How to Turn Off DMs on Instagram: 7 Simple Ways in 2024

how to turn off direct messages on Instagram

Ever wanted to control your message privacy on social media platforms like Instagram? If yes, you should learn how to turn off DMs on Instagram.

By turning off DMs, you don’t need to block Instagram messages and completely cut off interactions. 

In this article, I’m about to reveal all the ins and outs of how to turn off messages on Instagram, helping you experience a more comfortable and controlled atmosphere while maintaining your boundaries.

Table of Contents

How to Turn off DMs on Instagram

If you’re looking for ways to take control of your privacy, it’s time to consider turning off direct messages on Instagram. We understand the importance of managing your online interactions. 

That’s why we’ve curated a range of effective solutions to explain how to turn off DMs on Instagram and regain your peace of mind:

Method 1: Turning Off DMs from Followers or Other IG Users

Here’s how to not receive messages on Instagram:

Step 1: Open Instagram

Go to your Instagram profile and tap the hamburger menu in the top right corner.

Step 2: Go to the Settings

Select ‘Messages and story replies’ > ‘Message controls.’

message and story replies on Instagram

Step 3: Choose the ‘Don’t receive requests’ Option

Tap ‘Your followers on Instagram’ and set it to ‘Don’t receive requests.’

Don't allow messages from followers on Instagram

Note: If you want to receive message requests from followers but not from unknown people, tap ‘Others on Instagram’ and select ‘Don’t receive requests.’

Plus, you can choose ‘Who can add you to group chats’ and tap ‘Only people you follow on Instagram’ to prevent being added to random groups.

who can add you to group chats on Instagram

Method 2: Turning Off Story Replies

If you’re annoyed by Instagram users sending you random story replies, you can easily change your Instagram settings, either for one specific story or for all stories:

How to Turn Off One Story’s Reply

  1. After posting a story, open it,  and tap the three dots at the bottom right corner.

how to turn off story replying

2. Now, click ‘Go to story settings’. 

how to turn off replying for one story

3. Choose ‘Off’ under the ‘Replying’ section.

turn replying off for one story

How to Turn Off All Stories’ Replies

Navigate to Instagram Settings and tap ‘Messages and story replies’ > ‘Story replies,’ then choose ‘Allow replies from followers you follow back,’ or select ‘Don’t allow story replies.’

turn off story replies

Method 3: Restricting Users

If completely disabling direct messages isn’t your preference, Instagram offers an alternative solution to manage your messages effectively. 

By restricting users you can filter and control who can contact you on the platform. Follow these steps to restrict users on Instagram:

Also read: How to Know If Someone Restricted You on Instagram DM

Step 1: Open Instagram

Launch the Instagram app on your mobile device or visit the Instagram website on your computer.

Step 2: Go to the User’s Profile

Search for or navigate to the profile of the person you want to restrict.

Step 3: Tap the Three Dots & Select ‘Restrict’

In the top right corner of the user’s profile, tap the three dots (horizontal on iPhone, vertical on Android). Next, tap ‘Restrict’ from the menu. 

restricting on Instagram

Method 4: Muting Instagram DMs

In addition to muting the content users post on Instagram, you can also mute the DMs they send you. Here’s how to mute people on Instagram

Step1: Open Instagram

Launch the Instagram app on your device.

Step 2: Go to Direct Messages

Tap the paper plane icon (or Messenger icon) in the top-right corner of the home screen to open your DMs.

mute messages on Instagram

Step 3: Select the Conversation

Find the conversation you want to mute, tap on it, and click ‘Mute‘. 

how to mute messages on Instagram

Step 4: Mute Messages 

Toggle the “Mute messages” option to stop receiving notifications for new messages in that conversation.

mute DMs on IG

Step 5: Optional – Mute Call Notifications

If you don’t want to receive notifications for calls, you can also toggle “Mute call notifications.”

Method 5: Creating a Private Account

If you want to have more control over who can interact with you on Instagram, creating a private account is a great option. 

