Why Can’t I React To Messages In Instagram

If you use Instagram frequently and want to know what to do when you cannot react to direct messages with emojis, this article is for you.

Reacting to messages on Instagram is quite a simple task; all you need to do is hold and select the emoji you want to react with.

However, there are times when you are unable to react to messages due to one reason or the other.

In this article, you will learn how to react to messages on Instagram and discover the steps you need to take when you cannot react to direct messages on Instagram.

What Is Instagram’s Direct Reactions Feature?

Instagram Direct Reactions is an Instagram feature that allows users to react to direct messages using emojis such as hearts, thumbs up, and fire emojis.

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This feature makes it easier for users to express their emotions and communicate with their friends on the platform without actually having to type something out.

To use Instagram Direct Reactions, tap and hold on to a message that you want to react to, and then select the emoji you want from the pop-up list.

The emoji will then appear as a reaction to the message, and the recipient will receive a notification informing them of the reaction.

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Why Can’t I React To Messages On Instagram

There are several reasons you cannot react to messages on Instagram.

Outdated App

Firstly, it could be due to an outdated version of Instagram.

You need to use the latest version of the Instagram app to be able to react to direct messages.

Instagram Messaging Not Updated

If you’re not able to react to messages on your Instagram DM this could be because you haven’t updated the messaging option.

Instagram’s New Messaging update allows you to perform other functions including reacting to messages in a conversation.

Poor Internet Connection

If you have a poor internet connection, whether or not you are using Wi-Fi or mobile data, you will also be unable to react to direct messages.

Privacy Settings

Also, if the privacy settings of the person whose message you are trying to react to have not been restricted or blocked, you will be unable to react to messages on Instagram.

Using Instagram Lite

Another reason you cannot react to messages is if you are using Instagram Lite.

Instagram lite has very limited functionality, despite its smaller storage capacity and you will not be able to react to messages if that is the app you are using.

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How To Fix Inability To React To Messages On Instagram

If you can’t react to messages with emojis on Instagram, we have listed the issue that may be affecting it, but here is what to do to fix the problem.

Fix 1: Update The App

Make sure you have the latest version of Instagram installed on your device. Go to the App or Play Store and update the Instagram app to its latest version.

Fix 2: Update Instagram Messaging

If you’re not able to react to the message, you’ll need to update your Messaging on Instagram. This will allow you to use the react feature and others as well.

To do this: To update messaging on Instagram, go to your Instagram profile > Tap on the three lines [menu] > Tap on Settings > Tap on Update Messaging > Then tap Update.

Fix 3: Check Your Privacy Settings

Ensure that the user you are trying to react to has not been blocked or their messages have not been restricted. If you have restricted the user’s messages, you cannot react to them.

Fix 4: Clear Cache

Clearing the cache on the Instagram app may help to fix the issue. You’ll only be able to do this on Android.

To do this: Go to your device’s Settings > tap Apps & notifications > tap App info > Search for Instagram in the list of apps > Select Storage & cache > Select Clear cache.

Fix 5: Restart Or Reinstall The App

Close the Instagram app and restart it to see if it resolves the issue of not being able to react to messages.

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You could also uninstall and reinstall the Instagram app on your device. This might fix the issue and let you react to the message.

Fix 6: Check Your Internet Connection

Ensure you have a stable Wi-Fi or mobile data internet connection to react to direct messages.

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How To React To Messages On Instagram

Before you can react to messages on Instagram you’ll need to update the messaging on Instagram.

To update messaging on Instagram, go to your Instagram profile > Tap on the three lines [menu] > Tap on Settings > Tap on Update Messaging > Then tap Update.

Using The Mobile App

If you’re using an Android or iPhone device, here’s how you can react to Instagram messages with emojis.

Step 1: Go To Instagram DM

Open the Instagram app and navigate to your Direct Messages by tapping on the paper airplane icon.

Step 2: Open Conversation

Select the conversation of whoever’s messenger you want to react to and tap and hold the message you want to react to.

Step 3: Select Emoji

Select the desired emoji from the list of options. You can even customize the emojis and select the one you want to add.

Using The Web

If you’re using Instagram on your computer, here’s how you can react to Instagram DM without issue.

Step 1: Open Instagram DM

Open your preferred web browser and go to www.instagram.com, then log in to your Instagram account and click on the paper airplane icon in the top right corner.

Step 2: Select The Conversation

Select the conversation of whoever’s messenger you want to react to.

Now use your cursor to hover over the message, you’ll then see the smiley face icon appear.

Step 3: Select Emoji

Click the smiley icon and you’ll see different emoji to use. Select the desired emoji from the list of options.

The emoji will then appear as a reaction to the message, and the message recipient will receive a notification informing them of the reaction.

Conclusion

Reacting to messages on Instagram is a relatively easy thing to do. However, if you are unable to do so, do not worry.

This article goes through the various reasons why you cannot react to messages on Instagram and details the fixes for the issue.

FAQs About Can’t React To Messages With Emojis On Instagram

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