How does one delete Instagram messages?
While Instagram is primarily a photo-sharing platform, it includes a private messaging system where you control message retention.
When your inbox gets crowded, two methods help: deleting entire conversations or specific messages you’ve sent.
From slightly awkward to cringe-worthy, mistakenly sending messages on Instagram rates on a cringe scale.
But, no matter the level, swift action can fix these errors.
Discover ways to delete Instagram messages swiftly, both on mobile and desktop
How to delete your Instagram messages
Sure, not everyone aims to delete an Instagram message due to an embarrassing slip-up.
Some seek to tidy up their chats.
Whether for organization or other reasons, this cleanup task is simpler than household chores.
Deleting an Instagram DM involves just five steps. Here’s how to delete Instagram messages on iPhones and Android phones, with these steps applicable to both platforms on the Instagram app.
Deleting entire conversations
- Launch Instagram and select the messages icon located at the top-right resembling a paper airplane.
- Within the messages page, tap the bulleted list icon at the top-right corner.
- Choose the conversations to delete by tapping them, then select Delete at the bottom-right.
- Confirm the deletion action.
Note: The messages will remain visible to others in the conversation unless they also delete them.
Delete your own individual messages
Delete an Instagram message on your computer
You find yourself on Instagram’s desktop version and mistakenly send a message to the wrong person.
Now, you’re searching how to delete messages from both ends, aware that removing a message solely from your side won’t suffice.
It’s akin to the WhatsApp dilemma between “Delete for me” versus “Delete for everyone.”
Unlike WhatsApp, though, Instagram’s message removal ensures neither side can view the message. Here’s how:
- Open Instagram on your preferred web browser.
- Access the DM symbol at the top of the page.
- Choose the Instagram conversation with the message to delete.
- Click on the (…) symbol.
- Opt for Unsend.
How to delete chats on Instagram
If you’re among those aiming for some Instagram tidying, you might not only seek to remove a single message but an entire conversation.
However, the caveat is that deleting a chat solely removes it from your inbox.
So, if you hoped that erasing the chat would make it disappear from your ex’s Instagram, unfortunately, that’s not the case.
Delete an Instagram chat on iPhone and Android
- Open the Instagram app.
- Tap the message icon at the upper left to access your Instagram direct messages.
- Locate the conversation you wish to remove.
- Press and hold on the conversation, then swipe your finger to the left. A red option to delete the chat will appear. You’ll also find a choice to mute the chat, useful if you want a break but wish to retain previous messages. To erase the chat entirely, select Delete.
- A prompt will appear to confirm the deletion permanently. Tap Delete.
Delete an Instagram chat on the web
- Sign in to your Instagram account using your preferred web browser.
- Access your DM inbox.
- Locate the specific chat you wish to remove.
- Click on the “i” symbol situated at the top right corner of your chat.
- Select the option to Delete.
Conclusion
That was simple, right?
While we often share tips to boost engagement, drive e-commerce traffic, or craft impressive bios, this time, we’re offering advice to spare you from some awkward moments.
Unlike other platforms such as Snapchat or Facebook Messenger, Instagram’s method for deleting messages is quite straightforward.
So, if you ever face that sudden panic of sending the wrong message on Instagram, you’ll know how to swiftly handle it.