By switching to a private account, you can restrict access to your content and direct messages. Here’s how you can create a private account on Instagram:

  1. Go to your profile and tap the hamburger icon to open ‘Settings and Privacy’.
  2. Go down to ‘Account privacy’ and turn on ‘Private account’.

creating private account on instagram

3. Finally, click the ‘Switch to private’ button. 

how to set private account on Instagram

With a private account, only approved followers will be able to see your posts and send you direct messages. This ensures that your content and messages remain more secure and visible only to those you trust.

Read More: How to hide direct messages on Instagram?

Method 6: Disabling Direct Message Notification on Instagram

If you’re wondering how to disable direct messages on Instagram in a more gentle way, we’ve got a solution for you: Simply, turn off Instagram message notifications. 

Step 1: Accessing Your Instagram Settings

To get started, open the Instagram app on your mobile device or visit the Instagram website on your computer. Log in to your account and navigate to your profile.

Step 2: Accessing the Settings Menu

Look for the gear or hamburger icon located at the top-right corner of the screen. Tap or click on it to access the Instagram settings menu.

Step 3: Notifications Settings

In the settings menu, look for the “Notifications” option. Tap or click on it to proceed.

how to turn off message notifications on Instagram

Step 4: Managing Message Controls

Within the Notifications settings, locate the “Messages”. Tap or click on it to access the message control settings.

disabling DM notifications on Instagram

Step 5: Disabling Direct Messages

Finally, within the message control settings, find the options to disable direct messages. Toggle the switch to turn off different types of direct messages, such as:

  • Message requests,
  • Messages from individual and group chats,
  • Message reminders,
  • Group requests,
  • Broadcast channel invites,
  • Broadcast channel messages,
  • Broadcast channel replies,
  • Broadcast channel reply likes,
  • Social channel messages.

turning off Instagram message notifications

Method 7: Utilizing Third-Party Apps

If you’re looking for additional options to manage your Instagram direct messages, utilizing third-party apps can provide you with enhanced control and functionality. 

These apps offer features that can help you organize, filter, and automate your DMs. Here’s how you can utilize the best Instagram auto-dm tools to enhance your Instagram messaging experience:

Step 1: Research and Select a Reliable App

Start by exploring various third-party apps available for managing Instagram direct messages. Look for apps with positive reviews, high ratings, and a user-friendly interface. Choose an app that aligns with your specific needs and requirements.

Step 2: Download and Install the App

Once you have identified a suitable app, download and install it from a trusted source. Ensure that the app is compatible with your device and operating system.

Step 3: Connect Your Instagram Account

Launch the third-party app and follow the provided instructions to connect your Instagram account. Grant the necessary permissions to enable the app to access and manage your direct messages.

Step 4: Explore App Features

Familiarize yourself with the features and functionalities offered by the app. These may include message filtering, scheduling, auto-responses, and more. Customize the app settings according to your preferences.

Step 5: Use the App to Manage Direct Messages

Start utilizing the app to manage your Instagram direct messages efficiently. Organize your conversations, set filters to prioritize important messages, and leverage automation features to streamline your DM workflow.

By using reliable third-party apps, you can enhance your Instagram direct messaging experience with advanced features and tools. 

Remember to choose apps that prioritize security and have a proven track record. These apps can complement Instagram’s native functionalities and provide you with additional control over your DMs. Enjoy a more efficient and personalized messaging experience with the help of third-party apps.

How Can DMpro Help You?

While the focus of this article is on turning off direct messages on Instagram, it’s worth mentioning how an application like DMpro can be beneficial for users who want to optimize their direct messaging strategy. 

In fact, DMpro offers an alternative approach by providing targeted direct messaging capabilities to engage with potential customers.

By utilizing DMPro, Instagram users can use the app’s features to streamline their direct messaging efforts and increase their chances of conversion. Here’s how DMPro can be helpful within the context of this article:

  • Efficient Targeting,
  • Increased Conversion Opportunities,
  • Time Savings,
  • Improved ROI.

