How to Read Instagram Messages Without Being Spotted

In this generation, there are several means through which one can check Instagram messages. However, the issue is that the platform puts ‘Seen’ status in the chats as soon as the user opens them.

This leads us to the following question: Is it possible to read new messages on Instagram without the sender knowing? Yes, you can. Here is how one can read new Instagram messages without being visible:

How can you read Instagram messages without the sender knowing you’ve seen them?

A ‘Seen’ read receipt feature is available on Instagram but there is no way of turning it off. But, with a couple of modifications, one can look at or read the entire conversation on Instagram without hashtagging seen.

Thus, you do not need to find yourself in a position where you are expected to have read yet you have not responded to an Instagram message.

From Lock Screen Notifications

If you want to sneak peek on the Instagram messages without being detected, here’s how you can do that: you just have to go through the lock notifications.

Make the alerts on the lock screen of the Instagram take you to the newly received message to read it. Although this trick always ensures that mostly new messages are viewed, you may find it hard to follow the whole conversation or discussion.

1. With your finger, tap the down arrow, which is almost near the Instagram notification on the lock screen.
2. Press the ‘V’ to read all the related conversations or Press the down arrow at the bottom of the conversation screen.
3. Finally, if you are using an iPhone, this is how you can read all the notifications from your lock screen Suppose you are on an iPhone, press on the grouped Instagram notification alert.

With Notification History on Android

It is vital to note that majority of Android devices contain a setting known as Notification History which if enabled records the last notifications in the course of the last 24 hours.

You can use it to come through and read all new Instagram messages without having to open the application or even mark the message as ‘seen.’ Here’s how you can enable and use it:

1. Go to Settings, then choose Notifications.
2. Press Notification History.
3. Notifications in Android – Notification History Settings
4. Allow the Use Notification History on the below toggle.
5. You will notice Instagram there if you have pre-enabled the feature for the application scroll down to find it. Tap the down arrow next to it, in order to read all Instagram messages.

It will be very similar to messages on the notification screen and hence have similar drawbacks. If you get a very long message, you cannot read through it to the end.

Restrict the Sender

One sure-fire way of reading Instagram messages without the ‘Seen’ notification is by restricting the sender’s Instagram account.

This will ensure that the sender is not able to see your ‘status’ online or else if you have read the messages. Any message originating from the restricted profile will be delivered to ‘Requests’ folder where you can read without changing the delivery status.

1. The next step is to go to the profile of a sender on Instagram.
2. Click on the three dots available in the top right corner.
3. Press Restrict in the pop-up menu to limit the sender of messages to you only.
4. After that move to the Instagram Direct Messages and click on the option that says Request. All the messages originating from restricted accounts lead as Requests.
5. Tap the sent message.
6. You are now able to read it without feeling someone is reading you.
7. After reading, go back to the profile and Unrestrict it in order to continue reading the next part.

Turn Off Internet and Exit the App

But if you don’t want to go through the stress of limiting profiles, you can turn off the internet on your phone and read the new messages without being noticed.

The catch is that after enabling internet connectivity on your phone, you will have to log out of the Instagram application.

However, the message may be considered as having been read depending on the content of the notification. It was effective for us several times, despite this, we do not guarantee it would not result in the ‘seen’ read receipts always. Follow these steps to try it:

1. Swiping down from the top of the Android screen (Notification panel) or from bottom of the iPhone screen (Control Center) turn off the Internet connection.
2. Open Instagram and read the new message on IG.
3. Next, return the internet connection and launch the messenger profile. Click the three-line option in the top right corner of the screen.
4. Press Settings and Privacy.
5. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and then click on Log Out to log out of Instagram account.
6. Last of all, tap on sign back in to proceed to engage on Instagram.

Utilize Third-Party Tools

Finally, you can employ such free third-party applications as AirDroid and AiGrow to check new Instagram messages in the ‘Incognito’ mode.

These tools track your Instagram account and new DMs arrive in your mailbox. You can then read them not notifying Instagram that you’ve read the message. However, they are a relatively big threat to your privacy which is why we do not advise that you use them.

Final Words

It may look absolutely impossible to read an Instagram message without the sender knowing but there are certain tricks to try.

First of all, it can be done from the lock screen of the phone or with the help of the hidden options such as the history of notifications and restriction of the profile of the Instagram.