How to See Deleted Messages on Instagram: Top Tools and Tips

We've all accidentally deleted an important Instagram DM or wished we could retrieve a chat from months ago. Whether it's a message you regret deleting or something you'd like to keep for reference, Instagram doesn’t make it easy to recover deleted messages. But don’t worry. There are ways to learn how to see deleted messages on Instagram and get those disappearing DMs back.

Whether you're trying to recover old conversations with friends, business-related chats, or simply want to make sure your kids are safe online, there are a few practical methods to help. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to recover deleted Instagram messages, so keep reading for all the details on how to get back what’s been lost.

Can You Recover Deleted Instagram Messages?

Maybe you’ve deleted an important chat, or maybe you need to recover an old conversation with a friend, colleague, or family member. Regardless of the reason, it’s frustrating to lose valuable messages.

The good news is that yes, you can recover deleted messages on Instagram, though it’s not always a straightforward process. Instagram doesn’t have an easy built-in feature to restore deleted chats, but there are still several methods that can help. Some involve using Instagram’s own tools, others rely on your phone’s settings, and a few require third-party apps. While not all of these methods are foolproof, you do have options.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the most practical ways to recover or view deleted Instagram messages. From using Instagram’s Data Download feature to checking notification logs or even leveraging third-party tools, we'll explore each option in detail. Keep reading to learn how you can retrieve those disappearing DMs.

How to Recover Deleted Instagram Messages

If you’ve ever wondered how to get back your deleted Instagram DMs, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are a few methods that could help you recover those messages. Here are three practical ways to do it.

Method 1. Request Instagram Data Download

One of the best and easiest ways to recover deleted Instagram messages is using Instagram’s own data download feature. Instagram allows you to request a copy of all your account data, including messages, posts, and other activity. This method is great because it gives you access to everything Instagram has on you, even if the messages were deleted.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Open Instagram: First, log into your Instagram account through the mobile app or desktop version.
2. Go to Settings: Tap on your profile icon in the bottom right corner, then go to your account settings by tapping the three lines in the top right corner and selecting Settings.
3. Request Data: In the settings menu, go to Privacy and Security, then select Data Download.
4. Enter Your Email: Instagram will ask for your email address and a verification process to ensure it’s you requesting the data.
5. Download Link: Instagram will email you a link with a file containing all your data, usually within 48 hours.
6. Extract the File: Once you receive the email, click on the link to download the file. It will contain a folder with various data, including your messages (in a messages.json format). Open the file to view your message history, including deleted conversations that Instagram still has in its backup.

This method is useful because it gives you access to data stored by Instagram, even if the messages have been deleted from the app on your phone. However, keep in mind that it could take some time for Instagram to compile and send this data to you.

Method 2. Check Notification History (Android Only)

If you use an Android device, checking your phone’s notification history might be an easy way to recover deleted Instagram messages. This is especially useful if you received notifications for the messages before they were deleted. In this section, we’ll show you how to access notification logs and see if any messages were previewed.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Enable Notification History: On some Android phones, you can view past notifications, even those you’ve already dismissed. However, you’ll need to first enable this feature in your settings: Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > Notifications > Notification History and toggle it on.
2. Check Your Notification Log: Once enabled, you can access your notification history at any time by swiping down your notification shade. Look for any Instagram messages that were displayed before you deleted them.
3. Search for Instagram Messages: Scroll through your notifications for any Instagram DMs. You might find the content of messages that were deleted before you had a chance to open them.
4. Use a Third-Party App: If your device doesn’t have this feature natively, you can download apps like "Notification History Log" from the Play Store to track and access your notifications.

This method is helpful, but it only works if you had received a notification before the message was deleted. Additionally, it only applies to Android phones with the right settings or third-party apps installed.

Method 3. Recover Messages via Facebook (if Linked)

If your Instagram account is linked to Facebook, you may be able to recover Instagram messages through Facebook Messenger. This method works because Instagram and Facebook share data if they’re connected, including messages sent via Instagram’s Direct feature.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Log into Facebook: Go to Facebook either via the mobile app or on a web browser.
2. Access Messenger: Navigate to Messenger (either through the app or the website).
3. Check Instagram Chats: On the Messenger app or website, you’ll find that Instagram conversations are merged with Facebook messages. Search through your message threads, and you may find Instagram messages, even if they’ve been deleted from your Instagram account.
4. Look for Syncing Issues: If you don't see your Instagram messages, try logging out and back in, or check your Instagram settings to ensure your accounts are properly linked.

This is a great method if you’ve linked your Instagram account to Facebook and have synchronized your messages across platforms. However, it’s worth noting that if the messages are only on Instagram and haven’t synced to Facebook Messenger, this method won’t work.

How to See Deleted Messages on Instagram with Msafely

To see deleted instagram messages, there is another great way — use a third-party tool like Msafely. Msafely is a phone monitoring app that provides access to various phone activities, including messages, calls, social media usage, and more. It can even help you view deleted Instagram messages.

