Permanently Delete Chat on Instagram (Simple Guide)

Chat deletion on Instagram can be a confusing topic, but here’s a few tips to provide a solid overview on what goes on behind the scenes.

• Archiving a chat simply shelves it for the time being, and can be undone.
• Deleting an Instagram chat does not notify the other party.
• Deleting an Instagram chat only applies to your copy of the chat.
• Instagram’s data recovery feature does not extend to private chats.

We’ll go into more clarity about each bullet entry below.

Instagram Chat Deletion Explained

Differences Between Archiving and Deleting

When you archive a chat, it is simply hidden from your inbox but not removed. You can always access archived chats later.

• Archive: Hides chat temporarily.
• Delete: Removes chat permanently from your view, not the other party.

Archiving is typically done to clear up one’s inbox, while deletion happens when one wants to cut ties with a particular contact.

Are Both Participants Notified?

When you delete a chat, it will only disappear on your end – the other participant can still see the conversation in their inbox.

Notifications:

• The other person is not notified when you delete the chat.
• They retain full access to the complete chat history.

This means if you decide to delete a chat, the other person will have no idea that you have done so. Unfortunately, it also means mutual deletion is unlikely to happen unless you discussed doing so beforehand.

Step-by-Step Guide for Deleting Chats

Accessing Chat Settings

1. Open the Instagram app on your mobile device or computer.
2. Make sure you are logged into your Instagram account.
3. Tap the paper airplane icon located at the top right corner of the screen to access Direct Messages (DMs).
4. You will see a list of your chats. This is where you can access chat settings.

Selecting the Chat for Deletion

1. Locate the chat: Find the chat you want to delete in your list of chats.
2. Access delete options:
   • Mobile: Tap and hold the chat.
   • Computer: Right-click on the chat.
3. Select delete: Choose the “Delete” option from the menu that appears.
4. Confirm deletion: Be sure you want to delete the chat as this action cannot be undone.
5. Delete multiple chats: Repeat these steps for each chat you want to delete. Unfortunately, Instagram does not have a bulk delete option.

Confirming the Deletion Process

1. Confirmation prompt: After selecting the “Delete” option, you’ll be asked to confirm your decision.
2. Pop-up window: A pop-up window will appear on your screen.
3. Confirm deletion:
   • Mobile: Tap “Delete” again.
   • Computer: Click “Yes.”
4. Permanent deletion: Once confirmed, the chat will be permanently removed. This action cannot be undone.
5. Double-check: Carefully review the chat before confirming to prevent accidental deletion.

Can You Recover Deleted Instagram Chats?

Unfortunately, deleted chats can no longer be salvaged. While Instagram does have recovery options in its “Data Download” feature, this only extends to stories, reels, and other public content – private correspondences aren’t included.

If you’re planning on permanently deleting a chat on Instagram, think long and hard about if that’s what you really want – there’s no undoing it after the fact, and worse still is that the other party still keeps their copy of the conversation.