error on Instagram?
The error message happens when you try to message someone who does not accept message requests.
By default, you’ll be able to receive message requests from anyone on Instagram.
However, you have the option to prevent others from messaging you.
The option is called “Don’t receive message requests”, which can be found in your privacy settings.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to fix “You can’t message this account unless they follow you” on Instagram.
- Why can’t I message people who don’t follow me?
- How to fix “You can’t message this account unless they follow you” on Instagram
- How do I message people who don’t follow me on Instagram?
Why can’t I message people who don’t follow me?
You can’t message people who don’t follow you on Instagram because the person chose to prevent message requests.
By default, anyone is able to receive message requests on Instagram.
However, there is an option that prevents others from sending you messages.
The option is called “Don’t receive message requests”.
If the person enabled that option, they won’t receive message requests from people who don’t follow them.
If you try to send them a direct message, you’ll see “You can’t message this account unless they follow you” error message.
The only way to message them is if they disabled the “Don’t receive message requests” option or if they followed you.
How to fix “You can’t message this account unless they follow you” on Instagram
To fix “You can’t message this account unless they follow you” on Instagram, you need to enable the “Message requests” option for “Your followers on Instagram”.
You also need to enable the “Message requests” option for “Others on Instagram”.
This will allow both your followers and people who don’t follow you to direct message you on Instagram.
1. Allow your followers to message you
- Go to your Instagram profile by tapping on your profile picture on the bottom navigation bar.
- Tap on the menu icon and select “Settings”.
- Privacy > Messages > Potential connections > Your followers on Instagram.
- Enable the “Message requests” option.
Enabling the “Message requests” option for “Your followers on Instagram” will allow your followers to direct message you.
If you’ve disabled the option, you won’t receive messages from your followers.
2. Allow others on Instagram to message you
- Go to your Instagram profile by tapping on your profile picture on the bottom navigation bar.
- Tap on the menu icon and select “Settings”.
- Privacy > Messages > Other people > Others on Instagram.
- Enable the “Message requests” option.
Enabling the “Message requests” option will allow people who don’t follow you on Instagram to direct message you.
Message requests from others will be sent to your message requests folder.
How do I message people who don’t follow me on Instagram?
To message people who don’t follow you on Instagram, you need to wait until the person enables the “Message requests” option on their end.
Otherwise, you need to wait until the person follows you on Instagram to message them.
In the meantime, you can comment on one of their Instagram posts to get their attention.
If you’re trying to direct message a private account, go to their profile, tap on the three dots, and select “Send Message”.
Further reading
How to Fix “You’ve reached the message request limit” on Instagram
