You can't always switch message requests off completely, but you can cut them right down. Open Settings and activity, tap Messages and story replies, then Message controls, and choose who can reach you. Where Instagram offers it, set people who don't follow you to don't receive requests.
If your inbox is full of messages from strangers, you're not alone. Most of them are harmless, a few are annoying and some are scams. Here's how to turn the volume down without missing the messages you do want.
A message request is simply Instagram's waiting room. When someone you don't follow sends you a message, it can land in Requests rather than your main inbox, and nothing is shared between you until you accept. That's useful, because it means you stay in charge. The trouble starts when the waiting room fills up faster than you can empty it.
Your message controls, group by group
Instagram lets you decide how different groups of people reach you. Here's the route on the phone app.
- Tap your profile picture at the bottom right.
- Tap the three lines at the top right, then Settings and activity.
- Tap Messages and story replies.
- Tap Message controls.
- Choose a setting for each group that appears on your screen.
The groups work like this.
- People you follow. These messages normally land straight in your main inbox, because you've already said you're interested in them.
- Your followers. Depending on what you choose, their messages can go to your inbox or to your Requests folder.
- Others on Instagram. These are people who don't follow you and whom you don't follow. They're where most unwanted requests come from. If you see an option to not receive requests from this group, that's the one that cuts the most noise.
Menu names change from time to time, and some accounts see slightly different options. If you can't find something, open Settings and activity and search for the word messages.
Hidden requests and the offensive message filter
Instagram doesn't throw every unwanted message into one pile. Messages that look offensive or spammy can be tucked away in a Hidden Requests folder inside your Requests.
You can strengthen that filter yourself.
- Go to Settings and activity.
- Tap Hidden words.
- Switch on the option that hides offensive message requests.
- Add your own words, phrases or emoji that you never want to see.
To find the folder, open your inbox and tap Requests. Reading a request normally doesn't tell the sender you've seen it until you accept, so you can look without any pressure. You can delete requests one by one, or look for a clear-all option if the pile has grown. If you'd like to tidy your older chats at the same time, here's how to delete old direct messages.
What to do with a request you've already got
You have three simple choices when you open a request.
- Accept it, and the chat moves to your main inbox. Only do this when you know the sender or the message makes sense.
- Delete it, and it disappears from the list. The sender isn't told.
- Block or report it, which is the right move for anything pushy, rude or dodgy.
If someone you know keeps popping up and you'd like a softer option than blocking, try Restrict. Their messages go quiet on your side, and they won't be told.
Business and creator accounts
A professional account is a different story. Customers, brands and fans need to message you, so closing the door completely can cost you real enquiries. Most business and creator accounts also see extra inbox tabs, such as Primary and General, as well as the Requests folder.
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In my experience working with small businesses, the sensible middle ground looks like this.
- Keep requests open for others on Instagram, so potential customers can reach you.
- Turn on the Hidden words filter to catch the rude and spammy ones.
- Set up saved replies for the questions you get every day.
- Check Requests once a day, rather than whenever a notification pings.
- Use Restrict on anyone who keeps pestering you, instead of closing the door on everybody.
Not sure what a short message such as DM means when someone sends it? Here's what DM means on Instagram.
Spam and scam requests: what not to tap
A message request from a stranger is not a reason to panic, but it's a reason to slow down. Here are the common tricks.
- Fake account help. A message says your account will be removed unless you click a link or confirm your details. Instagram won't ask for your password in a message.
- Prizes and giveaways. You've supposedly won something, and you just need to click or pay a small fee to collect it.
- Investment and crypto tips. A friendly stranger promises easy returns and asks you to move the chat to another app.
- Account recovery offers. Someone says they can fix or restore an account for you. They can't.
- Blue badge offers. A message promises to get you verified, for a payment or a login.
Scammers rely on speed. They want you to act before you think. A quick pause, a look at the account's profile and a search for the username usually tells you what you need to know. Brand-new accounts with no photos and a long list of follows are a warning sign.
Never share a login code, never click a link from someone you don't know and never send money to a stranger. If something feels off, tap the three dots or the name at the top of the request, then choose Report and Block.
If you're a parent, it's worth checking the settings on a teenager's account too. Some accounts for younger users already have tighter messaging limits, and it's a good moment to talk about never replying to strangers.
A short checklist
- Open Settings and activity, then Messages and story replies, then Message controls.
- Choose don't receive requests for groups you never want to hear from.
- Turn on Hidden words so offensive requests are filtered.
- Check Requests once a day, and delete the rubbish.
- Report and block spam instead of replying.
- Business account? Keep one door open and filter the rest.
Frequently asked questions
Can you turn off message requests on Instagram completely?
Not always. Instagram gives you controls for each group of people, and for some accounts you can choose not to receive requests from people you don't follow. Business and creator accounts may see different options.
Where did my hidden message requests go?
Open your inbox, tap Requests, and look for the Hidden Requests folder. Instagram puts messages there when its filter thinks they may be offensive or spam.
Does the sender know if I read their message request?
Normally not, until you accept the request. Reading it quietly lets you decide whether to reply, delete or report.
Is it safe to open a message request from a stranger?
Reading is usually fine, but don't tap links, share codes or send money. If it looks like a scam, report it and block the account.
