Like other messaging apps, Instagram has a feature that lets the sender know if you have opened the message. When you read the DMs, Instagram leaves "Seen" to notify the sender.
The good news is, you can read Instagram messages without seen by using simple tricks like reading from notifications, turning off read receipts, turning on Airplane mode, or restricting the sender.
The first yet the easiest solution to read Instagram messages without opening is to look at the notifications panel.
Once someone sends you a message, a notification appears on your phone screen as long as the Instagram notification is enabled. Then, you can read the content from the preview on your lock screen or notification bar.
But be careful not to click on it; otherwise, the seen receipt will be triggered.
Although this method works well, you cannot fully read long messages through notifications.
Method 2. Turn off the Read Receipts
At the beginning of 2024, Instagram rolled out an option that allows you to turn off the read receipts on Android or iPhone. That is, you can read Instagram DM without being seen. Surely, you are also not able to know if the other opened your messages.
Below is how to read Instagram messages without being seen on iPhone and Android:
Step 1.On Instagram, go to your profile page.
Step 2.Tap the three lines in the top-right corner.
Step 3.Scroll down to locate "Messages and story replies."
Step 4.Select "Show read receipts" and then turn the toggle off.
Method 3. Restrict the User
Another way to view Instagram messages without being seen is to restrict the sender. When you restrict an account, he or she is not able to know if you've read their messages or see your online status.
Note that restricting does not mean blocking, so the restricted account can still reach out to you through DMs. However, to reply to the message, you have to unrestrict the account.
Now, follow the steps to view messages on Instagram without showing seen:
Step 1.On Instagram, navigate to the conversation with whom you want to read the message without being seen.
Step 2.Tap on the sender's name. Select "Restrict" from the "Options" drop-down menu.
Step 3.Once done, you need to find the inbox through "Message Requests."
Step 4.Then, when the restricted account sends you a message, you won't leave the "seen" status after viewing it.
💡To keep communications with this user, do not forget to click on "Unrestrict."
Method 4. Use Airplane Mode
Imagine that if you turn off your internet connection or enable the Airplane mode, will the "seen" status be sent to the sender? The straight answer is no. Therefore, by cutting off the internet, you can open an Instagram message without reading it.
With an important note: because the read receipt command will be sent immediately after your data is back on, you need to clear your Instagram cache to complete the process. Here's how to read Instagram DM without seen:
Step 1.Open the Instagram app and wait for the messages to load in your inbox.
Step 2.Turn on Airplane Mode on your device to disconnect from WiFi and cellular data.
Step 3.Check the unread messages.
Step 4.Back to the home screen, and long tap the Instagram app to access its info page.
Step 5.Go to "Storage" to clear the cache and data for Instagram.
Step 6.Once done, turn off Airplane mode and reopen Instagram.
Method 5. Monitor Instagram Messages for Parental Control
For parents seeking to monitor their children's online activity, certain parental control apps can help you view Instagram messages from another phone without triggering read receipts. AirDroid Parental Control is a reputable solution designed for this purpose, offering reliable notification syncing without ads. This tool allows parents to receive notifications, including Instagram messages, from their child's device, providing insights into their digital interactions. Here's how it works:
Step 2.Follow the instructions to tie up the phone you wish to check the Instagram messages.
Step 3.Tap on "Notifications" and search for "Instagram."
Step 4.Now, you can see Instagram messages received from another phone without leaving "seen".
Important Note: Using any tool to monitor another person's private communications without their explicit consent (if they are an adult) or without legal grounds (e.g., parental monitoring of a minor, in compliance with local laws) may be illegal and unethical. Always ensure you have the legal right and necessary consent before using such tools. AirDroid Parental Control is intended for legal and ethical use, primarily for parental supervision of underage children.
FAQs about Instagram Messages
Can you read Instagram messages without being seen?
Elsa
Yes, there are a few ways. The easiest is to pull up your notification panel. You can also utilize Instagram's in-app features like read receipts or restricting to check DMs without immediately marking them as read. For more technical methods, cutting off your device's Internet connection and clearing caches can be feasible, but it's a little complex.
For parents seeking to ensure their minor child's online safety and manage their digital well-being, AirDroid Parental Control offers tools to help monitor device usage responsibly.
Does Instagram notify if you screenshot a DM?
Elsa
This answer depends. If you turn on Vanish Mode for this chat, screenshots will notify the sender by saying, "You took a screenshot." If this is a normal chat without Vanish Mode, Instagram won't send notifications when you screenshot the DM.
Can someone see if you've read their message request on Instagram?
Elsa
No. Message from message requests aren't marked as "seen" even if you opened them.
Elsa has worked on a number of iOS & Android solutions, she can always find her way around almost any application. She is an accomplished, skilled and versatile writer with more than 7 years of technical article writing experience.
Leave a Reply.