If you use Instagram frequently and want to know what to do when you cannot react to direct messages with emojis, this article is for you.
Reacting to messages on Instagram is quite a simple task; all you need to do is hold and select the emoji you want to react with.
However, there are times when you are unable to react to messages due to one reason or the other.
In this article, you will learn how to react to messages on Instagram and discover the steps you need to take when you cannot react to direct messages on Instagram.
What Is Instagram’s Direct Reactions Feature?
Instagram Direct Reactions is an Instagram feature that allows users to react to direct messages using emojis such as hearts, thumbs up, and fire emojis.
This feature makes it easier for users to express their emotions and communicate with their friends on the platform without actually having to type something out.
To use Instagram Direct Reactions, tap and hold on to a message that you want to react to, and then select the emoji you want from the pop-up list.
The emoji will then appear as a reaction to the message, and the recipient will receive a notification informing them of the reaction.
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Why Can’t I React To Messages On Instagram
There are several reasons you cannot react to messages on Instagram.
Outdated App
Firstly, it could be due to an outdated version of Instagram.
You need to use the latest version of the Instagram app to be able to react to direct messages.
Instagram Messaging Not Updated
If you’re not able to react to messages on your Instagram DM this could be because you haven’t updated the messaging option.
Instagram’s New Messaging update allows you to perform other functions including reacting to messages in a conversation.
Poor Internet Connection
If you have a poor internet connection, whether or not you are using Wi-Fi or mobile data, you will also be unable to react to direct messages.
Privacy Settings
Also, if the privacy settings of the person whose message you are trying to react to have not been restricted or blocked, you will be unable to react to messages on Instagram.
Using Instagram Lite
Another reason you cannot react to messages is if you are using Instagram Lite.
Instagram lite has very limited functionality, despite its smaller storage capacity and you will not be able to react to messages if that is the app you are using.
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How To Fix Inability To React To Messages On Instagram
If you can’t react to messages with emojis on Instagram, we have listed the issue that may be affecting it, but here is what to do to fix the problem.
Fix 1: Update The App
Make sure you have the latest version of Instagram installed on your device. Go to the App or Play Store and update the Instagram app to its latest version.
Fix 2: Update Instagram Messaging
If you’re not able to react to the message, you’ll need to update your Messaging on Instagram. This will allow you to use the react feature and others as well.
To do this: To update messaging on Instagram, go to your Instagram profile > Tap on the three lines [menu] > Tap on Settings > Tap on Update Messaging > Then tap Update.
Fix 3: Check Your Privacy Settings
Ensure that the user you are trying to react to has not been blocked or their messages have not been restricted. If you have restricted the user’s messages, you cannot react to them.
Fix 4: Clear Cache
Clearing the cache on the Instagram app may help to fix the issue. You’ll only be able to do this on Android.
To do this: Go to your device’s Settings > tap Apps & notifications > tap App info > Search for Instagram in the list of apps > Select Storage & cache > Select Clear cache.
Fix 5: Restart Or Reinstall The App
Close the Instagram app and restart it to see if it resolves the issue of not being able to react to messages.
You could also uninstall and reinstall the Instagram app on your device. This might fix the issue and let you react to the message.
Fix 6: Check Your Internet Connection
Ensure you have a stable Wi-Fi or mobile data internet connection to react to direct messages.
READ ALSO: How To Fix “Can’t Post On Instagram”
How To React To Messages On Instagram
Before you can react to messages on Instagram you’ll need to update the messaging on Instagram.
To update messaging on Instagram, go to your Instagram profile > Tap on the three lines [menu] > Tap on Settings > Tap on Update Messaging > Then tap Update.
Using The Mobile App
If you’re using an Android or iPhone device, here’s how you can react to Instagram messages with emojis.
Step 1: Go To Instagram DM
Open the Instagram app and navigate to your Direct Messages by tapping on the paper airplane icon.
Step 2: Open Conversation
Select the conversation of whoever’s messenger you want to react to and tap and hold the message you want to react to.
Step 3: Select Emoji
Select the desired emoji from the list of options. You can even customize the emojis and select the one you want to add.
Using The Web
If you’re using Instagram on your computer, here’s how you can react to Instagram DM without issue.
Step 1: Open Instagram DM
Open your preferred web browser and go to www.instagram.com, then log in to your Instagram account and click on the paper airplane icon in the top right corner.
Step 2: Select The Conversation
Select the conversation of whoever’s messenger you want to react to.
Now use your cursor to hover over the message, you’ll then see the smiley face icon appear.
Step 3: Select Emoji
Click the smiley icon and you’ll see different emoji to use. Select the desired emoji from the list of options.
The emoji will then appear as a reaction to the message, and the message recipient will receive a notification informing them of the reaction.
Conclusion
Reacting to messages on Instagram is a relatively easy thing to do. However, if you are unable to do so, do not worry.
This article goes through the various reasons why you cannot react to messages on Instagram and details the fixes for the issue.
FAQs About Can’t React To Messages With Emojis On Instagram
Can I remove a reaction to a message?
Yes, you can remove a reaction to a message by tapping and holding the message, selecting the reaction you want to remove, and then tapping on the reaction again to remove it.
Can someone see if I remove a reaction to their message?
No, the user who sent the message will not be notified if you remove a reaction to their message.
How many times can I react to a message?
You can react to a message as many times as you want with different emojis, but you can only have one reaction per emoji.
10 Comments
Still not able to solve the issue of reacting woth emogis, in my account settings option doesn’t show update messaging option🤷🏻♀️
This isn’t supposed to even an issue. Upload a screenshot if you tap and hold a message send by someone
I can react with any emoji on the desktop but on my iPhone, I can’t even find the option to update messaging. I deleted the app, logged in again, still didn’t work. The app is also running on the latest update Version 285.0
I pretty much tried to do all the above, but still doesn’t work. I gave up a long time ago but while scrolling on desktop, I went into my DMs and noticed I could react with any emoji so I thought I’d give it a go on my phone. Turns out, I can’t seem to fix it.
I just got the new Samsung 23 + I have reaction emojis available for texts and FB messenger but it won’t work on Instagram DM’S…I can literally only “like” which is a heart emoji..my friend has the phone before mine S22 and just holds down and has the full menu of emojis to react with. I don’t understand and I did everything in the article.
This is probably an issue with your account, but I don’t see why the features won’t work for you.
Wow… “Issue with your account”, that means that millions of us have broken accounts? You hear how hilarious that sounds?? It’s not that but the updates apparently weren’t implementing the reacts at all. Your statement and lack of desire to help despite this whole ass article you wrote is really disappointing. Enjoy your life
I have tested this on several phone, and they can all react to message. Another thing that may have caused this issue is just Instagram.
If you look at it, lots of user’s can react, those with two account can react but on another account you can’t. Why do you think this happen? You can react on one account and not on the other.
I have the same issue as everyone who commented here. Disappointing how the author dismissed that there really are people who can’t use it despite all the “fix” that are listed on here by saying “lot’s of users can react”.
Okay, I’m sorry I said that. But what I’m trying to say is that, this may be due to Instagram fault, and I hope it get fix soon. I’m also actively looking for how this can be solved. I’m trying different ways to fix the problem. Thanks for you feedback
I have been trying for over a year to react/reply to a specific message in my Instagram but after months of trying to figure it out I just gave up. But it’s annoying because I have tried all of the above and I still don’t get the option to do it. I deleted the app re-download and even tried to find a configurations in the app itself, deleted the cache but it won’t give me the option, so I just give up basically. I thought I would’ve gotten it with the latest update because some of my friends did get it but when I didn’t, I’d basically just shut that book and let it be.