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How To Turn Off DMs on Instagram?

How To Turn Off Dms On Instagram

We love interacting with others on Instagram.

Sadly, constant message notifications can be annoying.

Can one turn off Instagram DMs? Is there a way to disable DMs from a single or group of followers?

Quick Answer

Instagram allows you to turn off messages from strangers, a specific follower, or all your followers. You can achieve this by pausing all notifications to stop receiving any DM on Instagram.

You can also mute contact to stop receiving texts from them via Instagram. One can also toggle on “Don’t receive requests” on your message setting to stop receiving texts on Instagram. 

Let’s talk more about turning off Instagram’s DMs. I will show you different ways to disable Instagram’s DMs. 

Turning Off Instagram’s DMs                                                     

Instagram’s DMs feature lets users make their interaction on the platform closer and more personal. Instagram users can send photos, texts, or videos to other users via the messaging feature. 

However, the texts, photos, and videos may become overwhelming if you are occupied with something that needs your full attention.

During such moments, Instagram lets you turn off the DMs feature and put a break on the interactions. You can turn off DMs using the following methods.

Method #1: Turn Off Message Requests

The method allows you to block messages from strangers or turn off DMs from anyone on Instagram.

From Strangers

If you wish to block messages from strangers only, do it as follows:

  1. Open the Instagram app on your mobile device.Open Instagram App
  2. Tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner.Tap On Profile Icon In The Bottom Right Corner
  3. Tap the hamburger menu icon in the top right corner.Tap On Hamburger Menu Icon In Top Right Corner
  4. Select “Settings and privacy.”Select Settings And Privacy
  5. Scroll down and tap on “Messages and story replies.”Tap On Messages And Story Replies
  6. Tap on “Message requests.”Tap On Message Requests
  7. Select “Others on Instagram” under “Other people.”Select Others On Instagram
  8. Checkmark “Don’t receive requests.”Checkmark Don't Receive Requests

Also, don’t forget to do the same for “People on Facebook” if you’ve added your Facebook account to your Instagram. 

From Followers

If you wish to disable DMs from your followers on Instagram, use these steps:

  1. Open the Instagram app on your smartphone.Open Instagram App
  2. Tap on the profile icon in the bottom right corner.Tap On Profile Icon In The Bottom Right Corner
  3. Tap the menu icon in the top right corner.Tap On Hamburger Menu Icon In Top Right Corner
  4. Tap on “Settings and privacy.”Select Settings And Privacy
  5. Navigate to “Messages and story replies.”Tap On Messages And Story Replies
  6. Tap on “Message requests.”Tap On Message Requests
  7. Pick “Your followers on Instagram.”Pick Your Followers On Instagram
  8. Select “Don’t receive requests.”Select Don't Receive Requests
  9. Tap “Update Settings” on the pop-up screen. Tap Update Settings

There is a high chance you’ve added your Facebook to your Instagram. If that’s the case, tap “Facebook friends or people you’ve chatted with on Messenger” and select “Don’t receive requests.”

You’ll stop receiving message requests from everyone.

Method #2: Turn Off Notifications

Switching off Instagram notifications lets you take a break from Instagram.

You’ll need to turn off the “Direct Messages and Call” option on your notification settings from the Instagram app if you only want to take a break from receiving DMs.

On the Instagram Mobile App

Here’s how to turn off DM notifications on the Instagram mobile app:

  1. Start the Instagram app on your mobile device.Open Instagram App
  2. Tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner.Tap On Profile Icon In The Bottom Right Corner
  3. Tap the hamburger menu icon in the top right corner.Tap On Hamburger Menu Icon In Top Right Corner
  4. Select “Your activity.”Go To Your Activity
  5. Select “Time Spent.”Select Time Spent
  6. Tap on the “Notification settings” option.Tap On The Notification Settings
  7. Select “Messages.”Select Messages
  8. Turn off all the requests and types of DMs you wish to stop receiving. Turn Off All The Requests

Alternatively, you can toggle the “Pause All” option on to stop receiving notifications. 

On the Instagram Browser Version

If you are a desktop user, follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to Instagram on your favorite web browser.Open Instagram On Desktop
  2. Tap on your profile picture in the top right corner.Tap On Your Profile Picture
  3. Click on the settings icon next to the “Edit profile” button.Click On The Gear Icon
  4. Select “Settings and privacy.”Click On Settings And Privacy
  5. Click on “Push Notifications” in the left navigation. Click On The Push Notifications
  6. Scroll down to “Messages” and “Messages Requests.”Scroll Down To Messages And Messages Requests.
  7. Select “Off” for both options.Select Off For Both Options

The app offers more options to control your DM’s notification settings. Therefore, use the app for better customization. 

Method #3: Restrict Account(s) 

If you don’t want to receive DMs from a specific person or people, you can restrict their accounts.

On the Mobile App

Here is how to do it: 

  1. Start the Instagram app on your smartphone.Open Instagram App
  2. Tap the DM icon at the top.Click The Dm Icon
  3. Choose the conversationChoose The Conversation
  4. Tap on their username at the top.Tap On Their Username
  5. Tap “Restrict.”Tap Restrict.

Alternatively, 

  1. Open the Instagram app.Open Instagram App
  2. Tap the search icon at the bottom.Click On The Search Icon
  3. Enter their username on the search bar. Tap The Search Bar
  4. Tap on their usernameTap The Specific Account
  5. Tap the “Following” button. Click On The Following Button
  6. Select “Restrict.”Select Restrict
  7. Tap the “Restrict Account” button. Tap Restrict Account

On the Web Version

On your PC, follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to Instagram on any web browser.Open Instagram On Desktop
  2. Go to the user’s profileClick On The Specific Account
  3. Click the three dots at the top.Click The Three Dots
  4. Select “Restrict.”Select Restrict Option
  5. Click on “Restrict Account.”  Click On Restrict Account

Method #4: Block Them

If their DMs are driving you crazy, you can block them altogether.

Follow these steps:

  1. Launch the Instagram app on your mobile device.Open Instagram App
  2. Tap the DM icon at the top.Click The Dm Icon
  3. Go to their conversationChoose The Conversation
  4. Tap on their username.Tap On Their Username
  5. Select “Block.”Select Block
  6. Select “Block user and other accounts they may have or create.”Select The Option To Block The Given Accounts
  7. Tap “Block.”Tap The Block Button

You can also access their profile via the search button or your followers’ list.

Concluding Thoughts 

When you desire to take a break from Instagram’s chat screen, turn off direct messages.

The solution to shutting Instagram’s DMs is not a one-step process.

You must work around different settings to disable direct messaging on Instagram.

I have discussed various approaches to disabling DMs on Instagram.

Use any of the options above. They are straightforward.

FAQs

Is there a way to make my messages disappear on Instagram?

Yes, there is a way to make Instagram messages disappear. Turn on the “Vanish Mode” on your conversation screen. Swipe up the conversion screen to turn on “Vanish Mode.” Once the recipient receives the message, Instagram deletes the message from your end and the recipient’s end. The DMs vanish after a single view.

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