Marking messages as unread on Instagram can be a useful tool for managing your communications, whether for personal or business reasons. This option is especially beneficial if you’ve read a message but aren’t ready to react, or if you unintentionally saw a message while scrolling through your inbox. Unlike other messaging services, Instagram does not make this feature immediately apparent. However, it is only available under certain conditions, particularly to individuals with professional accounts. In this article, we’ll look at how to unread a message on Instagram, the limitations of this tool, and the options for different account types.
TLDR;
As of 2023, the ability to unread a message on Instagram is confined to professional accounts, such as business or creator accounts. If you have an Android device, you can unread a message by touching and holding the conversation in your inbox and then selecting “Mark as Unread.” For iOS users, swipe left on the chat and select “Unread.” It’s important to note that this action changes the message’s status on your end; the sender will continue to see that you read their message. This functionality is unavailable for private or desktop accounts, limiting its use to professional Instagram profiles.
How to Unread Messages on Instagram
To unread a message on Instagram using a professional account, complete these specific steps:
On Android devices:
- Open Instagram: Launch the Instagram app and navigate to your inbox by pressing the message symbol in the upper right corner of the screen.
- Select the Conversation: Find the chat that you want to mark as unread.
- Tap and Hold: Press and hold the conversation button to see a menu.
- Mark as Unread: In the choice that appears, pick “Mark as Unread.” A blue dot will display next to the discussion to indicate that it has been marked as unread.
On iOS Devices
- Open Instagram: To access your inbox, open the Instagram app and tap the message symbol in the top right corner.
- Find the Chat: Locate the chat that you want to label as unread.
- Swipe Left: Swipe left on the discussion you want to mark.
- Select Unread: Select “Unread” from the options that display. A blue dot will display next to the chat to indicate that it has been marked as unread.
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If you want to unread multiple messages at once at once on Instagram, take these additional steps:
- Open Instagram:
Launch the Instagram app on your device.
- Access Your Inbox:
Tap the message icon located at the top right corner of your screen.
- Select Conversations:
Find the chats that you want to label as unread. To choose numerous conversations, tap the three dots in the upper right corner.
- Choose Conversations:
Choose which conversations you want to unread.
- Mark as Unread:
Tap “More” at the bottom of the screen, then select “Mark as Unread.”
By following these steps, you can effortlessly keep track of communications that require your attention without informing the sender of your actions.
How to Unread Message on Instagram with a Private Account
If you have a private Instagram account, there is currently no direct mechanism to unread a message. To acquire access to this feature, switch to a professional account. Here’s how to implement the change:
- Go to Your Profile: Tap the profile image in the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Open Settings: Tap the hamburger icon (three horizontal lines) in the upper-right corner.
- Select Account Settings: Navigate to “Settings and Privacy.”
- Switch Account Type: Tap “Account Type and Tools,” then select “Switch to Professional Account.”
- Complete the setup: Follow the on-screen steps to complete the switch.
Once you’ve transitioned to a professional account, you can unread mails by following the methods outlined for business and creator accounts.
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Workarounds for Reading Messages Without Notifying the Sender
If you wish to keep your account private but read messages without notifying the sender, select the ‘Restrict’ option. This feature allows you to prevent someone from engaging with your profile without actually blocking them. The option is especially useful when you’re forced to unblock someone on Instagram but don’t want their comments or messages to reach you, nor do you want them to know that their connection with you on Instagram has been limited. This capability is also useful in situations where you wish to see someone’s messages without informing them.
Here’s how to use Restricted Mode:
- Locate the user you wish to restrict and press on their profile.
- Tap the three dots at the top right corner of the screen.
- Tap Restrict, then confirm your option by hitting Restrict Account.
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You can now read this user’s messages before deciding whether to accept them or not after adding them to your limited list. This function keeps the sender guessing about whether you’ve read their message or not. The only place you’ll see messages from restricted users is in the “message requests” area. You won’t be notified when they send you a message.
Using Airplane Mode:
Airplane Mode lets you view Instagram messages without alerting the sender. This handy solution disconnects your phone from the internet and cellular network so you may read messages without a read receipt. Remember, this method only works in Airplane Mode. Reconnecting to the internet sends read receipts automatically. Log out of Instagram after viewing messages offline in airplane mode and log back in after returning to the internet to avoid this.
Using Third-Party Apps:
Keep Instagram messages unread with a third-party tool. Many internet services let you check messages privately. Plus, you can get Instagram messages via email instead of the app. Third-party apps like Hootsuite, Buffer, SocialBee, Agorapulse, DMpro, etc. offer some features that let you keep DMs unread without alerting the sender