Instagram is a free social media platform launched in 2010 that allows to share photos/videos and directly communicate with friends via DM. However nowadays, many users are reporting the issue of Instagram messages black screen. If you are also facing the same issue then this guide is just for you. Here we ll discuss in detail the common causes and also suggest verified methods to resolve the issue. So, keep reading!
Is the Instagram message black screen issue a virus or hack?
Nowadays, there is a common issue prevalent on Instagram where the app screen suddenly turns black. Many users show concerns that this may indicate their account has been hacked or compromised. While this concern is understandable, it is important to note that in most cases, this issue is not caused by malware or hacking.
The black screen issues on Instagram mostly occur because of technical glitches. Previously, the app was simpler, so such display problems were less frequent.
However, now the app is constantly evolving and adding new features, which increases the app’s complexity. As a result, the occasional glitches, compatibility issues, or cache-related problems occur that in turn cause a black screen while using the app.
Use paredntal control app to protect your teens from potential risks on Instagram.
What causes the black screen on Instagram direct messages?
Many Instagram users have reported that their main feed loads normally, but once they open the Direct messages (DM) section, the screen turns black. Dont worry! Let’s dive in and have a look at most common causes, this way you may find a better approach to solve the problem!
- Outdated app version or incomplete update: It’s worth mentioning that Instagram frequently updates its app to improve performance, fix bugs and ensure compatibility with new OS versions. So, if you don’t use the updated version, it would be like trying to run a new program on an old system – it can’t keep up. As a result, the app may fail to load a certain feature, causing the DM black screen.
- Poor internet connection: Furthermore, for a smooth functioning on Instagram, it usually needs a strong or stable Internet connection. Otherwise, an unstable Internet connectivity may create a hurdle in loading the direct messages.
- Device storage/corrupted cache: When you usually open your Instagram app, it downloads media, profile, DMs etc. from the server. To prevent downloading every time, it stores a copy of such files, which we call the cache. So, if your device has insufficient storage, the app may fail to load this data, causing a blank or black screen, specifically while opening the DMs.
- Instagram server downtime: It’s important to note that Instagram relies on its servers to deliver messages or other content to your device. Sometimes these servers actually undergo maintenance or might experience outdated bugs.
- Dark mode or display conflicts: Besides these technical glitches, your device display settings, like dark mode, may also interfere with the Instagram DMs screen. The reason is that Instagram basically uses specific color schemes or design elements to display the content correctly. When you activate such screen configurations, sections like DMs may appear black or fail to load properly.
- Using modded or unofficial Instagram apps: Similarl,y third-party versions of Instagram or unofficial ones often have bugs that cause display errors.
- Temporary account restriction or bug: Sometimes, Instagram causes specific account restrictions due to unusual activity, policy violations or security checks. These may also restrict certain app features including access to Direct Messages.
Desirable methods to fixing Instagram messages black screen
Here are some effective methods to help you safely resolve the Instagram messages black screen issue!
Update the Instagram app:
First of all you must ensure that you are using the updated version of Instagram app. To do this:
- Step 1. You’ll open the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android). Then search for the Instagram app.
- Step 2. If an Update button appears before the Instagram tap Update and let the install finish. After the app updates open Instagram and check DMs.
However, if the problem persists, check your device OS:
- iPhone: Settings → General → Software Update.
- Android: Settings → System → System update (path may vary).
Restart the App or device:
Restarting the app or device helps clear temporary glitches and refresh the system’s performance. Here’s how to do it properly:
- Step 1. Close the Instagram app completely
- Step 2. Reopen Instagram
- Step 3. Restart your device
- Step 1. First of all you’ll go to the Settings app on your Android device. Then tap on Apps > All Apps (or App management).
- Step 2. Next, you’ll scroll down and search for the Instagram app from the list and tap on it.
- Step 3. After this, you’ll tap the Storage & cache option. Here tap on the Clear cache option. And that’s it.
On Android: Open the recent apps list & swipe Instagram away to close it.
On iPhone: Swipe up from the bottom (or double-press the Home button) & remove Instagram from the app switcher.
Next you’ll launch the app again and check whether your Direct Messages are loading normally. If the screen still appears black, proceed to restart your device.
You’ll normally hold down the Power button on your mobile phone. Then select Restart (on Android) or Slide to power off (on iPhone). Wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.
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Clear cache (Android) or reinstall (iOS):
If you are giving the Android phones, then clearing the cache proves beneficial in fixing the temporary bugs. However, on iOS you can offload an app since there is no separate option to clear the cache.
Keep in mind that the offloading will uninstall the core files of an app but preserve your login information as well as other data. This is a much better solution than uninstalling the app to clear its cache.
On Android
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On iPhone
- Step 1. Similarly, on your iPhone you’ll open the Settings app. Now, head to General -> iPhone Storage.
- Step 2. Here, you’ll find the Instagram app and tap on it. Choose the Offload App option. A confirmation message pop-up; tap on Offload App again.
