How to Turn Off Instagram DMs in 2026

Instagram is a very intuitive platform with countless followers worldwide. However, some of its features are not obvious, and you may need a bit more time to sort out. If you want to get rid of annoying messages, but have fewer skills, this guide is for you. We’ll discuss the available options to turn off Instagram messages and help you customize your profile according to your needs. 

Can You Turn Off Instagram DMs Completely?

Prior to diving into the specifics, let’s clarify the key points. The first thing you need to know is that Instagram doesn’t allow you to stop messages once and for all.

Instagram is a social network created for exchanging content, likes, comments, and messages. Since direct messages are one of its main features, you can’t just get rid of them.

However, it’s too early to despair. While you can’t completely turn off Instagram DMs, you can improve your settings and not receive any notifications. Moreover, you can limit requests from users and even stop interacting with some of them completely.

It seems to be getting more interesting, right? So, here are the options you can resort to instead of turning off messages:

• Limit user requests: You can set boundaries on who can send you requests and control your communication with other people.
• Filter messages: Instagram allows you to completely avoid spam or content that you may not like.
• Block and limit users: You can limit the actions of individual users, including sending messages.
• Turn off notifications: Although users will still be able to send messages, you won’t receive notifications that may be disturbing.

Simply put, there are not so few options on how to turn off DMs on Instagram. You just have to choose the right one and learn more about the settings. And take into the account that you can use either one option or all of them at once. Your confidentiality and privacy depend only on your wishes.

How to Stop Message Requests on Instagram Completely

If your main goal is to stop strangers from messaging you, the most effective option is disabling message requests.

Follow these steps:

1. Open Instagram and go to your profile.
2. Tap the three lines in the top-right corner.
3. Go to “Settings and privacy”.
4. Open “Messages and story replies”.
5. Tap “Message requests”.
6. Set “Others on Instagram” to “Don’t receive requests”.

Once enabled, people you don’t follow will no longer be able to send you message requests.

How to Disable Direct Messages on Instagram: A Clear Guide for Each Case

We’ve already managed to find out that the platform does not offer a magic button to solve sending messages issues. However, you have a number of alternatives to choose from. Below, we will analyze the scenarios on how to turn DMs off on Instagram one by one. We will show you the available ways that you can turn to without any effort.

How to Stop Instagram Messages from Strangers

Instagram works like this: you follow users, and they follow you. You can exchange messages, comments, etc. However, other people you are not following can also send you messages. They will look like requests. 

If you want to limit requests from people you are not following, you can easily configure this. Follow these steps:

1. Sign in and click on your profile icon in the bottom row.
2. Click on the three lines at the top to go to settings.
3. Scroll down to the “How other people can interact with you” section.
4. Go to the “Messages and replies to stories” tab.
5. Find the “How you can be contacted” section and click on “Message requests”.
6. In the “Who can send you message requests” column, set “Nobody”.
7. Scroll down to “Message request types”.
8. Turn on “Hide unwanted message requests”.

Done! From now on, you won’t receive spam-like messages, and users you aren’t following won’t be able to send you requests.

On the one hand, this is not a direct answer to how to turn off messages on Instagram. On the other hand, this is a strict restriction for reducing unwanted correspondence with people you may not even know.

However, keep in mind some limitations. After making these settings, you will still receive DMs from the people you follow and have corresponded with before. The only exceptions are those whom you have already blocked.

How to Turn Off Instagram Messages Notifications?

Let’s say you’ve already used the option to limit requests, but you can still receive messages from some users. What if you don’t want to get those endless notifications?There is a fix, and it’s simpler than you might imagine.

Here are brief guidelines for taking action:

1. Unlock your account and switch to your profile page.
2. Click on the three lines in the top bar.
3. Find the “How you use Instagram” block.
4. Click on “Notifications”.
5. Scroll down to the “Messages” tab.
6. In the “Message requests” column, click “Turn off”.

Now, you will not receive notifications about direct messages, even from those who can send them. This means a minimum of distractions and a maximum of comfort from using the platform.

How to Mute Instagram Messages Without Blocking

If you don’t want to block someone but still want peace, you can mute their messages.

Steps:

1. Open your chat with the user
2. Tap their username at the top
3. Select “Mute”
4. Turn on “Mute messages”

This allows the person to message you, but you won’t receive notifications.

How to Close DMs on Instagram from Selected Users?

Maybe the problem is not with the correspondence in general but with specific users? If you are unwilling to have communications with certain individuals, you do not need to deactivate all requests or notifications. You may just limit or block people whom you want to avoid.

To successfully cope with the task, you just need to go to the user’s profile. Then, click on the three dots above and press one of the options – limit or block.

What is the difference? When you limit users, they can still send you hidden messages. When you block them, they lose the ability to send DMs and find your profile on Instagram. In other words, blocking is complete isolation from everyone you have chosen.

How to Turn Off Instagram DMs on iPhone vs Android

The process is almost identical on both iPhone and Android devices, but menu names may vary slightly depending on your app version.

On iPhone:

• Open Instagram > Profile > Menu (☰)
• Go to Settings and privacy
• Tap “Messages and story replies”
• Adjust message request settings

On Android:

• Open Instagram > Profile > Menu (☰)
• Go to Settings
• Tap “Privacy” > “Messages”
• Configure who can message you

In both cases, the goal is the same – limit message requests and control who can contact you.

Why Is It Worth Turning Off Messages Partially?

Instagram doesn’t let you turn off direct messages, but limiting requests, users, and notifications can be beneficial. Here’s what you can achieve using the steps above:

• Avoid unwanted interactions that annoy or distract you.
• Reduce the number of notifications from different platforms.
• Protect yourself from unwanted or fraudulent content.

By setting up Instagram correctly, you get a safe environment where there is no place for spam or strange requests.

Can You Turn Off Instagram DMs? Final Answer

Instagram’s numerous settings are one of its advantages. You can easily take care of your privacy, comfort, and much more.

The disadvantage of the platform is the unavailability of some features, such as turning off direct messages. Answering the question: “Can you turn off messages on Instagram?” there is only one direct response: “No, you can’t”.

Messages are one of the features of the social network that you cannot stop. The good news is that you can minimize correspondence and completely turn off notifications. 

That way, you can receive messages, but not worry about them and not waste time when you are busy. Moreover, you can completely limit yourself from requests from strangers, and not receive content that may have a negative impact.

FAQ

How do I stop receiving Instagram messages without blocking?

You can stop receiving messages without blocking users by disabling message requests and turning off notifications. Set message requests to “Nobody” and mute conversations to avoid interruptions while still keeping your account active.

Can you disable DMs on Instagram?

To be precise, no. You can’t turn them off or stop them. You can only tweak the settings to reduce requests or disable notifications.

How can limiting requests help?

When you limit requests, you will no longer receive messages from people you don’t know. You will only be able to correspond with those you have already interacted with or are following. No more questionable messages or unwanted communications.

Can I limit all notifications from Instagram?

Yes, you can disable notifications by switching to the “Notifications” section. Select “Pause All”, and you will no longer receive any push notifications.