Not all messages on Instagram are directly visible to the user. The app hides some of them by default.
In today’s post, I explain which messages on Instagram are hidden and what the purpose of this is. You’ll also learn how to find hidden messages and how to manage and move them to your main folder. Finally, I’ll take you through instructions on how to hide selected messages, i.e. decide which messages should go into the invisible box.
Which messages on Instagram are hidden?
Instagram hides messages that it suspects to be spam. In addition, messages that violate community rules and contain words that the user has marked as unwanted go into the hidden inbox.
Sometimes, the user may not be aware of having received a particular message, as the app does not show notifications regarding those hidden.
For what purpose does Instagram hide messages?
Instagram hides messages to protect users from scammers, phishing scams, viruses and offensive content. The purpose of hiding messages is also to limit the proliferation of spam on the service and to counteract content that breaks community rules and regulations.
Unfortunately, on Instagram, as on every social media platform, there are plenty of scammers and internet trolls. Furthermore, it is no secret that Instagram owners have been dealing with nuisance bots sending out spam and dangerous links for years.
Are all hidden messages on Instagram dangerous?
Not all messages that arrive in the hidden inbox on Instagram are dangerous. Not all of them are spam either.
The hidden inbox is often populated by messages mistakenly considered by the algorithm to be a threat. The algorithm is learning all the time, but mistakes always happen.
How to find hidden messages on Instagram?
It’s worth checking the messages in the hidden folder from time to time because, as I mentioned earlier, Instagram doesn’t notify you about them. Finding hidden messages on Instagram is very easy. To do so, follow these two steps:
- tap the message icon (paper aeroplane or Messenger) located in the top right corner of your homepage,
- go to Requests,
- select Hidden requests.
How do I manage hidden messages on Instagram?
From the Hidden Requests section, it is possible to manage the contents of a hidden inbox. Selected messages can be blocked, deleted or accepted.
By accepting a hidden request, you automatically move the message to the main folder.
How do I hide some messages on Instagram?
In your Instagram settings, you can individually specify which messages you want to hide. Specifically, you can create a list of unwanted words, phrases and even emoji icons by which Instagram will filter and hide messages. This will ensure that they do not end up in the main folder.
To do this, take the following steps:
- click the messages icon (paper aeroplane or Messenger) located in the top right corner of your homepage,
- select the tabs: “Requests” > “Hidden requests”,
- select “Manage hidden word preferences” (blue text). This is visible when the hidden requests section is empty,
- in the “Custom words for messages and comments” section, click “Manage custom words and phrases”,
- add unwanted words and phrases.
- In addition, by activating the option “Hide consent requests for messages” we will stop receiving any consent requests for messages that contain words and phrases we do not want. Their automatic filter and blocking will then be activated.
I hope you found my post helpful and got the information about hidden messages on Instagram you needed.
As you already know, you can easily manage hidden messages on your account and decide for yourself what should happen to them.
