How to Turn Off Message Requests on Instagram

Before you start

Message request controls help decide who can send you message requests.
This is different from blocking. People may still see your profile unless you block them or change other privacy settings.
Some options depend on your account type, age settings, region, and whether accounts are connected through Meta.
You may need to adjust more than one group, such as followers, people on Instagram, or connected Facebook accounts.

Open Instagram and go to your profile.
Tap the menu icon.
Open settings.
Look for Messages and story replies or Message controls.
Open the message request controls.
Review each group of people who can message you.
Choose the most restrictive option available, such as not receiving requests, for groups you do not want to hear from.

Instagram message request controls may be limited on desktop. If you do not see the same controls in web settings, use the Instagram mobile app.

Message request controls mainly affect new requests. Existing chats may remain available unless you block, restrict, or delete the conversation.

Instagram may limit some settings depending on account type, region, or connected accounts. Set each available group to the most restrictive option.

Check hidden words and message request filtering settings if they are available in your account.

No. Blocking targets a specific account. Message request controls apply broader rules for who can contact you.

Yes. Message request settings do not control comments.

Yes. Return to the same message controls and choose a less restrictive option.

This guide is based on Instagram's official help article about controlling who can send messages or message requests.