[2023 Updated] 7 Ways to Unread Messages on Instagram (2024)

Do you want to pretend to ignore someone on Instagram but want to read the person's messages without him knowing? Are you looking for a legitimate way to read Instagram messages without seen or read receipts?

Well, there are several tricks available that you can use to preview Instagram messages without actually viewing them in the standard way. Here are all the different tricks how to unread a message on Instagram. Let's check them out!

  • Part 1 : Can You Mark Unread on Instagram?
  • Part 2 : Read Instagram Messages via AirDroid Personal – Recommend[2023 Updated] 7 Ways to Unread Messages on Instagram (1)
  • Part 3 : Open Instagram Messages by Turning off Cellular/Wi-Fi
  • Part 4 : Preview Instagram Messages via Airplane Mode
  • Part 5 : Check Instagram Messages by Disabling the Internet and Log Out Account
  • Part 6 : View Instagram Messages by Using Email
  • Part 7 : Read Instagram Messages from Notification
  • Part 8 : See Instagram Messages by Restricting the Sender
  • Part 9 : Extra Tips for Instagram Messages
  • Part 10 : Conclusion

Can You Mark Unread on Instagram?

Yes, you can read Instagram messages secretly without the sender knowing that you have read the message. This means you can read the messages without the sender seeing seen or read receipt.

There are certain tricks available that you need to execute accurately to view Instagram message without seen. Besides, there are certain remote control apps available through which you can read your Instagram messages secretly. Wondering how? Keep reading!

Way 1. Read Instagram Messages via AirDroid Personal – Recommend

The most reliable way how to read Instagram messages without being seen is via AirDroid Personal. You can view Instagram messages on your phone from your computer, and hence, the sender of the messages will not know that you have seen the messages.

AirDroid Personal syncs phone notifications to the computer. Therefore, when Instagram message notifications containing the sent messages come on your phone, you can see the notification in detail on your computer. In the process, you will get to read the sent message, and Instagram will not register the message as seen or read.

[2023 Updated] 7 Ways to Unread Messages on Instagram (2)

Steps to Read Instagram DMs with AirDroid Personal

Here are the steps how to read IG messages without being seen via AirDroid Personal.

Step 1. Click "Download Now" button to install AirDroid Personal on your phone and your computer. Create an AirDroid account. Launch AirDroid Personal app and login with your account credentials on both devices.

Download Now

Step 2. On your phone, go to AirDroid Personal app. Tap on "Me" option at the bottom of the app screen. Thereafter, tap on "Security & Remote Features".

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Step 3. Turn on "Desktop Notifications"option.

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Step 4. On the next screen, tap on "Grant Permission"button. This will redirect you to Notification Access page where you have to run AirDroid from Not Allowed to Allowed.

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Step 5. Tap on AirDroid option and toggle on the Allow Notification Access option. You will get a pop-up confirmation, tap on "Allow" option here.

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Step 6. On your computer, go to AirDroid Personal app. Select your phone under My Devices. Click on Phone Notification option from the left panel. If you have received any message notification, you will show the notification with a number for your understanding.

Step 7. Select Instagram and check out the message you have received secretly. The sender of the message will not know about your viewing from your PC.

More Features of AirDroid Personal:

Apart from viewing Instagram messages secretly, here are some other useful features of AirDroid Personal.

Remote Control Phone from PC:

You can control your phone from your computer remotely. This is useful when you are working on your computer, and you do not want to operate your phone to break your concentration.

Besides, when you want to help your friend or family member to diagnose any issue on their mobile device or illustrate a process on their phone remotely from your computer.

Transfer Files from Multiple Platforms:

You can transfer files of different formats from your phone to your computer and vice version. This is useful when you want to transfer files from Android and iOS device to a computer with Windows, iOS, or Linux OS.

Remote Camera:

You can remotely access the target phone's camera and view the surroundings in real time. In fact, you can even listen to the surrounding audio clearly thanks to the one-way audio feature.

Screen Mirroring:

Last but not least, you can even mirror the screen of the target phone to your computer. This helps in better viewing of the phone content thanks to the large monitor screen. You can perform screen mirroring from the phone to the computer remotely from anywhere.

Way 2. Open Instagram Messages by Turning off Cellular/Wi-Fi

Another way how to read Instagram messages without being seen happens to be reading them by turning off your cellular mobile data or Wi-Fi network. Once you get Instagram message notification, do not tap on the notification.

Instead, disconnect the internet connection from your device and tap on the notification, and read the messages. Instagram will not know that you have read them. Here are the steps to follow.

