Send Direct Message on Instagram from Phone/PC [Latest Guide]
Instagram Direct Message is a feature that lets users send private messages directly to another account. Through this feature, users can share text, images, videos, and links with specific people. While it is a useful tool for communication on Instagram, many users are still unaware of it, so this article explains how to send Direct Messages from both phone and PC differently.
Part 1: Direct Message on Instagram from Phone [3 Ways]
Normally, people would send direct messages on Instagram from a phone in 3 ways:
Way 1. Direct message to One/Multiple Users
- Enter Instagram and click on the Direct message icon, namely the icon in paper plane shape.
- Next, tap on "+" icon to receivers. Here, the number of receivers can be one or multiple, but should not be more than 15 people.
- Type in the contents you want to send, including text, photos, videos, links, etc., and then click on Send.
- If you want to send a private message, you can tap on the menu icon on his/her profile page and elect Send Message to begin the directing process.

Way 2. Send disappearing photos or videos
The latest Instagram version brings a new feature- sending disappearing photos and videos to other Instagram users. After using the function, the sent images and videos will disappear after hours or days. To perform this process, you only need to:
- Tap on the icon of Direct message and select the receivers.
- Click on the blue camera icon to take a picture or video, and then you can add descriptions to the image/video.
- Next, hit Send, and you will get a notification, saying that you sent a photo or video, but it will not show on your inbox.
This disappearing message will be highlighted blue in the receiver's inbox, and the picture or video can be replied to only once. And once the receivers watch, reply, or take a screenshot of the photos or video, the sender will get a notification.
Way 3. Share an interesting post
You can use Direct message to share the post you like as well. To complete the sharing process, you can:
- Go to the post that you want to share and click on the Direct message icon.
- Select the receiver from the list and enter texts as you like.
- Finally, click on Send to share the post with your friends.
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Part 2: Send Instagram Direct Message on PC [3 Ways]
Some users might like to use Instagram on their computer, but the Instagram website does not support post uploading and direct messages currently. In this case, you can try at least 3 means:
Way 1. Use Instagram for Windows 10
For the users who are using a computer running Windows 10, you can download and install the Instagram for Windows, which allows you to direct message on the desktop computer.
- Download and install the Instagram application on your Windows computer.
- Open the program and then tap on the Direct message icon to send it.
However, by using this means, you are unable to take photos or videos unless the computer has a touch screen monitor and a rear-facing camera.

Way 2. Make use of Bluestacks
You can also make use of Bluestacks, a free Android emulator for PC, to an send Instagram message on a computer. This software can act like an Android device on the computer, so you can sign in with a Google account and install Instagram virtual Android device.
However, it has some bugs meanwhile. For example, users might fail to sign in, install Instagram, or it may even slow down the PC. Once you find any problem with the tool, you should uninstall it immediately and look for other methods.
Way 3. Turn to third-party software
Some third-party applications on the market, like Instagram DMs on Desktop allows users to send and receive Instagram direct messages from PC and Mac. Thus, you can find a suitable and reliable one to help you direct message on Instagram from the PC.
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Part 3: How to Check Direct Messages on Instagram?
After sending the direct message, you might want to inspect it to make a confirmation. This is very easy, and you can accomplish it in two steps:
- Navigate to the Direct message on Instagram.
- Go to the conversation to view the Instagram messages.
Here, if you have sent a hidden direct message on Instagram, you need to go to the secret inbox to find it:
- Run the Instagram application on your phone or PC and then select the Instagram Inbox icon.
- Now you will see a blue bar saying "message requests". Just click on it to view all the messages sent by people you don't follow.
Part 4: FAQs about Instagram Direct Messages
Q1. What if the direct messages sent by certain users don't show up?
Sometimes, Instagram Direct may fail to display messages from certain users, causing issues while sending or receiving DMs. To fix this, you can log out and back into your account, start a new conversation, reinstall the Instagram app, or wipe the cache partition in Recovery mode. These methods often resolve message display problems and restore normal DM functionality.
Q2. How to restore deleted direct messages on Instagram?
Deleted DMs cannot be recovered directly on Instagram. However, you can download your Instagram data to see a copy of the messages that were part of your account.
Q3: Why are my Instagram DMs not sending?
This can happen due to poor internet connection, app glitches, or restrictions on your account. Restarting the app or checking your connection usually helps.
Q4: How do I block someone from messaging me?
Go to their profile, tap the three dots, and select Block or Restrict. This prevents them from sending you DMs or seeing when you're active.
Q5: Can I send messages to someone who doesn't follow me?
Yes, but the message will appear as a message request in their inbox, and they must accept it to reply.
Q6: How do I delete a DM on Instagram?
Open the conversation, tap and hold the message you want to remove, then select Unsend to delete it for both you and the recipient.
Q7: Can I mute Instagram messages or notifications?
Yes, open the chat, tap the info (i) icon, and select Mute messages or Mute notifications to avoid alerts without leaving the conversation.
Q8: How do I send disappearing photos or videos in a DM?
Tap the camera icon in the chat, take a photo or video, and choose View once, Allow replay, or Keep in chat before sending.
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