Find Missing DMs: How To Recover Deleted Instagram Messages

It’s natural to delete Instagram messages every once in a while. Maybe you were in a heated argument with someone and were so overcome with emotion that you deleted the chat. Or perhaps it was an accidental deletion. Then, later on, you’ll realize you need to see those deleted texts again. What do you do then? 

We hear your predicament, and in this guide, we’ll teach you how to recover deleted Instagram messages. Keep reading for more!

Can You Recover Deleted Instagram Messages?

Many people act hastily and erase their messages sometimes, but can you recover deleted Instagram messages after the fact? Technically, no, Instagram doesn’t have a built-in feature that lets you “undo” the deletion of direct messages.

However, if you’re creative enough and know Instagram’s data features well, you can find ways to find deleted messages again. While there’s no archive or “recently deleted” tab for DMs, you can do so by retrieving your old Instagram data. You can also do it through other apps, like Facebook and third-party tools. But more on those sneaky strategies in a bit.

How To Recover Instagram DMs: 5 Ways To Get Those Messages Back

Are you panicking because you can’t find chat messages you’ve previously deleted on Instagram? Don’t worry; we’re here to remedy the situation and find those deleted messages. In no time, you’ll be able to look through your old DMs again, even long after you’ve deleted them.

Here’s how to recover Instagram DMs with five easy strategies.

1. Instagram Message Recovery by Downloading Your Personal IG Data

The first way to recover old messages on Instagram is by utilizing the platform’s “data download” feature.

You can request downloads for personal data, from your followers to content you’ve previously engaged with. The good news is that you can also use it to retrieve old DMs. Here’s how to recover deleted messages on Instagram through data downloads, step by step:

1. Open the Instagram app on your device.

2. Go to your profile.

3. Click the hamburger menu icon (three horizontal lines) on the top-right corner of the screen. The pop-up menu that appears will show your personal Instagram settings.

4. Under How you use Instagram, select Your activity.

5. Scroll to the very bottom and click Download your information. This will open the Meta Accounts Center.

6. Tap Download or transfer information.

7. Since you only want to retrieve your messages, choose Some of your information.

8. Tick the box next to Messages. Then, hit Next.

9. Make sure to choose Download to device. Then, tap Next.

10.  Tap Create files.

Now, all you have to do is wait for your download to be ready. Instagram will notify you when your data is available, either on the app or through your email address. You’ll have four days to download the data. 

Pro Tip: Download the data on a desktop. It’s much easier to absorb data when looking at it on a bigger screen!

Note that if you deleted the messages months ago, they might not be included in the data download. Instagram keeps deleted items on its servers for only a short time. So, if you’re gunning for Instagram message recovery through this method, it’s best to do it ASAP.

2. Find Old Instagram DMs on Android Through Your Notification History

Are you trying to retrieve old DMs from your Android phone? You’re in luck! There’s a sneaky way to see old messages—yes, even deleted ones—on your Android device. How? Through your notification history, of course! This method is perfect if you’ve enabled notifications for Instagram before receiving the deleted messages.

Are you ready to rummage your way through old notifications to find Instagram messages that you deleted? Here’s how to recover deleted DMs on Instagram in a few easy steps:

1. On your Android device, open your Settings.

2. Tap Notifications.

3. Scroll all the way down and click Advanced settings.

4. Choose Notification history.

5. Look for “Instagram” and open the drop-down menu. There, you’ll see all the messages you received on Instagram for which you got notifications.

In Android’s notification history, you’ll see messages from someone even after they’ve deleted them. However, note that you will only be able to see direct messages sent by other people to you. You won’t find messages you sent to others here.

Note as well that this trick only works for those with Android 11 and above.

3. How To Recover Deleted Instagram Messages Through Facebook

Did you know that businesses and brands can connect their Instagram messaging feature with their Facebook page? When they do that, they can use Facebook to access and reply to their Instagram DMs. Sometimes, they can even retrieve DMs they’ve deleted from Instagram but haven’t made their rounds to the Facebook server.

If you have a business account on Instagram connected to Facebook, there’s a chance you can retrieve your deleted messages. Here’s how to recover deleted Instagram messages through Facebook, step by step:

1. On your desktop, go to the Facebook website.

2. Head to your Facebook inbox.

3. On the left side of your inbox, tap on the Instagram Messages icon.

If you’re lucky, you’ll still find some of your deleted DMs there. You better act quickly, though. The Meta servers will catch up and remove your old DMs from Facebook one day, too.

4. Ask the Other Person To Share the Messages With You

If you unsend a message from within a chat, it will disappear for both you and the person you’re messaging. But if you delete an entire chat with someone from the inbox, it still stays in the other person’s inbox. It only disappears on your end.

So, if you’re desperate to get your hands on those old messages, you can ask the other person for help. Granted, it might be a little embarrassing, especially if you deleted the chat out of anger or strong emotions. But in the end, it’ll be worth it when you get what you want—a glimpse at your old DMs.

The person you were messaging can easily screenshot and send those messages back to you. That way, you can have a copy of your old conversations.

5. How To Recover Deleted IG Messages Through Third-Party Data Recovery Apps

Lastly, you can use third-party apps to recover your old, deleted messages. Do you want to know exactly how to recover deleted messages on Insta with these apps? Here’s how it typically works.

When you delete messages on Instagram, they won’t instantly disappear from your device. Sure, you won’t see the DMs on your app anymore, but they’ll still be stored on your device. That’s where the third-party data recovery apps come in and do their thing.

These sneaky little apps can access your old DMs by scanning the old cache files on your device. These files organize your old messages into separate folders—and yes, they keep a record of deleted Instagram messages, too. The third-party recovery app rummages through those files and retrieves those messages for you.

Remember to use only trusted, reputable apps to collect your old messages for you. There are plenty of scammers out there who create fake apps to try and steal your data.

Always be wary of these sketchy scams. Do your due diligence when researching apps that can help you retrieve old messages, too. We suggest making these third-party apps your last resort when you need to recover deleted DMs to avoid Instagram hacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Retrieve Your Old DMs To Continue Connecting With Others on IG

All might seem hopeless after you delete old messages on Instagram. But don’t worry. With our five tips above, you can go back to old DMs. Phew!

Retrieving old messages allows you to continue conversations with people who otherwise might have been on an eternal pause. So, in a way, knowing how to recover deleted Instagram messages helps you connect with other Instagram users.

That said, don’t get stuck on connecting with others based on old messages. Move forward and grow your Instagram page in other ways, too—like with a trusted growth service like Path Social.

Path Social promotes your content to your key target audience. This can help you attract tons of new followers who love and engage with your posts. Those are the ultimate keys to success on Instagram. So, if you want higher engagement rates and a bigger Instagram fanbase, work with our team today!