This article explains how to delete direct messages on Instagram using an Android device, iPhone or iPad.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Delete a Conversation
Step 1. Open Instagram on your mobile or tablet
The icon looks like a colored camera and is typically found on the home screen. If you're using an Android device, it might be in the app drawer.
- Use this method to delete an entire private conversation in the inbox.
- This method does not allow you to delete the message from the mailbox of the user with whom you had the conversation.
- If you want to remove a privately sent message, you can cancel the sending. This way the recipient of the message will not be able to see it.
Step 2. Tap the inbox icon
It is located at the top right. If you don't have any new messages, you will see a paper airplane. If you have new messages, a red circle will appear containing the number of unread messages.
Step 3. Swipe left on the conversation
Two options will appear on the right side of the message.
Step 4. Tap Delete
A confirmation message will appear.
Step 5. Tap Delete
The conversation will then be removed from the inbox.
Method 2 of 2: Delete the Sent Messages
Step 1. Open Instagram on your mobile or tablet
The icon looks like a colored camera and is usually found on the main screen. Android users can also find it in the app drawer.
- You can only delete messages that you have sent yourself. If you want to remove a received message, you will need to delete the entire conversation.
- This method cancels sending the message. This means that the recipient will no longer be able to see it.
Step 2. Tap the inbox icon
It is located at the top right. If you don't have any new messages, picture a paper airplane. If you have new messages, you will see a red circle containing the number of those you have not read.
Step 3. Tap the conversation containing the message you want to delete
Step 4. Tap and hold the message
Two options will appear above.
Step 5. Tap Cancel sending the message
A confirmation message will appear.
Step 6. Tap Cancel sending the message
The message will then be deleted from the conversation.
