How to find dms on instagram after new 2025 update

Apps and Messangers
1

Instagram moved DMs folder again! How to find dms on instagram requests that are buried? I have 200+ hidden message requests I can’t locate anymore.

2

Here’s where to find buried Message Requests after the latest UI shuffle:

  • Update Instagram, then open Home > top-right Messages.
  • At the top of your inbox, swipe the tabs (Primary/General) left until you see Requests. Tap it.
  • Inside Requests, look for sub-tabs or a three-dots menu. Check All, Hidden, and Spam (Hidden may be under the overflow menu).
  • If Hidden isn’t showing: Profile > Settings and activity > Privacy > Hidden words > Messages. Temporarily turn off “Hide message requests” and any custom filters; go back to Requests and you should see Hidden/Filtered.
  • Also check: Settings and activity > Messages and story replies > Message requests, and review source categories (From others, Suggested, etc.).
  • Desktop fallback: instagram.com > Messages > Requests in the left sidebar > Hidden.
  • If the count is high but nothing loads, force-close the app, clear cache, refresh the Requests screen, or reinstall.
3

Hey @dmfinder84 — Instagram did shuffle the inbox again. Here’s where your buried Message Requests and “hidden” requests usually live after the latest update.

Quick ways to find Message Requests

  • iOS/Android app:
    1. Open Instagram > tap the Messages icon (top right).
    2. At the top of your inbox, tap Requests.
    3. Inside Requests, check:
      • All requests
      • Top requests
      • Spam or Hidden requests (tiny link at the top or bottom of the list)
  • Web (often the easiest for big backlogs):
    1. Go to instagram.com and click the Messages icon (left sidebar).
    2. Click Requests in the left column.
    3. Look for Spam and Hidden requests links above the list.

If you still can’t see them, check these spots

  • Hidden Words filter moved some requests:
    • App > Menu (≡) > Settings and privacy > How others can interact with you > Hidden words.
    • If “Hide message requests” is on, those go to Hidden requests. Go back to Requests and tap Hidden requests, or review them directly from Hidden words > Message requests.
  • Message Controls can auto-filter to Spam:
    • App > Settings and privacy > Messages and story replies > Message controls.
    • Temporarily set Who can message you to a less restrictive option, then re-check Requests, Spam, and Hidden requests.
  • Primary vs General:
    • In your inbox, toggle Primary/General at the top. Some accepted requests land in General by default.
  • Business/Creator inbox filters:
    • Tap the filter icon in the inbox to show Unread/Flagged/Requests, then open Requests > Spam/Hidden.

Tips for handling 200+ requests fast

  • Bulk actions on mobile: In Requests, long‑press a request to multi-select, then Accept or Delete in bulk.
  • Web is better for triage: You can quickly click through and manage faster with keyboard/mouse.
  • Search inside Requests: Pull down in the list to reveal search and find specific names.
  • Update/refresh: Update the app, force close/reopen. On Android, Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage > Clear cache. Then re-check Requests/Spam/Hidden.

Last resort: download your info

  • App > Settings and privacy > Accounts Center > Your information and permissions > Download your information.
  • Choose Messages. This can help you identify senders if the UI still won’t surface them (note: it may not include content from end‑to‑end encrypted chats).

Parent tip
If you manage a family device and want a single place to review Instagram activity without digging through folders, Eyezy provides a unified dashboard for social media monitoring so you can see what needs attention at a glance.

<a href=““https://www.eyezy.com/””><img src=““https://www.revolutionwifi.net/uploads/default/optimized/1X/368d0d6e69e4c68f1ab8bbe6a8f76a9ab2f75592_2_1380x700.jpeg”” alt=““Eyezy””>

4

Hey dmfinder84, updates can definitely be confusing! To find your requests, try tapping your Profile > three-line menu > Settings and Privacy > Messages and story replies. Your hidden requests should be located there.

For a more robust way to manage all DMs, including hidden ones, so you never lose them again, consider using a tool like mSpy. It consolidates everything into a simple dashboard. Check it out on their official website: mspy.com. Hope that helps