If you can’t send messages on Instagram, it could be due to your connection, the app, your account or the recipient. An outage is also possible. First check whether it is happening with one person or in all conversations. To do this, send one short text message in an existing conversation with someone you know. This will help you work out where to look next.
Choose below what is going wrong for you and work through the relevant checks.
Why can’t you send an Instagram message to one person?
Can you send messages in another conversation? If so, your internet connection is less likely to be the cause. First check exactly what is going wrong in the conversation with that one person.
- You see a message about message requests. Read what it says before trying again.
- You can’t send a photo or video. Try one short text message. If that works, the problem may be with the photo or video.
- You can’t send the account a message at all. A setting or block may be the cause. A failed message does not prove that someone has blocked you.
According to Meta’s explanation of message requests you can send only text with some requests until the recipient accepts them. This does not apply to everyone.
Has the recipient not accepted your request yet? Do not keep sending it. Also do not use another account to get around a possible block.
Can you open a conversation but not reply? Read more about not being able to reply to Instagram messages.
Why can’t you send messages in any Instagram conversation?
Are messages failing in several existing conversations? Check your connection, the app and any notifications about your account. It could also be an outage affecting Instagram.
| What do you notice? | What should you check first? |
|---|---|
| Other apps or websites are not loading either. | Your internet connection. |
| Instagram opens, but you can’t send messages in several conversations. | The app and any error messages. |
| You receive a message saying that an action is restricted. | The explanation in that message. |
| Someone else is experiencing the same problem at the same time. | A possible outage. This does not yet prove that there is an outage. |
The fact that your feed loads does not mean that messages are working properly too. In March 2026, Meta reported a temporary outage affecting some Instagram messaging features. That earlier report does not prove there is an outage now.
Does it say that an action is temporarily restricted? Follow the instructions in that message and do not keep pressing send. Without further explanation, you do not know why the restriction applies or how long it will last.
Can’t you follow accounts either? See why you can’t follow someone on Instagram. The two problems do not necessarily have the same cause.
What can you do if Instagram does not send messages?
Try these steps in order. After each step, test with one short message in an existing conversation to see whether sending works again. Stop as soon as it works or a message tells you to wait.
- Save the error message. Write down the text or take a screenshot for yourself. Also note whether it is happening with one person or in all conversations.
- Check your internet. Open a website you normally use. Is it not loading either? Try another trusted network or mobile data, if you can use it.
- Close Instagram completely and reopen the app. This checks whether the app temporarily stopped responding. It will not remove a restriction on your account.
- Check for an update. Check this in your phone’s official app store. An update may help with an app error, but it does not always work.
- Restart your phone. Do this if the app still is not responding properly.
- You could also try your browser. Open Instagram in your browser and see whether you can use the same existing conversation there. If sending works there, the problem appears to be with the app. If you cannot use the conversation there, skip this test.
Suppose your text message arrives, but your holiday video does not. You can still send messages, so check the video and your connection instead of repeatedly starting new conversations.
Do not start by logging out or deleting the app. Still want to try that later? First make sure you know your password and have access to any login codes. Otherwise, you may also be unable to log in afterwards.
When should you report a problem with Instagram messages?
Report the problem if messages continue to fail after you have checked your connection and the app. Do this if there is no clear message explaining what you should do. Use the help or reporting option within Instagram. Its location may vary by version.
Include this information in your report:
- When it started, including the date and approximate time.
- Whether it happens with one recipient or in several conversations.
- Whether text, photos and videos all fail, or only one type of message.
- The exact error message, if you receive one.
- Which checks you have already completed and what happened afterwards.
You can add a screenshot. Make private messages and other people’s details unreadable first. Never share your password or login codes in a report.
Do messages work, but another feature does not? Read why you can’t repost on Instagram or why you can’t see Notes on Instagram. Once your account is working as intended, you can explore our Instagram services to compare packages for followers and likes for your public profile or content.