Step 1: Once any new Instagram message arrives, pull down the Quick Settings or Control Center and turn off mobile data or Wi-Fi network whichever you are using for an internet connection. Remove Instagram app from the background if it is running in the background.

[2023 Updated] 7 Ways to Unread Messages on Instagram (7)

Step 2: Tap on the Instagram message notification you have received. This will open the new messages instantly. Alternatively, you can open Instagram app and tap on Arrow icon in the top-right corner.

Step 3: Tap on the conversation where new messages have arrived. Read the messages without the sender knowing about it.

Note : As soon as you turn on the internet connection, Instagram will attach read or seen receipts to those messages you have just read, and the sender will know. Therefore, turn off the internet connection as long as possible.

Way 3. Preview Instagram Messages via Airplane Mode

Another similar way to read Instagram messages secretly without being seen is by turning on Airplane Mode. When you put your phone in Airplane Mode, the internet connection gets disconnected as your phone cuts off all communications with the cellular network. You won't be able to make or receive calls and text messages.

Even the mobile data button will be disabled. Make sure that you do not connect to any Wi-Fi connection. Thereafter, you can read the new Instagram messages, and Instagram won't know about your activities until you turn off Airplane Mode and connect to an internet connection again. Here are the steps to follow.

Step 1: From your phone's Quick Settings or Control Center, tap on Airplane icon you see to turn it on.

[2023 Updated] 7 Ways to Unread Messages on Instagram (8)

Step 2: Once it turns on, you will see mobile data or Wi-Fi connection turning off automatically. You will lose cellular signal as well. Remove Instagram app from the background if it is currently running.

Step 3: Now, tap on the Instagram message notifications you might have received. Alternatively, you can open Instagram app, tap on Arrow icon, and read the unread messages from the conversation thread without the sender knowing.

Note : As soon as your turn off Airplane Mode and connect to the internet connection, Instagram will attach read or seen receipts on the messages you have read. Thereafter, the sender will know that you have read them too.

Way 4. Check Instagram Messages by Disabling the Internet and Log Out Account

You already not that if you turn off internet and read Instagram messages, the sender will not know. But as soon as you turn on internet connection on your phone, Instagram will attach read receipts and the sender will know.

However, if you want to connect to the internet connection and do not want Instagram to attach the read receipts, there is a workaround. You need to log out of your Instagram account after reading the messages when the internet is turned off.

After reading the messages, log out of your Instagram account. Thereafter, you can turn on your internet connection and perform regular task. That is how to check Instagram messages without seen successfully without obstructing your regular phone experience. Here are the steps to follow.

Step 1: Once you have read the messages while staying offline, tap on three-dash icon in the top-right corner.

Step 2: Tap on Settings option, and under Settings screen, tap on Log Out (username) option.

Step 3: You will get a pop-up confirmation message, tap on Log Out option.

Thereafter, you can turn on the internet connection and continue with phone and online browsing.

[2023 Updated] 7 Ways to Unread Messages on Instagram (9)

Way 5. View Instagram Messages by Using Email

AiGrow is a popular tool that allows Instagram users to read the incoming Instagram messages directly through email. Therefore, there is no need to open Instagram app to read the new messages. Here are the steps to follow.

Step 1: Open your web browser and visit the official website of AiGrow.

Step 2: Open a free account on AiGrow. Log in and go to your Dashboard.

Step 3: Tap on DM to Email option and add your email address where you want to receive the Instagram messages. This will send a confirmation email to your linked email address.

Step 4: Open your email address and check the confirmation email and perform the necessary action. Thereafter, you will receive email notifications for new Instagram messages.

[2023 Updated] 7 Ways to Unread Messages on Instagram (10)

Way 6. Read Instagram Messages from Notification

If a person has sent you a short Instagram message of one or a few lines, there is no need to open Instagram app to read the message. You can read the message directly from your phone notification by expanding it.

Since you are not opening the app to read the message, Instagram will not attach seen receipt to the message. Therefore, the person will not know that you have read the message. Besides, there are some phones that show Instagram notifications on the screen when the screen is locked.

[2023 Updated] 7 Ways to Unread Messages on Instagram (11)

That is how to check Instagram DMs without opening them. Make sure you do not tap on the notification. Otherwise, Instagram app will open, and you will land on the conversation page where the messages will be marked as seen by Instagram.

However, this method will not be effective when a person sends multiple messages or lengthy messages. This is because there is a character limit for phone notifications.

