Instagram is one of the most popular platforms for connecting with friends, family and followers. Sometimes, however, you might want to keep certain conversations private or out of sight. Whether you want to declutter your inbox or keep specific messages hidden, Instagram offers ways to manage your DMs effectively. Here’s how to hide messages on Instagram.
Why Would You Want to Hide Instagram Messages?
You may be wondering why someone would want to hide their private Instagram messages. There are several reasons this might be the case. For instance, you may have sensitive information in a conversation, or you simply want to keep your inbox organized. Whatever your reason may be, Instagram has a few options to help users manage their messages.
Steps to Hide Messages on Instagram
Keep in mind that Instagram does not have a direct ‘hide message’ feature, but there are several workarounds to get this result.
1: Move Messages to General
If you have a Business or Creator account, you can use the ‘Primary’ and ‘General’ tabs to organize your messages. Moving less important conversations into the ‘General’ tab can help keep your ‘Primary’ inbox clutter-free.
- Open the Instagram app and head to your DMs by selecting the messenger bubble icon in the top right corner.
- Find the conversation that you want to move.
- Swipe left on the conversation (iPhone) or tap and hold (Android) to reveal options.
- Select ‘Move to General.
Messages in the ‘General’ tab won’t send notifications, so they’ll stay out of your immediate view.
2: Use Vanish Mode
Instagram’s Vanish Mode is perfect for temporary, private conversations. When you turn on Vanish Mode, messages disappear after they’ve been viewed and the chat is closed.
- Open the Instagram app and head to your DMs.
- Open the conversation you want to use Vanish Mode in.
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen until you see ‘Turn on Vanish Mode.’
- Release to activate Vanish Mode.
Now, any messages send in this mode will vanish after they’ve been seen, keeping the conversation private.
3: Archive Messages
While Instagram doesn’t have an official ‘archive’ feature for DMs, you can use a workaround by restricting the person you’re chatting with. This hides the conversation from your main inbox.
- Go to the profile of the person with messages you want to hide.
- Click the three dots in the top right corner.
- Select ‘Restrict.’
- Confirm your action.
The conversation will move ot the ‘Requests’ section, making it less visible in your main inbox.
4: Delete Messages
If hiding isn’t enough and you want to remove a conversation entirely, you can delete it.
- Go to your Direct Messages.
- Swipe left on the conversation (iPhone) and tap hold (Android).
- Select “Delete.”
Keep in mind that deleting a conversation removes it from your inbox but doesn’t delete it from the other person’s inbox.
Final Insights
While Instagram doesn’t have a direct way to hide messages, using these tips and tricks can help you have the same effect and maintain privacy. No matter your reason for wanting to hide messages, these methods should help you manage your Instagram DM inbox.
