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How to see and recover deleted messages on Instagram?

Lisha Sahoo · March 11, 2025

You were doing something, and Instagram messages got deleted mistakenly, or you were just in a bad mood and deleted the Instagram messages in a rage. Now, you regret your actions and think How to see and recover deleted messages on Instagram.

If this is the scenario for you, then you are in the right place. In this Blog, we will cover all the ways possible for how to see and recover deleted messages on Instagram, no matter which device you are using. You will also learn how Instagram treats your deleted messages. Now, let us understand step by step how to see and recover deleted messages on Instagram.

Ever Wondered What Happens to Your Deleted Messages?

Instagram has a feature called “Recently deleted.” When you delete any of your content on Instagram, like posts, reels, videos, or stories, it can be restored from that feature. Still, it does not help in the case of deleted messages.

So, Instagram deletes your deleted messages, but it is available on the Instagram server. But when you have deleted the Instagram messages, they just get deleted from your end, and the person from the other end has all the messages on his Instagram.

Even though you cannot directly get back your deleted messages from Instagram, you can still get it back via Instagram.

Let us see how to recover deleted Instagram messages (using Instagram)

Even though Instagram has not kept an easy way to retrieve deleted messages, it can still be done through the Instagram activity feature.

Here are the steps for doing it.

1. Open your Instagram and click on your profile pic, which is on the rightmost bottom.
2. Now click on the three vertical bars in the rightmost upper corner; this will open “settings and activity.”
3. Click on “Your Activity”, and click on “Download Your Information”

• Now you can click on “Download or Transfer information”

• Now you can go to “ some of your information”

• Then, you choose “Messages.”

• Then you can select the options as per your need, like “download to device” or “transfer to destination”. Then, you can also select “create files” and customize the period and destination.

• Instagram will send the confirmation to your email,. You can go to the Instagram app again and download the information from your activity section.
• The downloaded file will be in Zip format; you have to extract it.
• Go to Your Activity and then Messages.

How Else Can You See Deleted Messages on Instagram

1. By requesting the person on the other side.

Whenever we delete messages on Instagram, we delete them from our side; The messages are not deleted from the other side.

You can always request the other person to copy the messages from their side and send them to you. Or they can take screenshots and send them to you.

• Via Facebook

If your Facebook and Instagram are in sync with each other and are connected, you also go to Facebook Messenger, type the person’s name (whose messages are deleted), and see the deleted messages there. After that, you can take screenshots and store them.

Using 3rd party apps to recover deleted messages on Instagram

• How to recover deleted Instagram messages on Android?

You can always use the above-mentioned method to recover the data from Instagram itself (that is the safest)

There are many 3rd party apps available on Play Store that claim to recover Instagram messages. But many of them are paid ones, do not work, or ask for too many permissions while working.

Instagram does not support these 3rd party apps. These apps should be used with caution.

Some of the apps are free to use but contain a lot of ads or malware. Therefore, we do not recommend you to use any 3rd party apps.

But in case of emergency, you can try these apps

Some of the apps are

1. WAMR
2. All Deleted Messages Recovery
3. UltData

You can download any of them from the Play Store.

Here, we have shown you the process for the UltData app.

1. Install the app and allow all permission for them
2. Open “Recover Social App Messages”
3. There, you can see the deleted messages.

• How to recover deleted Instagram messages on a computer
• You can log in to your Instagram from your PC.
• Click on the left bottommost part, and click on the three horizontal bars.
• Then click on “My activity.”

• Go to download your information and proceed accordingly.

There are some 3rd party software that can help you recover deleted messages from Instagram.

However, these should be used with caution.

One such software is:

        ONERECOVERY

1. It should be noted that this software can restore your Lost Instagram messages if you have already backed it up and lost that backup folder or content.
2. You can install ONERECOVERY.

• Click on the folder where Instagram messages were already backed up.

This software is compatible with different kinds of devices.

• How to recover deleted Instagram messages on iPhone

You should first download your data from Instagram, as mentioned earlier in this blog, and then try any other method, as these methods are not effective sometimes.

1. If you have backed up your data in iCloud, then you can restore the old data.

You can go to settings, tap on account, and then on iCloud.

Please be careful while doing so, as the backup will completely reimpose itself.

1. You can also recover deleted Instagram messages on your iPhone using Tenorshare UltData.

• Install Tenorshare UltData iOS Data Recovery Tool on your PC or Mac computer. 

• Click “iPhone/iPad Data Recovery
• Connect your iPhone to your computer via a USB cable. Tap “Start Scan”.
• After the scan is completed, you can preview the lost data and click on restore.

What To Do if nothing works?

Although we have shared many useful tips with you in this blog, there is a chance that none of the above mentioned methods will work. In that case, you should contact Instagram support. Explain your situation and the importance of the deleted messages. This can help you.