Way 7. See Instagram Messages by Restricting the Sender

Instagram comes with Restriction feature that allows Instagram users to block someone without him knowing. Therefore, if you restrict the sender of the new Instagram messages and read his messages, the person will never know that you have read them. When you restrict a person on Instagram, his direct messages will be moved to Message request section. Here are the steps to follow.

Step 1: Open Instagram app. Go to the Profile of the person whom you want to restrict.

Step 2: Tap on Following button on his profile.

Step 3: From the pop-up menu, tap on Restrict option.

Step 4: On the next screen, read the instructions and tap on Restrict account button.

[2023 Updated] 7 Ways to Unread Messages on Instagram (12)

Step 5: Tap on Message on his profile located next to Following option. This will open the conversation with the person. You can read the new messages and the person will not know that you have read them.

[2023 Updated] 7 Ways to Unread Messages on Instagram (13)

If you want to reply to the message, you have to tap on Unrestrict button located at the bottom of the conversation. Thereafter, the person will know that you have read his messages.

Extra Tips for Instagram Messages

1. How to Mark Messages Unread on Instagram?

You can mark any Instagram message as unread on your side. But you cannot mark it unread or unseen for the sender once you have seen and read the message. Therefore, when you are marking any message as unread, you are doing it for your own convenience.

It could be that you did not have the time to read the message fully and you have only glanced through it. Besides, you may not have the time to reply to the message and you want the message to be unread so that it draws your attention when you are free again. Here are the steps to follow.

Step 1: Launch Instagram app and tap on Arrow icon in the top-right corner to go to Inbox page.

Step 2: Select the conversation that you want to mark as unread. Tap on More option located at the bottom.

Step 3: From the pop-up menu, tap on "Mark as Unread" option.

[2023 Updated] 7 Ways to Unread Messages on Instagram (14)

2. How to Know if Your Instagram DM is Read?

The only way to know if your Instagram direct message has been read by the recipient is by checking the Seen receipt. Whenever the recipient of the message reads your sent message, Instagram attaches a Seen receipt under the message. Here are the steps to follow.

Step 1: Open Instagram app and tap on Arrow icon in the top-right corner. You will be on Inbox page.

Step 2: Tap on the Conversation where you have sent new messages, and you want to check if they are read.

Step 3: Check the last message, and if you see "Seen" receipt below it, you can be sure that the recipient has read your messages.

[2023 Updated] 7 Ways to Unread Messages on Instagram (15)

Conclusion

We have illustrated all the different ways and tricks how to view Instagram message without seen. If you want to delay the process being seen for some time, you can turn off the internet connection for some time as long as you can. If the message is a one-liner, you can read it directly from its notification without even opening the message on Instagram.

However, the most reliable way is to view the message from your PC via AirDroid Personal, and the sender will never know that you have read his messages.

[2023 Updated] 7 Ways to Unread Messages on Instagram (2024)

FAQs

[2023 Updated] 7 Ways to Unread Messages on Instagram? ›

Step 1: Launch Instagram app and tap on Arrow icon in the top-right corner to go to Inbox page. Step 2: Select the conversation that you want to mark as unread. Tap on More option located at the bottom. Step 3: From the pop-up menu, tap on "Mark as Unread" option.

Can you unread a message on Instagram in 2023? ›

Marking messages as unread is a feature exclusive to professional Instagram accounts. All you have to do is tap and hold a conversation if you're using Android or swipe left on the chat if you're using an iPhone, and tap Mark as Unread or Unread.

How to unread messages on Instagram new update? ›

Access your Instagram direct messages inbox. From here, tap on the three dots icon in the upper righthand corner of the screen and hit select chats. Now, simply tap on each conversation to make a custom list of the ones that you wish to make as unread. Select more from the bottom of the screen then tap mark unread.

How to read IG DM without seen? ›

Switch off your internet or go into Flight Mode. Once you've done that, open the message and read it without being seen. It doesn't end there. After reading the message, you can either log out or force-stop the app before turning your data connection on, or stay offline until you're ready to respond to the chat.

Why is my Instagram showing unread messages? ›

Most of the time this happens, Instagram isolates the notification and makes it challenging to locate. It wouldn't be found in the main section as a result. A less common reason is that you deactivated your account after receiving a message. The unread message should generally be accessible after scrolling down.

How to find unread Instagram messages? ›

Step 2: Swipe left anywhere on your feed or tap the arrow icon/ Messenger icon present at the top right corner to go to your inbox. Step 3: On the right side of the search box, tap the Filter option. Step 4: Tap the Unread option to see only unread messages.

