Instagram Messages Blacked Out: How to Fix It

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Going over to your Direct Message section on Instagram only to find your messages highlighted and covered in black such that you cannot make out what was written there initially, is alarming and worrisome.

A couple of months back, this was the complaint of a lot of Instagram users.

No one wants the stress of dealing with any kind of problem at all on a good day.

Instagram Messages Blacked Out

However, if it does happen to you that your Instagram messages get blacked out and you do not know what to do, this article will help you out.

Even with the constant release of large amounts of visual content on Instagram, the direct messaging feature is very active and important.

Having it ruined for one reason or the other is not and should not be a welcomed development.

It is important that you resolve the issue as soon as possible.

How can you fix the problem of Instagram messages being blacked out?

To successfully proffer a solution to this problem, you have to first answer the question of why your Instagram messages are being blacked out.

 

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Why My Instagram Messages Blacked Out

Below are the possible reasons why your Instagram messages blacked out.

 

1. Software Glitch

The issue of software glitches can happen to the best of software.

One thing that stands as the potential primary reason why your message on Instagram got blacked out is software malfunctioning.

A classical example is the one made above where a lot of users on Instagram complained about their messages being blacked out.

 

2. Full Cache

For Android users, one thing that can cause rare occasions such as this one is a filled Instagram cache.

The Instagram cache can get easily filled if you are using an Android device.

When the cache of the app is filled, it can cause a malfunction of the application.

 

3. Multiple Programs Running Concurrently in the Device

It is perfectly normal for a device that is doing a lot, all at the same time to have a malfunction.

If there are multiple programs running concurrently on the device, it may cause the device to have hitches and a result of this can be having your Instagram message blacked out.

 

4. An Out-of-Date App

Mobile apps become buggy if there are not updated over time.

This is the reason why Instagram tries to make your experience with the app better by providing upgraded versions.

An out-of-date app can be the reason why your message got blacked out.

 

Ways to Fix Instagram Message Black Out

Now that we have analyzed different possible causes of your message being blacked out.

Let’s take a look at different ways to remedy the situation.

 

Reboot Your Device

Rebooting your device is an all-time efficient way of handling minor glitches.

You can make use of the power button to do this. Simply turn off your device and turn it back on.

You can choose the Restart feature instead of doing shutdown and turning it back on.

 

2. Clear Your Instagram Cache

Go to the Settings app on your device and select Instagram. Then, go to the storage and cache section of the app and clear your cache.

If you use an Android device, you should do this often to keep your mobile app running smoothly.

 

3. Update/Reinstall Instagram App

Update your mobile app to the latest version to curb unnecessary hitches and enjoy a better experience with the app.

If after you have successfully updated your Instagram app from your mobile app store which may be the Apple store if you are an iOS user or a Play Store if you are using an Android, the problem is yet to be fixed, have the app reinstalled.

To reinstall your app, long press on your Instagram mobile app and select the Uninstall option that will pop up.

Then, go to the mobile app store and have the app downloaded and configured on your device as though you were getting it for the first time.

 

4. Close Background Apps

Manage the many applications that are running actively in the background of your device to make your device efficient.

This may be what you need to undo the blacked-out message effect on your Instagram messages.

Go to your settings and close apps that are running actively in the background of your device.

 

5. Re-login to Your Instagram Account

Another way to remedy the situation is to log out of your Instagram account and log in again.

If the problem is a simple software glitch or intensive use of the application, logging out and logging in afterwards will help fix the situation.

Go to your profile menu and select the Log out option.

You can try using your web browser to log in again.

 

6. Disable Data Saver Mode

Data Saver Mode is meant to save your cellular data by reducing the performance of your device and placing a blockage on background data.

A blacked-out message on Instagram may be a result of your Data Saver Mode trying to manage your data usage.

So, if the mode is enabled on your device, it should be disabled.

You can go to your data usage section in your Setting to disable the Data Saver mode or slide down your notification panel and disable the mode from there.

 

7. Disable Keyboard Access

If you are using an iOS device, you can disable your Keyboard Access on your device to see if this will solve the problem.

To do this, follow the steps below:

  • Open your Settings application.
  • Press the Accessibility button.
  • Under the Physical and Motor section, select the Keyboards option.
  • Select the Full Keyboard Access option.
  • Then, have it disabled if it was turned on initially.

When you are done with this, close your Instagram application and relaunch it.

Go to your message section and check if the problem has been sorted out.

 

8. Confirm if it is a General Instagram Issue

It is important to first find out if what you are experiencing is not from Instagram’s end.

This is because if the problem is directly from the operators of Instagram, then, there is nothing you can do about it.

You just have to wait until it is fixed.

If the problem is from Instagram, you can be sure that Instagram would ensure that it is fixed in no time.

 

Instagram Messages Blacked Out FAQs

 

Why is my Instagram message blacked out?

This can be a software glitch issue.

A full Instagram cache and an out-of-date application are also possible reasons why your Instagram messages got blacked out.

 

How do I contact Instagram about my message problem?

If the issue persists after you have tried every possible suggestion and you wish to contact Instagram, you can simply go to Instagram Help Center.

There, you will be able to relate with Instagram customer care and make a submission of your problem.

 

Conclusion

Coming to your Instagram account and navigating to your message section only to find your message blacked out is annoying.

Instead of fretting, look out for the possible causes of what has happened.

You can start by confirming if the problem is from Instagram. If it is, give it a period of 24 hours to 48 hours on the maximum and it should be cleared up.

However, if it is not, then, check if your Instagram app needs to be updated.

If yes, do so.

Check out the cache of your Instagram application if you are using an Android device. Clear it out if it is full to enhance the performance of your mobile app.

Just thoroughly check the reason behind the problem so that you can have it fixed.

 

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Harrison Acha
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