This guide shows you how to control who can send you message requests on Instagram.
If people can’t message you, your Message Requests settings might be restricted. This guide explains how to let anyone message you on Instagram Direct.
Why can’t some people send us messages?
Instagram Direct is open to everyone by default, depending on whether your account is private or public. Still, you can adjust settings to control who can send you messages.
Instagram has designed a Message Requests system to protect users’ privacy. If you don’t follow someone or they don’t follow you back, their message will automatically go into the Message Requests section and won’t appear in regular chats until you approve it.
But if you have restricted message settings (for example, only friends or followers can send messages), messages from other users will not even reach the requests section.
Step-by-step tutorial: How to open Insta Direct to everyone
To access the message request settings, you must follow these steps:
- Go to your profile, tap the menu at the top of the page, and select Settings and activity. Then scroll to How others can interact with you.
- Tap Messages and story replies. Next, tap Message requests. Here you can decide who can send you direct messages.
In Who can send you message requests, you’ll see these options: Everyone: All users can send message requests.
- Your followers: Only followers can message you. No one: No one can send you messages at all.
At the bottom, choose who can send group messages. For Business or Creator accounts, you can also turn off message requests.
To lock Instagram Direct, select No One in message request settings. To disable replies to your stories, follow these steps:
Sometimes, you may see stories you can’t reply to. Here’s how to disable story replies on Instagram.
In Messages and story replies, select who can reply to or react to your stories. Return to this part of Settings, then:
- Instead of Message requests, tap Story replies. Three response options appear.
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- First option: Anyone can reply to your stories.
- Second option: Only people you follow can reply. Third option: No one can reply.
Conclusion: Advantages and disadvantages of having Instagram Direct open or closed
Ultimately, whether to open Instagram Direct depends on your purpose and the type of activity you are doing on the social network. Whether you are looking to increase engagement, attract new audiences, or expand professional connections, leaving Direct open can provide valuable opportunities for growth and branding. This option allows users to connect with you more easily and have a more intimate experience on your page.
Conversely, if staying calm, focusing on content creation, or having more control over messages is a priority for you, closing Direct or limiting it to followers is a more logical choice. It’s essential to align your Direct settings with your business goals to strike a balance between open access and privacy—a balance that can make the difference between a healthy connection and an annoying experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I open Insta Direct to everyone, will messages appear directly in my chat?
No. Messages from anonymous users will first appear in the Message Requests section and will not be sent to your main inbox until you approve them.
How can I allow messaging only to followers?
According to the tutorial, in the Message requests section, select the Your follower option.
Will closing Direct prevent my friends from sending messages?
No, friends or people who follow you can still send you messages unless you have blocked them individually.
How can I disable the ability to reply to stories?
To do this, you need to find the Story replies option in the settings section. In this article, we have provided a tutorial.
