Instagram’s direct messaging feature makes it easy to chat, share posts and react to stories. But along with friendly interactions, many users also receive messages from unknown accounts. These messages usually land in the “Message Requests” folder instead of the main inbox, but they can still be annoying, distracting or sometimes even abusive.

By default, Instagram allows people you don’t follow to send you message requests. You have to manually accept these requests before the chat becomes active. While this filter offers some protection, you may prefer not to receive any messages from strangers at all.

To address this, Instagram provides a privacy control that lets you completely stop message requests from unknown users. Once enabled, only people you follow will be able to message you directly. Everyone else will be blocked from sending even a request.

This setting is especially useful for those who want a quieter inbox, better privacy or protection from spam and harassment.

• Messages from people you follow go straight to your main chat list.
• Messages from unknown accounts appear in the Message Requests section.
• You can read, accept, delete or ignore those requests.

However, if you turn off requests from others, those messages will not reach you at all.

Follow these steps in the Instagram mobile app:

After you enable this option, accounts you don’t follow will no longer be able to send you message requests or story replies via direct message.

• Your Message Requests folder stops receiving new requests from strangers.
• Only approved contacts (people you follow) can send DMs.
• Unknown users won’t be able to start a conversation with you.

This does not block those users from viewing your public posts or commenting (unless you change those settings separately). It only restricts private messages.

• You are getting frequent spam or promotional messages
• You receive abusive or inappropriate DMs
• You want conversations limited to known contacts
• You prefer stronger control over your privacy

If you later decide to receive requests again, simply go back to the same Messages setting and switch from Don’t receive requests to the default option that allows requests.

Managing who can message you helps create a more comfortable Instagram experience. Instead of constantly reviewing unknown requests, you can keep your inbox limited to people you trust and interact with regularly.

With just a few taps in the privacy settings, you can stop strangers from messaging you and reduce unwanted interruptions while continuing to enjoy the platform on your own terms.