Wondering how to see deleted messages on Instagram? Whether you accidentally deleted a chat or someone unsent a message, losing important conversations can be frustrating. Fortunately, there are ways to recover them!
In this guide, you’ll learn how to see deleted messages on Instagram using Instagram’s data request feature, linked Facebook accounts, and other recovery methods.
Keep reading to find out the best ways to retrieve lost messages and never lose important chats again!
Can You Recover Deleted Messages on Instagram?
Instagram does not provide a built-in feature to recover deleted messages. Once a message is deleted, it disappears from the conversation and is no longer accessible through the app. However, there are alternative ways to retrieve deleted messages, such as requesting data from Instagram, checking linked accounts, or using third-party tools.
It’s important to note that if a message is unsent by the sender, it is removed from both ends permanently. Unlike WhatsApp, which has a “Deleted Messages” notification, Instagram does not alert users when a message is removed.
Wondering if there’s a way to recover messages that were unsent? Here’s a helpful guide on how to see unsent messages on an iPhone that might give you some answers.
How to See Deleted Messages on Instagram
Requesting Your Instagram Data
The most reliable method to recover deleted messages is by requesting a data download from Instagram. This feature allows you to retrieve all conversations, including deleted ones, as long as they were still stored in Instagram’s backup servers.
Steps to Download Your Instagram Data:
1. Open Instagram and go to your profile.
2. Tap the menu icon (three lines) in the top-right corner.
3. Select Settings > Security > Download Data.
4. Enter your email address where you want to receive the data.
5. Tap Request Download and wait for Instagram to process your request.
6. Within 24-48 hours, Instagram will send you an email with a downloadable link.
7. Download the ZIP file and extract it.
8. Locate the messages.json file in the extracted folder.
9. Open the file using a text editor (like Notepad or WordPad) to view your messages.
This method does not restore deleted messages in the Instagram app, but it allows you to read past conversations, even if they were deleted.
Checking Linked Facebook Accounts
If your Instagram account is linked to Facebook, there’s a chance that messages were saved in Facebook Messenger. Instagram and Facebook share messaging infrastructure, and some conversations might be accessible through Facebook’s servers.
How to Check Instagram Messages in Facebook Messenger:
- Open Facebook on a browser and log in.
- Go to Facebook Messenger.
- Search for the Instagram contact you had a conversation with.
- If the messages were synced, you might find them in your Facebook inbox.
This method works only if you had cross-platform messaging enabled before deleting the messages.
Using Third-Party Data Recovery Apps
Some third-party apps claim to recover deleted Instagram messages by scanning device storage or backed-up app data. While these apps can sometimes retrieve lost messages, they should be used with caution.
Popular Data Recovery Apps:
- Dr.Fone – Data Recovery (Android & iOS)
- Fonelab – Instagram Data Recovery
- iMobie PhoneRescue
These apps can sometimes recover locally stored Instagram data, but their effectiveness depends on the phone model, operating system, and whether the messages were fully erased. Be mindful that many third-party apps require paid subscriptions and may pose security risks.
Checking Your Email for Notifications
If you had notifications enabled, Instagram might have sent message previews to your email. While this won’t restore deleted messages, you can check your email inbox for any conversation details.
How to Check for Instagram Messages in Email:
- Open your email inbox.
- Use the search bar to type “Instagram” or the contact’s username.
- Check for any email notifications with message previews.
This method is useful if you need to retrieve important details from a past conversation.
How to Prevent Losing Instagram Messages
Take Screenshots of Important Conversations
If you’re discussing something important, take screenshots to save the conversation. This is especially useful for business communications, transaction details, or sentimental chats.
Use Instagram’s Data Download Feature Regularly
Make it a habit to request a copy of your Instagram data every few months. This way, if you ever delete a message, you’ll have a backup stored on your computer.
Sync Instagram Messages with Facebook
Since Instagram and Facebook have merged messaging services, enabling cross-platform messaging ensures that your conversations are backed up on Facebook.
Avoid Using Third-Party Apps to Send Messages
Some third-party Instagram messaging apps do not store conversations securely. Using Instagram’s official app reduces the risk of data loss or app crashes that could delete messages.
Final Thoughts
Recovering deleted messages on Instagram is challenging but not impossible. The most effective way to retrieve lost conversations is through Instagram’s data request feature. If your messages were synced with Facebook Messenger, you might be able to access them there.
While third-party recovery tools exist, they are not always reliable and could pose security risks. To avoid future message loss, consider backing up your data regularly, taking screenshots, and linking Instagram to Facebook.
By following these methods, you can increase your chances of recovering lost messages and prevent losing important conversations in the future.
FAQs: How to See Deleted Messages on Instagram
Can I recover messages that were unsent by someone else?
No. If a sender unsends a message, it is permanently removed from Instagram’s servers. The only way to see it is if you had a screenshot before it was deleted.
Will Instagram support help recover deleted messages?
Instagram’s support team does not retrieve deleted messages for users unless it is part of a legal request or account recovery process.
Can deleted Instagram messages be seen using data recovery apps?
Some data recovery apps claim to retrieve deleted messages, but their success rate varies. If the message was permanently erased from Instagram’s servers, recovery is unlikely.
Are third-party apps safe to use?
Most third-party apps violate Instagram’s privacy policies and could compromise your account security. Always check reviews and permissions before using them.
Does clearing Instagram’s cache delete messages?
No. Clearing the Instagram cache only removes temporary data from your device but does not delete messages. However, if you manually delete messages before clearing the cache, they cannot be recovered.