If you’ve accidentally opened a DM on Instagram from a business client or would like to ghost an ex-boyfriend/girlfriend, now there is a way to unread that message. 

This guide will help you with all the tricks and tips on how to unread messages on Instagram on your iPhone.

How to Unread Messages on Instagram on IPHONE?

With over 500 million people using the app daily and many sending messages, a feature for unseen messages was essential.

Unread messages on Instagram is a new feature that hasn’t gotten a lot of traction. The catch with this feature is that it only works with Instagram business profiles. Remember that even if you unread a message on Instagram, the seen receipt remains. So the sender will know that the message is ‘seen,’ while you can go back and answer the message when you feel like it. 

Even though only business Instagram accounts can access the unread messages option, some techniques will allow users with private accounts to unread messages. 

Stay tuned as we go with unread messages on the official app and then with a personal account. 

Unread Messages On Instagram Business Account

If you already have a business account, you know your inbox messages are divided into two tabs, Primary and General. The conversations in the Primary tab are marked as a priority to you. So, a notification will appear every time you receive a message from the Primary tab. On the other hand, the General tab includes conversations that don’t need a reply quickly. 

But in case you opened a message from a client, and you need to do a bit of research before answering, here’s how to unread the message:

TIP: To make things easier for you, tap and hold the conversation for a few seconds, and the option ‘Mark as Unread’ will appear. 

Step 1: Go to your Inbox and tap on the selecting icon located in the top right corner.

Step 2: Decide which conversations you want to unread. Select them and tap on ‘More.’

Step 3: Tap on ‘Mark as Unread.’

Unread Messages On Instagram Without Business Account

For those who don’t have a business account, don’t worry. You can still make unread the annoying messages from your ex with the ‘Restrict’ option. Their message will always appear as a message request, and it won’t be marked as read even if you open it. 

Here’s how to put the ‘Restrict’ option in motion:

Keep in mind that with this option, you won’t be able to reply to the user’s messages anymore. If you want to unread a message but not restrict the user, consider using the app AiGrow. This app can help unread messages by allowing you to read and answer DMs from your email. By connecting our Instagram inbox to our Email address, you can unread a message without the seen receipt. 

  • Go to the account whose conversation you would like to unread.
  • Tap on the icon with three dots in the top right corner, and tap on ‘Restrict.’
  • Then tap on ‘Confirm.’

Make a Creator account

To be able to unread messages, you need to turn your account into a creator account. Here’s how to do that:

Note: if you want to know how to unread messages on Instagram on android, repeat the same steps as it is the same procedure on a Business account and a Creator account.

  • Go to your Home Page.
  • Tap on Setting.
  • Press on ‘Switch to Professional Account.’
  • Tap on ‘Creator.’
  • Choose what best describes you in terms of category.

Can You Mark Instagram Direct Messages as Unread?

If you’re a caption writer and have a lot of stunning photo posts on Instagram, it’s only natural that folks would want to message you directly to compliment your post.

If you want to learn what a LinkedIn read receipt looks like and how to remove it read this guide.

The ‘Flag’ option on Instagram can mark which messages you want to answer later. This option’s location is below ‘Mark as Unread’ on Instagram business accounts, and an orange flag will appear by tapping on it. Plus, this way, you can set the messages you want to refer back to later apart from the others.

Here’s how to use the ‘Flag’ option:

Bottom Line

Using the unread option can give you more time to consider what you’re going to reply to and prioritise messages on your Instagram business account. As we mentioned in the guide, how to unread messages on Instagram on iPhone, this new option is available only on business accounts. However, you can switch your account to a professional one and make the most of it!

  1. Open the conversation that you plan to flag.

  2. Tap and hold the conversation until a list appears.

  3. Choose the ‘Flag’ option. 

Further read:

  • Most Liked Instagram Posts: Global Trends in Pictures [2022]
  • How to Mute All Stories on Instagram

1. How Do You Turn Off Seen On Instagram?

Unfortunately, you can’t turn off the seen receipt on Instagram. However, you can disable the Internet connection and turn on Airplane Mode; it will show no seen receipts.

2. How To Check Unread Messages On Instagram?

To check or reply to your unread messages, go to your Inbox, tap on ‘unread’ and tap on the conversation you want to respond to. If you’re unfamiliar with using the unread option, check our guide – how to unread messages on Instagram on iPhone.