Why can't I mark messages as unread on Instagram? ›

This feature is only available for creator accounts. If you'd like a reminder to reply at another time to messages you've already viewed, you can mark a chat as unread in your Instagram inbox.

How do I turn off seen on Instagram DM? ›

Manage read receipts for your chats on Instagram
  1. Tap or in the top right of Feed.
  2. Tap a conversation in your chats list, then tap the chat name at the top.
  3. Tap Privacy & safety.
  4. Tap next to Read receipts to turn this setting off and stop allowing others in the chat to view when you've read someone's message.

How to mark a DM as read? ›

Change a conversation to read or unread

Tips: Other ways to mark a conversation as read or unread include: At the top of a DM or space, tap the conversation name. Mark as read or Mark as unread. For individual messages in a conversation, tap and hold the message.

Can you mark a message as unread on an iPhone? ›

Mark messages as unread

When you don't have time to respond, you can mark conversations as unread so you can return to them later. Open the Messages app on your iPhone. In the Messages list, do one of the following: Swipe right on a conversation to mark it as unread.

How do I turn off read receipts? ›

To turn off read receipts in Messages by Google on your Android, tap your profile in the Messages app, go to "Message Settings" > "RCS chats," and tap the switch. Turn off read receipts in Samsung Messages by tapping the three-dot menu icon, going to "Settings" > "Advanced Messaging," and tapping the switch.

What is vanish mode on Instagram? ›

Vanish mode lets people send each other disappearing messages, photos, videos and other content in Instagram chats. Content sent in vanish mode disappears when someone leaves the chat or turns vanish mode off. Turn vanish mode on or off. 1. Tap or in the top right of Feed.

Why is Instagram message seen not showing? ›

As soon as the user opens the direct message box and sees your message, the “seen” button will be visible in your conversation. So, it is not an Instagram bug and you should wait until the user checks the message. It does. If it doesn't show, it's because the recipient of your message hasn't seen your message.

How do you know if someone restricted you on Instagram? ›

If both you and the person in question have Activity Status enabled, you won't see when they're active if you're restricted. If you never see the "Seen" status on messages you send to that user, they may have restricted you.

Can you see invisible messages on Instagram? ›

Remember, the easiest way to see hidden direct messages on Instagram is to launch the Instagram messages app and navigate to your archived messages section. Alternatively, you may need to head to your messages and view “requests” to view hidden message requests.

Can you read an Instagram message without opening it? ›

You can read it through notifications, message requests, mail inbox, a phone monitoring app, and by turning off your internet. Additionally, you can use the unread a message feature if you have a business account.

Did Instagram get rid of unread? ›

Things You Should Know. You can easily mark any direct messages in your inbox as unread, but only if you have an Instagram Business or Creator account—not for personal accounts. Unreading messages will not remove the "seen" status. There's no way to "unsee" a message once you've read it.

Can you still unread Instagram messages? ›

You can mark any Instagram message as unread on your side. But you cannot mark it unread or unseen for the sender once you have seen and read the message. Therefore, when you are marking any message as unread, you are doing it for your own convenience.

How do I turn off seen on Instagram? ›

Once you're on your profile, hit the three-dash menu and go into Settings and privacy. Next, scroll down and go into Messages and story replies under How others can interact with you. Finally, go into Show read receipts and toggle off Read receipts. This works on both Apple and Android.

What are the unseen notifications on Instagram? ›

Unseen notifications are for likes, comments, new followers, contacts, direct requests, activity, and photos that you're tagged in that you haven't seen yet. To edit this go to Settings and then push notifications and turn it off.

How do you reply to a specific message on Instagram 2023? ›

How to Reply to a Message on Instagram on iPhone and Android
  1. Tap the Messenger icon in the top-right corner of your Instagram Home feed. ...
  2. Select the conversation you want to reply to.
  3. Method 1: Perform a long press on the specific message you want to respond to. ...
  4. Select Reply.
Sep 11, 2023

How do you hide messages on Instagram 2023? ›

Open the conversation that you want to hide, then select the conversation from left to right. for iPhone or long press an Android. and when you will appear, tap and move to general. The conversation will now be hidden.

Does Instagram notify when you Unsend a message 2023? ›

Now, when you unsend a message, it simply disappears without sending any notification to the recipient. This means that unless the recipient saw the message before it was unsent, they would have no knowledge of it. This change has been a relief for many, as it offers a layer of privacy and discretion.

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