- Step 3. Once the app is offloaded tap on Reinstall App. Hopefully now your Instagram may work stably.
Disable dark mode or check display settings
Since dark mode may interfere with Instagram functionality, so disabling it would prove beneficial. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guideline!
- Step 1. Open Instagram and go to your profile. Tap the three lines (☰) in the top-right corner.
- Step 2. Next select Settings and privacy → Accessibility → Theme. Choose Light to disable dark mode inside the app.
Check internet connection:
Instagram relies on real-time data syncing so even a brief network interruption can disrupt how messages and media appear. To ensure connection stability you’ll either switch between wifi and mobile data. Plus you can restart your router or modem by unplugging your Wi-Fi router for about 30 seconds and plugging it back in
Wait out temporary account issues or server downtime
If you have tried all of the above-mentioned methods, but the problem remains persistent, it is more likely that it may be due to server downtime. Don’t worry! These are temporary issues, you just have to wait a while and try again later.
Contact Instagram support/report the bug
Last but not least, you can contact the Instagram support team and report your problem. To do this: You’ll open your IG Profile → Settings → Help → Report a Problem → Describe the issue and attach screenshots if possible. On the other hand, if it’s urgent, you can reach Instagram’s help pages or official social channels for status updates.
Practical tips: prevent Instagram DM black screen from happening again
Now if you have fixed the Instagram messages black screen issue, then don’t just relax. Instead you have to think and do proper planning to avoid this from happening in the future. Here are some tips that might prove effective in this regard!
- Keep your app version and device OS up-to-date: The first practical approach to preventing bug issues in Instagram is to always keep it up-to-date. You know the New Stack has conducted a research that reveals that many apps run multiple versions simultaneously. For instance, 31% of apps run five to ten versions active at once, making older versions more prone to instability. That’s why you must check the app store or Google Play for any updates. And stay aligned with the app’s supported version to prevent display errors or other issues.
- Free up storage and clear cache regularly: In addition to the above, it’s worth noting that the mobile app performance data indicates that lower memory or resource issues are a root cause of many app failures. For instance, one study conducted by Business of apps reveal that a “low-memory warning” rate of ~12.94% on Android. So, its advisable that your device storage always be at least 10–15% free and also you should clear the Instagram cache periodically. These actions indeed avoid blank screen problems that occur due to resource constraints.
Bonus: how can parents protect minors from malicious messages on Instagram?
Instagram is one of the most used social media applications among kids and teens owing to its interactive features, visual content sharing, and social connectivity. However, if your kids IG account is public, it is more likely that strangers may approach and send them malicious messages.
According to the research conducted by the American Psychological Association, exposure to the disturbing content harms the self-esteem of teens and even increases anxiety. Being a parent, you have to be stay alert and constantly monitor your kids digital activities to ensure a safe digital space.
Practical steps parents can take
- Enable privacy settings: You must set your kids Instagram profile to private, in this way only the approved followers would be able to send them messages.
- Use Instagram’s safety features: Moreover, you can activate Instagram’s built-in restricted mode features on kids’ devices. To do this, you can open settings by tapping three horizontal lines. Then tap Account > Sensitive Content Control. Choose the Limit ( Default), it would filter out upsetting or offensive photos or videos.
- Open communication: Alonside using the tools, communication is always the best approach, encourage your child to speak about their Instagram activities. Talk to them about their followers and whether anyone online is disturbing ht,e bu putting offensive messages. Trust me! When they feel free to talk they will be more than willing to share their online adventures.
- Leverage parental tools: However, if you want 100% reliable control over your kids digital activities, and want to remain 24/7 updated. Then we would recommend using FlashGet Kids parental control apps, which is the most parents’ favorite. It acts as a virtual assistant and help keep your teens protected from Internet toxicity.
For instance, it allows you to filter out the explicit content by customizing keywords. Plus, you can set time limits on the usage of individual apps like Instagram during study or sleep time.
Wrap up
In summary, the black screen issue on Instagram DM section isn’t any virus or hack, but it mostly occur due to technical glitches like outdated versions, cache storage, poor internet connection or even the server’s downtime. So to resolve such issues you can go for the verified methods discussed in detail throughout the article.
FAQs
A black message on Instagram usually means there is a bug or glitch in the app. Don’t think that the sender is malicious, or that there is any virus. Simply refreshing the app or checking the internet connection may resolve the issue instantly.
There is a possibility that the update is incomplete or may be there is a problem in server. So, first update the app fully and restart it, hopefully it would restore the original display.
If you open your Instagram app and find that apps content isn’t fully loading the may be the app’s server is down. However, for real-time updates, you can check for the Instagram official pages or social media.
You’ll check your internet connection, clear the cache, update Instagram and restart the app. If the problem persists after trying these methods then just wait as there may be an issue with the server itself.
Absolutely No black screen on Instagram typically occurs because of technical glitches, or user controls. Do remember! If someone blocks you it only affects their profile or messages not the whole app.
