How to Fix Instagram Unsend Message Not Working (2025)

Instagram is one of the most popular photo and video sharing apps with an added feature of messaging too. Yes, just like WhatsApp, you can message your contacts.

But there are many instances where we have regretted sending a message and prefer to delete it, or we have sent a message to the wrong person.

No worries if WhatsApp has the ‘delete for everyone’ feature, then Instagram has the ‘unsend’ messages feature. This feature allows users to delete the messages that they have sent.  

What Is the Unsend Instagram Message Feature?

The Unsend Instagram Message feature helps users to delete a message they may have sent accidentally, or contained errors.

By using this feature, a user can permanently delete the message from both your conversation history and the recipient’s conversation history.

Though the recipient will see that you have sent a message they will not be able to read it as it has been removed by you.

How To Unsend a Message on Instagram

To use Instagram’s unsend feature, you need to follow the steps written below:

  • Open the message you want to unsend. 
  • Press and hold the Note.
  • Soon two options appear: ‘copy’ and ‘unsend’. 
  • Tap ‘unsend’.
  • When you do so, a pop-up message will appear.
  • Confirm the action by pressing ‘Unsend’ again and your message will immediately be deleted.
  • That’s it.

But there have been many instances where you cannot unsend a message. No matter how hard you try, you cannot unsend it.

When you do so, you will receive an error “network request failed please try again later” on Instagram.

There are many users who face the issue where they try to unsend the message but are not able to unsend the message. 

Why Is Instagram Unsend Message Not Working?

The following reasons may be responsible for the unsend feature being unable to work on Instagram 

  • The Instagram server could be down causing the users unable to unsend messages.
  • Technical Issues on Instagram App could also be the reason
  • Unstable mobile data or Wi-Fi connection
  • Outdated Instagram App version 
  • Bugs in your device could also be the culprit.

How to Fix Unsend Instagram Feature Not Working?

Here are some effective ways that can be used to resolve the Instagram unsend feature not working problem:

Check Internet Connection

  • Check if you have a good internet speed or stable internet connection.
  • Turn OFF and ON your mobile data 
  • Check the router if using WIFI
  • Try to Switch from Mobile Data To WIFI or vice versa.

Instagram Server Down

If you have a reliable internet connection but continue to encounter the same error then make sure the server of Instagram is not down.

To check Instagram server status, you need to either visit a website called Downdetector or official social media handles.

If the server of Instagram is down for any reason, wait it out because the following methods would not work unless the servers are back online.

If the server is up and working fine for others but you continue to get this error then apply the following methods to resolve the Instagram unsend message not working.

Clear Instagram Cache

To clear your Instagram cache, you need to follow the steps mentioned below:

Android Users

  • Go to Settings
  • Find Instagram App
  • Tap Clear Cache

iPhone Users

  • Go to iPhone settings 
  • Go to General
  • Tap on iPhone Storage
  • Find Instagram App and click on it 
  • Tap on the Offload App button
  • Reinstall the Instagram app.

Uninstall and Reinstall App

To uninstall and reinstall Instagram from your phone, follow the steps written below:

  • First, go to Google Play Store or App Store.
  • Now, search for Instagram and then tap on ‘Uninstall’.
  • After that, wait until the app is uninstalled.
  • Once done, now, tap on Install to reinstall Instagram.
  • Once installed, launch Instagram, log in and check if the issue is fixed.
  • That’s it.

Update Instagram App 

To update the Instagram app, you need to follow these simple steps:

  • First, go to Google Play Store or App Store.
  • Now, search for Instagram and check if there is an update available.
  • If there is a new update, you will see ‘Update’.
  • Tap on Update and wait until the process is completed.
  • Once updated, launch it and see if the error remains.
  • That’s it.

Restart Phone

If nothing else works then restart your phone. Sometimes, restarting our device fixes all problems that are caused by minor glitches.

These are some easy ways that can be used to fix the Instagram unsend message not working problem.

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