So what are you waiting for? Sign up to DMpro right now and grow your business more than ever.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Now, you know how to turn off DMs on Instagram. However, while disabling this feature, you may encounter some common issues. Here are troubleshooting tips for a smooth experience:

  1. Unable to Find Message Control Settings: Ensure you have the latest Instagram app version or clear browser cache on the web.
  2. Unwanted Messages Persist: Double-check privacy settings and verify correct options are enabled and saved.
  3. Approved Followers’ Messages Missing: Confirm followers are actually following you and check message request filter settings.
  4. Technical Glitches or App Malfunctions: Close and reopen the app or log out and back in to refresh settings.
  5. Third-Party App Compatibility: Choose compatible apps and refer to support documentation or contact their customer support for assistance.

If you encounter other issues, consult the Instagram Help Center or reach out to their support team. Stay patient and persistent in resolving any challenges. 

Last Words on How to Turn off DMs on Instagram

In a world where online privacy and control are increasingly important, knowing how to turn off DMs on Instagram gives you the power to manage your online interactions effectively.

So, following the step-by-step guides provided in this article, you can take control of your direct messaging settings on both the Instagram mobile app and the web version. 

FAQs

Now that you know how to turn DMs off on Instagram, in this section, we will be answering common questions related to the topic. 

1. Can You Turn Off Messages on Instagram?

Yes, if looking to how to turn off messages on Instagram, you can try the following methods:

  1. Change your Instagram message settings to ‘Don’t receive message requests from your followers’ or others.
  2. Turning off your stories replies.
  3. Restricting users.
  4. Muting Instagram messages.
  5. Turning off message notifications.
  6. Creating a private account.
  7. Using third-party apps.

2. If I Turn Off Direct Messages on Instagram, Can Followers Still Send Me Messages?

If you turn off direct messages on Instagram, followers will not be able to send you messages. Disabling direct messages, through the ‘Don’t receive requests’ option, restricts communication via the messaging feature.

3. How to Turn Off “Seen” on Instagram Direct Messages

Unfortunately, Instagram does not provide an option to turn off the “Seen” feature for direct messages. When you view a message, the sender will be notified with a “Seen” indicator.

4. Is There a Way to Turn Direct Messages Off on Instagram?

Yes, there are several ways to turn off direct messages on Instagram. You can either disable direct messages entirely, restrict message requests from unknown users, or switch to a private account to control who can send you messages.

5. Can You Turn Off DMs on Instagram for Someone?

No, you cannot turn off direct messages on Instagram for specific individuals. The options available are to disable direct messages for everyone or manage message requests from unknown users.

6. How to Stop Receiving Messages on Instagram Without Blocking?

To stop receiving messages on Instagram without blocking, you can disable message notifications, mute their DMs, or restrict their account in your Instagram settings. This way, you won’t receive alerts for new messages, but you can still access them when you choose to.

7. How to Turn Off DMs on Instagram Business Account?

To turn off DMs on an Instagram business account, you can follow the same methods as for personal accounts. You can disable direct messages entirely or manage message requests to control communication.

8. How to Turn Off Instagram Direct Message Notification?

To turn off Instagram direct message notifications, go to your app settings, select “Notifications,” and adjust the settings for direct messages to disable notifications or customize them according to your preferences.

9. How to Turn Off Instagram Direct Message Suggestion?

Instagram does not have a specific option to turn off direct message suggestions. The suggestions are based on your activity and connections on the platform.

10. How Do I Turn Off Messaging on Instagram?

To turn off messaging on Instagram, you cannot completely disable the messaging feature. However, you can restrict message requests and manage who can send you messages by adjusting your privacy settings.

11. What Happens When You Turn Off DMs on Instagram?

When you turn off direct messages on Instagram, you will no longer receive message notifications from anyone

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