Reasons why Instagram messages get deleted

In order to curb a problem, it is wiser to understand the problem first. So, let us understand the reasons why Instagram messages get deleted in the first place.

1. If the messages violate the terms and conditions

Instagram will never delete any messages on its own. However, in some cases, when the messages violate terms or conditions or are reported, then Instagram’s automated systems or moderators may remove them without user intervention.

1. If the user has turned on” Vanish mode.”

When the user has turned on vanish mode, then the conversation screen takes on a darker theme, and all new messages are temporary—they’re designed to vanish after being viewed.

• If the user chooses to unsend the message

Even if you have received the message and seen it, the user can still unsend the message, and you might not be able to see it further.

• If the other person has deleted his account

If the other person has deleted his account due to any reason, you might not be able to see the messages. Instagram identifies the person or entity because of his account; if the account itself gets deleted, then nothing related to the account will exist on Instagram

• Any technical glitch

The internet connection may be slow, or there may be a lack of storage in your phone. There is a chance of some bugs on your device. You can always restart your device, uninstall it, and install Instagram again to check for technical issues.

• By accident or unintentional deletion of messages

Sometimes, the user deletes Instagram messages while cleaning up or organizing the space in their devices. Also, sometimes, the users delete Instagram messages by accident. It is also seen that many people delete their Instagram messages in a rush or a state of anger or frustration.

Practical, interactive tips to avoid future message mishaps.

1. Keep the app updated.

You should always keep your Instagram updated so that the app does not face any glitches. Many times, the Instagram app faces a glitch, and the messages get auto-deleted.

You can enable auto-update on your device.

1. Keep Your Instagram Safe

Sometimes, your Instagram account is logged in from different devices. You should make sure that your Instagram is in safe hands and log out from any suspicious device. This will ensure complete control.

• Always keep regular backups.

Do regular backups of your Instagram messages. You can regularly back up your Instagram messages by downloading your data and keep your messages safe

• Keep Screenshots of important messages

You can also create a dedicated folder where you can take screenshots of all important Instagram important DMs. This will ensure you never miss anything important.

• Add an extra layer of security.

You can enable 2-factor authentication, which will add an extra layer of authentication and keep your Instagram safe from hacking or misuse.

• Do not delete anything in a hurry.

Take a moment before deleting anything from your phone. Even though it feels so much of a rush sometimes, it’s still always wise to take a deep breath before deleting anything from your phone.

Key Takeaways

It has always been said that “prevention is better than cure”. Rather than wondering how to see and recover deleted messages on Instagram, it is wise to take a few preventive measures.

Although there are many reasons why Instagram messages can get deleted, with a little bit of caution and mindfulness, we can be saved from losing our important DMs on Instagram.

There are many ways to get back the deleted messages, as mentioned above. Still, nothing gives a 100% guarantee about recovering them. This is why using Instagram responsibly should always be our priority.

Rather than going through the distress and anxiety of losing important messages, we all can be happy Instagrammers. Have you lost any of your important data on Instagram? What steps did you follow to get it back? Do share your experiences with us.

FAQs

1. How can I unsend a message on Instagram?

You can unsend messages on Instagram. Once you have sent the message, you can click on the (3 dots) next to the message. There, you can select unsend.

• Once messages are unsent on Instagram, can the person on the other side see my message?

No, once you unsend a message on Instagram, the other person will no longer see it. However, if they had already seen the message before you unsent it, they may still remember its content.

• Can I edit Instagram messages after sending them?

Yes, you can edit Instagram messages after sending them, but remember that you have fifteen minutes to edit after sending a message. The edit option will not be available after fifteen minutes.

• Can I send a voice message on Instagram?

Yes, you can send voice messages on Instagram. You can Click at the bottom of your conversation window and record the voice message.

• Can Instagram disappearing messages be recovered?

No, Instagram does not provide any way to recover disappearing messages.

Also, Instagram does not provide the facility to forward or copy disappearing messages.

• What happens to the deleted photos or videos on Instagram?

If you have deleted photos or videos on Instagram, Instagram stores them for 30 days. You can always restore them by visiting the “Recently Deleted” option on Instagram.

• How can I back up my Instagram data?

You can back up your Instagram data by clicking on  “Download or Transfer information”  from the “Your Activity” section of Instagram.

• Can I also download my Instagram data on my PC?

Yes, downloading your Instagram data for backups is also possible on a PC. You have to follow steps similar to those on your mobile device.

You can go to “Your Activity”, click on “Download Your Information,” and click on the required options to get your data.

• Where do I find the “Recently Deleted” option on Instagram?

You can go to “Your Activity” and find the “Recently Deleted” option there.

1. How to recover deleted Instagram messages after blocking someone

You will have to unblock the person and see the old messages. When you block the person, Instagram will not allow you to view the messages of that person. So, you have to unblock the person to see the old messages.