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Delete messages you sent in an Instagram chat
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Did you send a DM on Instagram that you regret? You can easily unsend it. While Instagram doesn't send notifications for unsending a message, you should make sure to delete it before the other person can read it. Here's what you need to know about unsending messages on Instagram, what messages can be unsent, and more.

Quick Steps

  1. Tap the airplane icon.
  2. Tap a conversation.
  3. Tap and hold the message you want to unsend.
  4. Tap Unsend .
  5. Tap Unsend again.
Section 1 of 5:

Unsending Messages

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  1. This looks like a camera with a multicolored background. Log into your account if you aren't already.
  2. This is in the top-right corner of the screen.
    • On some devices, this may look like a lightning bolt in a speech bubble.
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  3. You'll see a list of your Direct Messages from newest to oldest.
  4. If you're using Instagram on a computer, click ••• next to the message.
  5. The message will be unsent. It will no longer be visible in the chat.
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Section 2 of 5:

What messages can be unsent?

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  1. Messages in Direct Messages can be unsent. Direct Messages are private conversations with an Instagram user. This also includes group messages. If you posted a comment on someone's uploaded photo, you can delete it on the post itself.
Section 3 of 5:

Can someone see if you unsend a message?

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  1. However, if you took a while to unsend the message, the recipient may have already read it. The recipient may also have their Read Receipts turned off.
    • Additionally, if the chat gets reported, the unsent message may appear in the report. [1]
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Section 4 of 5:

Can you edit a message on Instagram?

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  1. No, you can't edit a sent Direct Message. Once the message has been sent, your only option is to unsend it, and then send a new one.
Section 5 of 5:

Can you unsend multiple messages?

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  1. You can only unsend one message at a time. While time-consuming, Instagram has yet to incorporate a way to select and unsend more than one message at a time. Until then, you'll need to go through each chat message individually, select it, and then unsend it.
    • Deleting Instagram messages is different from unsending. While you can delete multiple messages at a time, this only happens on your end. The recipient will still see your message unless you unsend it.
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