3 Ways to Read Instagram Messages Without Seen Label

Whenever you opensomeone’s messages on Instagram, a “Seen” label will appear on the person’s conversation screen, indicating that you have read the message. However, there are times when you may not feel like replying to the message right away, and the “Seen” label can create pressure to reply promptly. After all, you don’t want the sender to feel ignored. To help with that, here are a few ways to read Instagram messages without letting the Seen label appear on the sender’s screen.

Table of Contents

The simplest way to read Instagram DMs is directly from theNotification area. While we understand that if the messages are too long, you may’t read the full text. But for two to three-line messages, you can read Instagram messages without opening the app.

As you may see in the screenshot below, the Seen label doesn’t show up on the sender’s end, even though I have read the messages.

Restrict the Sender’s Account

2. Restrict the Sender on Your Instagram Account

If you have removed or dismissed the notifications by mistake, consider restricting the user. This is a straightforward and effective method that is useful. Here’s how it works:

1.When you receive anInstagram DMfrom your friend, go to the sender’sProfilepage and tap the three-dots icon at the top-right corner.

You have restricted (User Account) label

2.After that, select theRestrictoption and then hit theRestrict Accountbutton.

To check if the account has been restricted, you will see theYou have restricted (User Account)label on their profile page.

tap the Requests link

Tip:Learnwhat happens when you Restrict someone on Instagram.

3.Next, go back to yourMessagesscreen and tap theRequestslink.

4.Tap on theChatyou want to view and on the following screen, you may read all the messages.

tap on the Chat you want to view all messages

5.After you read all the messages, you can go back to theirProfilepage and tap theUnrestrictlink.

If the Unrestrict option does not show, you can tap on theMeatballicon and select theUnrestrictoption.

Option 1 - tap the Unrestrict link

The below screnshot shows our friend’s messages on Instagram and theSeenlabel doesn’t appear on the chat.

Tip:For your sanity, know thedifference between Block, Report, and Restrict on Instagram.

Another cool trick we have on our sleeve is turning off the internet and thenlogging out of the Instagramaccount. No need to get confused, we will explain to you how this works.

1.Go to the InstagramMessagesscreen, then swipe down from the top of the screen twice to bring theQuick Settingsicons. From there, tap on theAirplane modeicon todisconnect the Internet on your phone.

iPhone users can simply swipe from the top right corner to bring theControl Centerand tap on theAirplane modeandWi-Fiicon todisconnect the internet.

Tip:Wi-Fi connected but no internet? Here’s how to fix it

2.Now, open theChatand once you’re done reading all the messages,closethe Instagram app.

3.Then, head over toAndroid Settings > Apps > Instagram.

4.On the App info page, you need to tap theForce stopbutton to clear all background processes of Instagram.

5.Afterward, go toStorageand tap on theClear databutton. Please note that this action will clear all account information on Instagram, and you will need to sign in again to your Instagram account.

Note:For iPhone users, there’s no such option to Force stop or clear cache/data. Your only recourse is to uninstall the Instagram app.

6.Lastly, turn offAirplane modeandsign backinto your Instagram account. (Download the Instagram app if you uninstalled it).

As you’re able to see, it still shows3 new messageson the receiver’s phone, and on the sender’s end, the“Seen”label doesn’t appear.

  1. Can you disable the ‘Seen’ feature on Instagram?

No, there’s no option to disable the ‘Seen’ label. Instead you can use the workarounds mentioned above.

  1. Will the sender know if I’ve read their message using the above methods?

If you follow our solutions, the sender won’t be able to tell if you’ve have read the messages.

  1. Does switching to a creator or business account on Instagram hide the ‘Seen’ label in messages?

If you’ve received messages from a new user, you’re able to read them without the ‘Seen’ label drama with a creator or business account. However, if you’ve had past conversations or follow that person on Instagram, the Seen label will appear whenever you read their messages.

  1. Is there a way to read messages without the ‘Seen’ label without using third-party apps?

On the internet, numerous apps claim to help view Instagram messages without the ‘Seen’ label. However, we do not recommend using such apps as they may ask for your login credentials, putting your data at risk. We highly recommend using the methods mentioned above, as they are simple and won’t jeopardize your privacy and data.

Unfortunately, there is no direct option to disable the ‘Seen’ label on Instagram. However, some workarounds will let you at least avoid displaying it in the senders’ window. We hope the above guide has helped you in viewing Instagram messages without a ‘Seen’ label. Check our comprehensive guide if theInstagram app keeps crashing on your phonewhile you attempt the above methods.

Rahul is your go-to guide for fixing Windows, Steam, Android, Samsung TV, and Google Chrome. An engineering college dropout who followed his passion for tech, he brings 3 years of troubleshooting experience and 2+ years of running his own tech blog to the table. When he’s not solving your tech problems, you’ll find him unwinding with the latest anime or K-drama.

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