How to Fix “You can’t message this account unless they follow you” on Instagram
When using Instagram, you may encounter an error message stating "You can't message this account unless they follow you." This occurs when you attempt to send a message to someone who does not allow message requests.
By default, you are able to receive message requests from anyone on the platform. However, there is an option in your privacy settings to disable receiving message requests from others. This option is called "Don't receive message requests."
In this guide, steps will be provided to help resolve the issue of the "You can't message this account unless they follow you" error on Instagram.
Why can’t I message people who don’t follow me?
It is not possible to send a direct message to individuals on Instagram who do not follow you. This is because the person has chosen to block message requests.
By default, all users on the platform are capable of receiving message requests. However, there is a feature available in the privacy settings called "Don't receive message requests" which allows individuals to prevent others from sending them messages.
If someone has enabled this option, they will not receive message requests from those who do not follow them. As a result, if you try to send a direct message to someone who has this option enabled, you will receive an error message saying "You can't message this account unless they follow you."
The only way to send them a direct message is if they either disable the "Don't receive message requests" option or if they choose to follow you.
How to fix “You can’t message this account unless they follow you” on Instagram
To fix “You can’t message this account unless they follow you” on Instagram, you need to enable the “Message requests” option for “Your followers on Instagram”.
You also need to enable the “Message requests” option for “Others on Instagram”.
This will allow both your followers and people who don’t follow you to direct message you on Instagram.
- Allow your followers to message you
In order to allow your followers to send you direct messages on Instagram, you need to follow these steps:
- Open your Instagram profile by tapping on your profile picture in the bottom navigation bar.
- Tap on the menu icon and select "Settings".
- Go to "Privacy" and then select "Messages."
- Choose "Potential connections" and then select "Your followers on Instagram."
- Enable the "Message requests" option.
By enabling the "Message requests" option for "Your followers on Instagram", you will be allowing your followers to send you direct messages. If you have previously disabled this option, you will not receive messages from your followers.
2. Allow others on Instagram to message you
To allow individuals who do not follow you on Instagram to send you direct messages, you can follow these steps:
- Open your Instagram profile by tapping on your profile picture in the bottom navigation bar.
- Tap on the menu icon and select "Settings".
- Go to "Privacy" and then select "Messages."
- Choose "Other people" and then select "Others on Instagram."
- Enable the "Message requests" option.
By enabling the "Message requests" option, you will be allowing others on the platform to send you direct messages. Any message requests received from others will be sent to your message requests folder.
How do I message people who don’t follow me on Instagram?
If you want to send a message to someone who does not follow you on Instagram, you have to wait for that person to activate the "Message requests" feature on their account.
If this option is not enabled, you can only send messages to that person once they start following you on Instagram. As an alternative, you can leave a comment on one of their posts in order to get their attention.
If you are attempting to send a direct message to a private account, go to the profile of that person, tap on the three dots located in the upper right corner, and choose the option "Send Message".
