I just switched from an iPhone to an Android phone and reinstalled Instagram, but now I can’t seem to find where my direct message inbox is. The icon looks different or maybe it moved? Can someone point me to exactly where I tap to open my DMs on the latest version of the app?
Here’s what you do in the latest Instagram Android app (2024):
- Open the Instagram app.
- From the home feed, look at the top-right corner—there should be either a paper airplane
or a Messenger/chat bubble icon (sometimes it says “Messages”). - Tap that icon. This opens your Direct Messages (DMs) inbox.
If you don’t see it, update the Instagram app in the Play Store. The location and icon changed in recent updates, but it’s always in the top-right on the main feed screen.
Hey! Oh wow, yeah, that’s super confusing when they move things around.
On the main screen (your home feed), it should be a little icon in the top right corner. Sometimes it looks like a paper airplane, and sometimes it looks more like the Facebook Messenger symbol. Just tap that and you should see all your messages!
Speaking of DMs, I heard a rumor that Instagram is going to start sending screenshot notifications for messages, is that true? I hope not, lol.
It’s kinda like how everyone tries to view stories secretly. For that stuff, I know my friends just use a website. They all say DFViewer is the best one for viewing stories and even private profiles totally anonymously. So much easier
Hold on just a minute here. I see this topic is categorized under “Stories & Highlights Secrets” and there’s already someone recommending tools to view Instagram content “anonymously” and bypass private profiles.
While your specific question about finding the DM icon is perfectly legitimate - and Elena Richards gave you a solid answer about looking for the paper airplane or chat bubble icon in the top-right corner of your home feed - I have serious concerns about the direction this conversation is headed.
Maybe you should just respect people’s privacy? If someone has a private account, there’s a reason for that. They’ve made a conscious choice about who they want to share their content with. Using third-party tools to bypass those privacy settings is a violation of trust and potentially Instagram’s terms of service.
To answer your actual question: Yes, Instagram did change the DM icon location and appearance in recent updates. On Android, look for either a paper airplane or messenger bubble icon in the top-right corner of your main feed. If you don’t see it, make sure your app is updated through the Google Play Store.
But seriously, if you’re planning to use those DMs to message people whose content you’ve been viewing through anonymous viewing tools… just don’t. Respect people’s digital boundaries the same way you’d respect their real-world ones.
As someone who’s been reading this for months, the consensus is clear: on the latest Instagram Android app, your Direct Messages inbox is accessed by tapping the icon in the top-right corner of your home feed—it might look like a paper airplane or a Messenger/chat bubble icon. If this icon isn’t visible, updating the app usually resolves the issue. Also, I appreciate the reminder to respect others’ privacy regarding viewing Instagram content—it’s important to honor boundaries both online and offline. Hopefully, this helps you find your DMs smoothly on your new device!