Turn off Instagram DMs and become as private as possible with your profile and avoid intrusion from people who stalk you on Instagram.
As known by all, Instagram is one of the world’s leading social media services. Thanks to the sophisticated user interface and aesthetic benchmarks, millions of users use the platform regularly so that they can share their creations or ideas with the entire Instagram population.
Unfortunately, not all ‘Instagramers’ are interested in socializing and spreading warmth. Some of them regularly present methods to extract valuable information from you. From scams such as Picture Picker, Sugar Daddy, and Ugly Photos to challenges from survivors like Blue Whale: Instagram is not always the safest place.
Interestingly, all of these challenges/scams are started via direct messaging (DM). To protect yourself, you should try to find the root of the problem and stop typing text messages altogether. What is the topic we would discuss today?
So people can’t stop sending you direct messages on Instagram. You are popular! However, it can get pretty boring at some point. Whether you’re a popular person or just someone people find interesting, you can turn Instagram DMs off without having to block anyone who sends you messages.
By algorithm, Instagram allows anyone to send you messages regardless of whether you follow them or not. This can cause your inbox to fill up with unwanted spam. Fortunately, it is possible to turn off direct messaging. Here we explain how to do it:
Why Would You Want to Disable or Turn off Direct Messages?
There are a good number of things that may make you want to disable DMs. If you’re a popular and public figure or just have an attractive profile, it can be annoying for strangers to text you.
It’s not clear why Instagram allows this, as most other social media platforms require you to follow the person before you can send a message to you.
Unfortunately, there is no way to disable direct messaging only from people you don’t follow. You can only deactivate DMs for all or none. It is unclear whether Instagram will add a feature in the future that will allow you to choose who will send you messages. However, one can say with certainty that this is a much needed and desired function.
There is also another method for disabling direct messages. If you make your account private, strangers will no longer be able to view your profile and send you a message.
Maybe you can use a private Instagram viewer to avoid this, so it’s not entirely safe. However, this is just another way to prevent messages from strangers from coming.
If you have found many messages in your inbox, it will also take up space on your phone. You must regularly check your messages manually to delete them all.
If you receive hundreds of messages every day, it becomes impossible. It is, therefore, better to block everyone. If you’re famous, Instagram isn’t the best platform for sending private messages to your friends. Consequently, you should probably choose a different messaging app.
Instagram’s primary goal is to post photos and videos that reach a wide range of people around the world. The platform is not intended for private messaging, and the direct messaging feature has only recently been added.
Can you Turn Off (Direct Messages) DMs Officially on Instagram?
Instagram is considered one of the most customizable social media sites in the world but doesn’t give you the option to turn DM off completely. By default, any Instagram user can send you a direct message, and they’ll be notified.
What are the alternative solutions?
Interestingly, there are several ways to limit the impact of direct messaging.
How Do I Turn Off Instagram DMs with Private profile?
If you don’t have a private profile, everyone can “slip into their DM” on Instagram. Private profile holders, on the other hand, are not bombarded with messages from random users. Only subscribers can send them messages directly.
How to Make Instagram Profile Private
- Tap on the hamburger menu (three lines) in the upper right corner of your profile page.
- Go to “Settings” and tap on “Privacy” first.
- Touch the Account Privacy option.
- Make it private by activating the “Private account” option.
How Do I Turn off Instagram DMs with Disabling Notifications?
As already mentioned, Instagram DMs cannot be turned off completely. However, you can turn off notifications for DM and message requests. This way, you won’t get an annoying notification if an annoying person decides to hit you.
- To turn off message notifications, go to “Settings” and tap on “Notifications”.
- Now open “Direct Messages”.
- Now turn it off for “Message Requests” and “Messages”.
Reject messages
If someone you don’t follow sends you a direct message on Instagram, that message won’t reach your inbox. Go straight to message requests. The person who sent you an SMS cannot see when you sign in. However, people who follow have the option to go straight to their inbox and see when it goes online.
When you receive a message in your message request folder, you can accept or reject it. The first move the conversation to your inbox, while the second prevents you from being disturbed.
To decline or allow a message on your iOS device, slide your finger left on the message and choose to Accept or Delete. If you are an Android user, long press a message and press “Delete” or “OK”.
You can also ignore all message requests. Just tap “Clear All” at the bottom of the screen.
How do I Disable Direct Messages for a Criminal?
You can’t stop DMs completely with Instagram, but you can still prevent some super annoying or insulting people from informing you. If someone is blocked, they won’t be able to see you on Instagram, let alone text.
- To block a person in their conversation, simply open the conversation and first tap on the “i” symbol.
- Tap “Block” the user and confirm.
- You can also report the conversation by tapping the “i” icon and then “Report …”. Of course, you need to state the cause of your action before sending it to Instagram for review.
What if None of the Options is Right for you?
If none of the above options works for you, you can simply delete Instagram and focus on other available tasks.
You cannot delete your account from the app with Instagram. You have to log in via a browser to delete it. Then go to the “Delete Account” page and choose the reason for this drastic action. Finally, press “Permanently delete my account”.