Why Msafely Can Help You Recover Deleted Messages

Msafely keeps track of everything on the target phone, saving data like messages to a secure cloud. For Instagram messages, it can capture both sent and received messages, including those that are deleted. The app saves these messages as they are sent or received, so even if someone deletes them, they stay in the Msafely dashboard.

Since Msafely works in real-time, any messages synced before they were deleted will still be there for you to see. This makes it easier to recover deleted Instagram DMs.

Besides Instagram, Msafely can also track other phone activities, like call logs, texts, and social media. Whether you want to monitor your kids' online activity or keep tabs on your own account, Msafely gives you a clear view and peace of mind.

Steps to Check Deleted Instagram Messages with Msafely

Now that you know how Msafely helps you recover deleted Instagram messages, let's dive into the steps on how to see deleted messages on Instagram using Msafely. It’s simple and straightforward, so let’s walk through the process of getting those messages back with just a few clicks.

1. Add the Target Device

Start by linking the target device to Msafely using a cloud-based solution. For Android devices, log in with the target’s Google account. For iPhones, use the Apple ID associated with the device. This step is quick, secure, and doesn’t require installing any app on the target phone.

2. Sync Data

After the device is connected, Msafely will begin syncing Instagram data to its secure cloud. This includes sent, received, and existing messages, as well as other activity like calls and app usage. The syncing process ensures you have a real-time backup of the device's data.

3. Start Monitoring

Msafely will now track Instagram activity in real-time. It stores messages as soon as they are sent or received, logging them securely in the cloud. This feature works automatically, so you don’t need to check constantly—everything is saved for you.

4. Check Deleted Messages

One of the best features of Msafely is its ability to show messages that have been deleted on the target phone. If a message is removed after syncing, it will still be available in the Msafely dashboard. This ensures you won’t miss any important information, even if the user tries to erase it.

What Else Can Msafely Do?

Msafely is more than just a tool for recovering deleted Instagram messages. It offers a comprehensive range of features for monitoring various aspects of a device, making it a great tool for parents or anyone looking to track phone activity. Here are some of the other things Msafely can do.

Track Location

Msafely lets you see the real-time location of the target device. This feature is particularly useful for parents who want to ensure their children’s safety or for anyone who wants to know the whereabouts of a family member. You can track the device’s movements and receive location updates on-demand.

Monitor Social Media

Beyond Instagram, Msafely can track activity on other social media platforms like Facebook, Snapchat, and WhatsApp. This is a great way to monitor your child’s interactions online and ensure they’re staying safe. You’ll be able to see sent and received messages, friend requests, and posts.

Track Calls & Texts

Msafely also allows you to monitor phone calls and text messages. You can view incoming and outgoing calls, check call logs, and read text message conversations. This helps you ensure that your children are not engaging in risky or inappropriate behavior.

Monitor Browsing History

With Msafely, you can access the browsing history of the target device. This means you can see the websites that have been visited, which can help you identify any potentially harmful or inappropriate content your child may be accessing online.

View Photos & Videos

Msafely can also let you view the photos and videos stored on the target device. This feature is crucial for understanding your child's online activities, as it helps you see if they are storing or sharing inappropriate media. You can even check their media gallery remotely, giving you a clear picture of what they are posting or receiving.

Final Thoughts

While recovering deleted Instagram messages can be tricky, there are several methods available to help you retrieve lost conversations. Whether you’re using Instagram’s built-in data download feature, checking notifications, or turning to a third-party app like Msafely, the key is knowing your options. Each method has its pros and cons, but with a bit of effort, you can increase your chances of recovering those valuable messages. Remember to always respect privacy and legality when using these methods, especially if you're monitoring someone else's device.

FAQs

How to view full Instagram chat messages without opening?

We get it — you don’t want to leave a “Seen” notification but still want to know what’s going on. Msafely lets you view Instagram chat messages without marking them as read on the target phone. The app syncs all messages in real-time to its dashboard, so you can open and read entire conversations directly from Msafely without triggering the “Seen” or “Read” notification. This is perfect if you want to stay discreet while monitoring activity.

How to recover deleted Instagram messages?

You can use the three methods mentioned in the blog, like requesting Instagram data or checking notifications. However, for long-term assurance, Msafely is a better option. It stores all messages, even after they’re deleted on the target phone, so you can recover them easily through the Msafely dashboard whenever needed.

Can Msafely track other social media apps?

Yes, Msafely monitors not just Instagram but also other popular platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Snapchat, and more. It tracks messages, calls, and even media shared on these apps. You can review all the data in the dashboard without the target knowing, making it a comprehensive monitoring tool.

Is Msafely useful for parents?

Absolutely. Msafely is designed with parents in mind. You can monitor your child’s Instagram activity, check who they’re chatting with, and even recover deleted messages. The app also tracks their location, browsing history, and social media usage, giving you peace of mind about their online safety.

Can I monitor Instagram on multiple devices with Msafely?

Yes, Msafely supports monitoring across multiple devices. You can add different phones or accounts to your dashboard, making it easy to keep an eye on more than one user. Whether it’s for kids or multiple family members, you can access all their data from one centralized place.