“This message was deleted” is a common issue many WhatsApp users complain about. It occurs when you send and delete a message. Instead of remaining inconspicuous, the platform lets the receiver know you have deleted a message you sent.
On Instagram, there is an option to “unsend a message.” So, if you have accidentally sent a message to the wrong person, Instagram allows you to fix your mistake by unsending the said message. However, does it notify the receiver like WhatsApp does?
We will look closely at all the details about “unsending” a message on Instagram and what it entails.
Table of Contents
How can One Unsend Instagram Direct Messages?
Before discussing the “notification” part of unsending a message on Instagram, let us clarify how it is done in the first place.
To unsend a specific message, follow the steps as mentioned:
- Start by opening the Instagram application.
- Open the particular chat from where you wish to unsend the message.
- Navigate and find the particular message you want to unsend.
- Once you find it, press the message until the pop-up options are visible. From the list, select “Unsend.”
You will find another pop-up message confirming that the message has been unsent to the receiver. So, unless the receiver is chronically online and has already seen your message, unsending it removes it from both of your chat threads.
Note: Unsending a message on Instagram permanently deletes it from the chat thread. So, you will not be able to view it, and you won’t be able to restore it in the future.
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Can one unsend any messages on Instagram?
The short answer to that is yes.
With the available option on Instagram, you can unsend anything that you send to the person, be it an image, video, reel, text message, etc.
Also, the good thing about the unsend message option is that users can delete messages at any time without any complications. So, irrespective of the nature of the message, you can delete it anytime you wish after sending it.
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Does Instagram Notify When You Unsend a Message?
Although Meta runs Instagram and WhatsApp, their privacy policies and features differ. When you delete a message on WhatsApp, it directly notifies the users about the same with the update “This message was deleted.”
Is it the same with Instagram as well? Surprisingly, no.
When you unsend a message on Instagram, it is deleted from the chat thread. The message was not sent in the first place. However, there are some elements to consider.
Firstly, if the receiver has already “seen” the message and taken a screenshot of it, unsending the message still leaves behind evidence that you sent it in the first place.
Secondly, deleting or unsending a message on Instagram might delete it from the chat thread but can be reported to Instagram. So, if you are sending offensive and hateful messages and then unsending them, thinking there would be no evidence of you sending them in the first place, that isn’t the case.
So, while Instagram doesn’t notify its users when you unsend a message, it is ideal if you avoid unnecessary hate speech and negative messages to people in the first place. When you are unsending a message, cross-check to see if the other user has already “seen” the message. If they haven’t, then unsending, it makes sense.
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Can Someone See Unsent Messages on Instagram?
By simple standards, an unsent message can’t be seen by either party. However, there are instances where the possibilities might be heightened, and you might be able to view the messages, or the other person might as well.
Here’s what you need to know:
Network issues
Let’s assume that you sent a message to the wrong chat. Once you try to unsend it, there might be network issues, or the Instagram servers are down. The unsend request might not go through, so you might not be able to unsend the message, and the other person will be able to see it.
Using third-party tools
Although quite rare, a handful of tools on Instagram can help users see unsent messages. However, we have to confirm that the effectiveness of such tools is minimal. Also, tools like these aren’t useful at all, and you risk jeopardizing your data.
Notification bar
Sometimes, when you send a message to someone on Instagram, they receive a notification. If they click on the notification before you “unsend” the message, they will most likely be able to see the message.
The chat screen is open
If the recipient is already on the chat screen and you send the message, they will likely see it immediately before you have the time to unsend it. So, that’s another chance for unsent messages to be read on Instagram.
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Does Instagram Have a Time Limit for Unsending Messages?
There is no time limit on when you can unsend a message. You might have sent a message a week back, but you can unsend it a week later. This is a positive aspect of the platform.
However, the longer you refrain from unsending a message on Instagram, the greater the chances of the receiver seeing it. Also, if you notice the little “seen” icon underneath the message, there’s no point unsending the message after that because the recipient has already seen it.
Does the Unsend Option on Instagram Work for Group Chats?
Yes, you can also unsend a message on Instagram in the group chats. This applies to the standard individual DMs and then to the group chats, which is a benefit.
However, if you have many recipients in the group chat, the chances that people will see the message before you unsend it are pretty high. So, you have to be quick when tapping the unsend button.
Is It Possible to Report Unsent Messages?
Unsent messages may contain inappropriate content. In that case, is it possible to report such messages?
In most cases, Instagram records users’ data for 30 days, after which it deletes it. So, if you think an unsent message could be worth reporting, contact Instagram support, who can help you navigate the issue.
FAQs
Can I unsend messages in a chat with someone who has blocked me?
If the other person has already blocked you, all modes of communication between you and the other user are cut off. So, in that case, deleting or unsending the message isn’t an option.
Do people get notified when you unsend a message on Instagram?
No, the recipients are not notified when you unsend a message on Instagram. That’s a positive aspect of the feature.
Why can’t I unsend a message on Instagram?
The most common reason behind that is network or server issues. You can disconnect and reconnect to your Wi-Fi and see if the problem persists. If the issue is with Instagram servers, you can do nothing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Instagram prioritizes user privacy when it comes to unsending messages. If you unsend a message, the recipient won’t be notified, and the message will disappear from their inbox. This works even if they’ve already seen a notification about the message. They’ll just see a message was sent and then unsent, with no clue about the content.
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