If you can’t send messages on Instagram, it could be related 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 all conversations. To do this, send one short text message in an existing conversation with someone you know. This will help you determine where to look next.
Choose what is going wrong for you below and go through the relevant checks.
Why can’t you send an Instagram message to one person?
Can you send messages in another conversation? Then 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 sending 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 could be the cause. A failed message does not prove that someone has blocked you.
According to Meta’s explanation of message requests you may only be able to send text in some requests until the recipient accepts them. This does not apply to everyone.
Has the recipient not accepted your request yet? Don’t keep sending it again. Also, don’t use another account to get around a possible block.
Can you open a conversation but not reply? Then 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 Instagram outage.
| What do you notice? | What should you check first? |
|---|---|
| Other apps or websites won’t load 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 right now.
Does it say that an action is temporarily restricted? Follow the instructions in that message and don’t keep pressing send. Without further explanation, you don’t know why the restriction applies or how long it will last.
Can’t you follow accounts either? Then 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 won’t 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 as soon as a message tells you to wait.
- Save the error message. Write down the text or take a screenshot for yourself. Also note whether it happens with one person or in all conversations.
- Check your internet. Open a website you normally use. Does it fail to load too? 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 froze. It will not remove a restriction on your account.
- Check for an update. Check this in your phone’s official app store. An update can help with an app error, but it does not always work.
- Restart your phone. Do this if the app still does not respond properly.
- Try your browser if necessary. 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 can’t use the conversation there, skip this test.
Suppose your text message gets through but your holiday video does not. You can still send messages, so check the video and your connection instead of repeatedly starting new conversations.
Don’t start by logging out or deleting the app. If you still want to try that later, first make sure you know your password and have access to any login codes. Otherwise, you may not be able to log in afterwards either.
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 differ 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 attach a screenshot. First make private messages and other people’s information unreadable. Never share your password or login codes in a report.
Do messages work, but another feature does not? Then 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.
