Instagram is certainly a very successful social network, thanks to the many people who have used the app since its inception. Its numerous features make it a valuable tool for uploading photos and other content from our lives. However, the platform's popularity also attracts unwanted users and automated accounts.
If you receive messages from unknown people, you might want to block certain messages . Filtering them involves following a few steps if you only want to receive messages from your followers. In this case, it's best to prevent people you don't know from sending you texts and even spam links, which can be dangerous since some cybercriminals use DMs (Direct Messages) to try to steal personal information or install malware on our devices through deceptive links.
What is a message request on Instagram and how does it work?
When your profile is set to public, anyone can try to contact you. If someone you don't follow messages you, the message doesn't go directly to your main inbox, but instead goes to a folder called Message Requests . This acts as a security filter where you can decide whether to accept or delete the request. The best part is that the sender won't know you've read the message until you formally accept the request.
How to block direct messages on Instagram
The best solution is to block certain "annoying" people, which will prevent you from receiving private messages or notifications from them on your home screen. Instagram still needs to improve this feature , especially regarding messages from people who aren't your contacts, as one of your followers might. There are different methods for managing this, depending on whether you want to block a specific person or block all unknown users.
To stop receiving direct message notifications on Instagram you have to do the following:
- Open the Instagram application of your Android device
- Now look for the option Directs
- Now look for those messages that you want to stop seeing
- Within the conversation, press to display the different options and press the option "Mute messages"
If you don't want to see any of their posts, the best thing to do is block certain people . To do this, follow these steps:
- Open the Instagram app again
- Go to the profile of the person or people you want to block
- Find the menu at the top right
- Within the options, click on "Block", after a second the person will be blocked and you will not be able to see anything from him, nor receive any message in your direct message
How to disable message requests from unknown senders
Blocking users individually is effective for small accounts, but if you have many followers or are a public figure, this method is inefficient. Ideally, you should disable message requests entirely so that anyone you don't follow can't even send you a request.
Follow these detailed steps for both Android and iPhone :
- Tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner to go to your account.
- Tap the three horizontal lines (menu) icon in the top right corner.
- Access the section of Settings and Privacy.
- Search and select the option Messages and responses to stories.
- Tap on Message controls.
- Here you'll see the "Other people on Instagram" section. Select it and check the box. Do not receive requests.
If you also want to restrict those who follow you but whom you don't follow back, you can go to Your Instagram Followers within the same Message Controls menu and also select Don't receive requests.
Advanced Management: Notifications and Group Chats
Sometimes we don't want to block messages, but simply stop receiving constant notifications. You can disable push notifications for message requests in the app's notification settings. This way, messages will still arrive in your requests folder, but they won't interrupt your daily activities with alerts.
Another critical point is security in group chats . To prevent strangers from adding you to spam groups, you can restrict who has permission to add you. Go to Settings > Privacy > Messages and adjust who can add you to groups by selecting Only people I follow on Instagram.
For parents who want to monitor their children's activity, there are parental control tools like AirDroid Parental Control, which allow you to synchronize notifications and manage who contacts minors, providing an extra layer of security beyond Meta's native settings.
This will help prevent unwanted attention on Instagram . Many people use direct messages to send pointless messages or simply to get you to follow them. It's important to take the time to do two things that will ultimately allow you to rest easy and keep your privacy under control, avoiding spam and unwanted interactions.