How to Delete Instagram Messages? Clean Up Your DMs Fast
Instagram messages — also called Direct Messages (DMs) — are one of the most used features on the platform. Whether it’s personal conversations, business inquiries, or random chats, your inbox can fill up fast. Sometimes, you might want to delete a message or an entire conversation for privacy or to declutter your account.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to delete Instagram messages across all devices — Android, iPhone, and desktop — step-by-step. You’ll also discover what happens when you delete a message, whether the other person can still see it, and how to manage your messages safely.
What Happens When You Delete Instagram Messages?
Before deleting anything, it’s important to understand what exactly happens when you remove messages:
- Deleting a message from your end does not delete it from the recipient’s inbox.
- Using the “Unsend” option removes the message for both sides.
- Deleting an entire chat removes it only from your chat list.
- Instagram does not notify others when you delete or unsend messages.
Now, let’s look at how you can delete messages in different ways.
How to Delete a Single Message on Instagram?
If you sent a message you regret — or simply want to remove a text, photo, or sticker — Instagram’s “Unsend” feature is your best option.
Steps to Unsend a Message
On Android or iPhone:
- Open the Instagram app and tap the Messenger icon in the top-right corner.
- Open the chat containing the message you want to delete.
- Tap and hold the message until options appear.
- Select “Unsend”.
- The message will be deleted for both you and the recipient.
On Desktop (Web Browser):
- Go to instagram.com and sign in.
- Click the Messenger icon in the top-right corner.
- Open the chat.
- Hover over the message, click the three dots (⋯), and choose “Unsend”.
This method is quick and permanent — once you unsend it, it’s gone for both parties.
How to Delete an Entire Chat on Instagram?
Deleting a whole conversation removes it from your inbox, but the other person will still have a copy unless they delete it too.
On Android or iPhone
- Open the Instagram app.
- Tap the Messenger icon.
- Find the chat you want to remove.
- Swipe left (iPhone) or tap and hold (Android) on the chat.
- Select Delete.
- Confirm your choice.
On Desktop
- Go to instagram.com.
- Click the Messenger icon.
- Hover over the conversation you want to delete.
- Click the three dots (⋯) next to it.
- Choose Delete chat.
Tip: Deleting a chat only removes it from your account — the other person still has access to the conversation unless they delete it too.
How to Delete Multiple Messages on Instagram?
Instagram currently doesn’t allow deleting multiple messages at once inside the app. You have to delete or unsend each message manually.
However, you can use the following methods to manage your DMs efficiently:
- Clear older messages regularly.
- Unsend messages immediately if you send something by mistake.
- Use the “Manage activity” option on certain devices (if available in future updates).
If you want to clear your inbox completely, deleting entire chats one by one is the most effective method for now.
How to Delete Instagram Messages on Android?
Deleting messages on Android is straightforward.
To delete a single message:
- Open the chat.
- Long-press the message.
- Select Unsend.
To delete an entire conversation:
- Go to your inbox.
- Long-press the chat.
- Tap Delete and confirm.
Your chat history will be cleared from your Android device.
How to Delete Instagram Messages on iPhone?
If you’re using iPhone, the process is very similar with slight UI differences.
To unsend a message:
- Open the Instagram app.
- Go to the chat.
- Tap and hold the message.
- Choose Unsend.
To delete a full chat:
- Swipe left on the conversation from your inbox.
- Tap Delete.
- Confirm deletion.
That’s it — your chat disappears instantly from your inbox.
How to Delete Instagram Messages from Desktop?
If you prefer using Instagram on a computer:
- Open instagram.com and log in.
- Click the Messenger icon in the top-right corner.
- Select the conversation you want to manage.
- Hover over the message, click the three dots, and select Unsend to remove it.
- Or delete the entire chat using the same menu.
Desktop gives you slightly better control for managing multiple conversations.
Can You Delete Instagram Messages for Both Sides?
Yes — but only when you unsend the message.
Deleting a chat or message from your own inbox doesn’t affect the other person’s copy.
So if privacy is your main concern, unsend is the safest option.
How to Delete All Messages on Instagram?
Instagram doesn’t currently provide a one-click “Delete All” option. However, you can:
- Delete or unsend individual messages manually.
- Delete full conversations one by one.
- Clear your inbox regularly to maintain privacy.
If you want to delete everything tied to your account, the ultimate method is to delete your entire Instagram account .
How to Delete Instagram Messages Without Opening Them
You can delete an entire chat without opening it:
- Go to your inbox.
- Swipe left (iPhone) or long-press (Android) the conversation.
- Tap Delete.
This is useful when you don’t want the “seen” status to appear for unopened messages.
How to Recover Deleted Instagram Messages?
If you’ve deleted something accidentally, there’s no direct recovery option in the app.
However, you can:
- Request your Instagram data (includes message backups if recently deleted).
- Go to Settings → Your Activity → Download Your Information.
- Instagram will email you a link to download your data, which might contain your old messages.
Keep in mind that once unsent, messages cannot be recovered at all.
Privacy Tips When Deleting Instagram Messages
- Always use “Unsend” if you want to remove something for both sides.
- Avoid third-party message deletion apps — they often violate Instagram’s policy.
- Regularly clear sensitive chats to keep your account private.
- Log out from public devices to prevent message access.
Pro Tip: Combine this cleanup with deleting your search history or cache for extra privacy.
Common Problems and Fixes
Problem: “Unsend” option not appearing
- Fix: Update your Instagram app to the latest version.
Problem: Deleted messages still visible
- Fix: Refresh the inbox or restart your device.
Problem: Messages not syncing between devices
- Fix: Check your internet connection or log out and back in.
FAQs
1. Can I delete Instagram messages for everyone?
Yes, by using the Unsend feature. It removes the message from both sides.
2. If I delete a chat, will the other person know?
No. Instagram doesn’t notify them. They’ll still have their copy unless they delete it too.
3. Can I delete multiple messages at once?
Not currently. You’ll need to delete or unsend them individually.
4. Can I recover deleted messages?
Only if you request your account data before Instagram permanently removes it.
5. Does deleting the app delete my messages?
No. Your messages remain stored on Instagram’s servers.
Conclusion
Deleting Instagram messages is simple once you know your options. Whether you’re clearing space, protecting your privacy, or cleaning up your inbox, Instagram gives you full control through Unsend and Delete Chat features.
Just remember:
- Unsend removes messages from both sides.
- Delete Chat clears it from your view only.
Manage your DMs regularly to keep your account private and organized. If you’re doing a full digital cleanup, check out our other tutorials related to Delete Instagram.
