Instagram saves certain data of its users and stores it on its servers. The good thing about this is that you can retrieve the stored data whenever you want. Let’s take a step-by-step look at how to recover deleted messages on Instagram.
Understanding how Instagram messages work!

Instagram Direct Messages are a private way to communicate with other users on the platform.
Unlike public comments and posts, DMs are only visible to the sender and recipient. Instagram messages can be sent to individuals or groups, and you can share text, photos, videos, and other media through DMs.
Instagram allows users to delete messages they’ve sent or received. When a user deletes a message, it will be removed from their own inbox as well as the recipient’s inbox.
However, if the recipient has already seen the message, deleting it won’t remove it from their memory. Instagram also stores deleted messages for a limited time. This means that you can recover deleted messages from Instagram if you act fast.
Reasons why Instagram messages get deleted
There are several reasons why Instagram messages can get deleted. One of the most common reasons is accidental deletion.
It’s easy to mistakenly delete a message, especially if you’re trying to clear your inbox or delete multiple messages at once.
Another reason why Instagram messages get deleted is because of a bug or glitch in the app.
Instagram developers work hard to fix bugs and improve the app’s performance, but sometimes glitches can cause messages to disappear.
Lastly, Instagram may delete messages due to a violation of their community guidelines. If a message contains offensive or inappropriate content, Instagram may remove it from the platform.
Can deleted Instagram messages be recovered?
Yes, deleted Instagram messages can be recovered, but only if you act quickly. Instagram stores deleted messages for a limited time, so the longer you wait, the less likely it is that you’ll be able to recover them. Additionally, if the recipient has already seen the message, deleting it won’t remove it from their memory.
There are different methods to recover deleted Instagram messages, and the method you choose will depend on the device you’re using and the timing of the deletion.
How to recover deleted messages from Instagram – Step by step guide
Let’s look at the solutions.
Method 1: Check the Instagram Trash Folder
The first step to recover deleted messages from Instagram is to check the Instagram Trash Folder.
This feature was introduced in the latest version of Instagram and allows users to recover deleted messages within 30 days. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Instagram app on your device.
- Tap on the profile icon at the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Tap on the three horizontal lines at the top right corner of the screen to open the menu.
- Tap on Settings.
- Tap on Account.
- Scroll down and tap on Recently Deleted.
- Select the message you want to recover.
- Tap on the message and select Restore.
Method 2: Use a data recovery tool
If you’ve missed the 30-day window or the message is not in the Instagram Trash Folder, you can use a data recovery tool to recover deleted Instagram messages. Here’s how to do it:
- Download a data recovery tool like EaseUS MobiSaver or Dr. Fone.
- Connect your device to your computer and launch the data recovery tool.
- Follow the instructions to scan your device to recover deleted Instagram messages.
- Select the Instagram messages you want to recover and click on the Recover button.
Other ways to recover deleted Instagram messages
Apart from the two methods mentioned above, there are other ways to recover deleted Instagram messages. These include:
- Contact Instagram support: If you believe that your messages were deleted due to a bug or glitch in the app, you can contact Instagram support for help.
- Check your email: If you have enabled email notifications for your Instagram account, you may be able to recover deleted messages from your email inbox.
- Check your phone’s backup: If you’ve backed up your phone’s data, you may be able to recover deleted Instagram messages from the backup.
Tips to prevent Instagram messages from getting deleted
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to prevent Instagram messages from getting deleted:
- Be careful when deleting messages: Double-check the messages you’re deleting to make sure you’re not deleting something important.
- Back up your messages: Regularly back up your Instagram messages to ensure that you don’t lose any important conversations.
- Report inappropriate messages: If you receive a message that violates Instagram’s community guidelines, report it immediately to prevent it from getting deleted.
Frequently asked questions about recovering deleted Instagram messages
Q: How long does Instagram store deleted messages? A: Instagram stores deleted messages for 30 days in the Instagram Trash Folder.
Q: Can I recover a message that the recipient has already seen? A: If the recipient has already seen the message, deleting it won’t remove it from their memory.
Q: What should I do if I can’t recover my deleted Instagram messages? A: If you can’t recover your deleted Instagram messages using the methods mentioned above, contact Instagram support for help.
Conclusion
Losing important messages can be a frustrating experience, but fortunately, there are ways to recover deleted Instagram messages.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can recover your deleted Instagram messages in a few simple steps. Remember to act fast and regularly back up your messages to prevent losing them in the future.
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