Are you suddenly not able to send messages to your friend on Instagram? Do you see an error message stating “Can’t send message to account unless they follow you on Instagram”? Do not worry. We present to you a complete guide on how to fix can’t send message to an account unless they follow you on Instagram error.
Social networking could get strenuous and take the living life out of you, especially if you are too invested. Instagram understands the importance of taking a social break and respects users who wish to limit their networking activities. It gives users the opportunity to choose not to receive messages from unknown users. However, it could be really frustrating if you cannot suddenly reach someone on Instagram.
If you wish to fix can’t send message to account unless they follow you on Instagram error you can send a follow request to the user and wait for them to follow you on Instagram, you can enable messages on your Instagram account and change your age to over 18 years on the app.
Read on to know how to fix can’t send message to account unless they follow you on Instagram issues. So, without wasting any time let’s get started!
How To Fix Can’t Send Message To Account Unless They Follow You On Instagram?
Instagram is one of the most popular social networking apps with over 2.35 billion monthly active users from all over the world. Most Instagram accounts have thousands of followers. It is close to impossible to stay in touch with all of them. Imagine receiving messages from thousands of users on a daily basis.
To help users manage their social life, Instagram offers a way to manage their messages and stop receiving messages from unknown users. Instagram users can set their account to private and manage their message requests by making changes to the Instagram Account Settings.
However, if you are looking for ways to reach a friend on Instagram and see an error message stating that “Can’t send message to account unless they follow you on Instagram” you must be looking for ways to fix it. We present to you various ways in which you can fix can’t send message to account unless they follow you on Instagram error.
Fix 1: Send A Follow Request
The easiest way to fix can’t send message to account unless they follow you on Instagram, is to send them a follow request on the app. Once a request is accepted by the user, you can easily contact them on Instagram and send messages.
Search for the user on your Instagram and tap the follow button to send a follow request. All you have to do now is wait for the user to accept your follow request.
Fix 2: Enable Message Requests
Have you disabled message requests on your Instagram account? To fix can’t send message to account unless they follow you on Instagram you will have to enable it on your account. When you have set it to ‘Don’t receive requests’ on your Instagram account it could hinder your message requests also.
Let us try to enable message requests on your device to fix can’t send message to account unless they follow you on Instagram error.
Step 1 – Open Instagram on your device.
Step 2 – Enter your credentials to login to your account if necessary.
Step 3 – Tap on your Profile icon at the bottom right corner of the app.
Step 4 – Tap the Menu icon at the top right of the page.
Step 5 – Select Settings.
Step 6 – Tap on Account.
Step 7 – Scroll down to select Messages from the list of available options.
Step 8 – Tap on the ‘Your followers on Instagram’ option.
Step 9 – Select ‘Message Requests’ to enable it.
If you have disabled message requests on your Instagram account, you will not receive new messages from anyone on Instagram. Changing this Message Requests option will help you to fix can’t send message to account unless they follow you on Instagram issue.
Fix 3: Switch To Public Account
Have you set your Instagram account to Private? Using a private account will stop Instagram users, who are not your followers, from accessing your account. Switching to a public account will enhance your visibility and accessibility and help you to fix can’t send message to account unless they follow you on Instagram issues.
You can switch to a public Instagram account by following the instructions given below.
Step 1 – Open the Instagram app on your device.
Step 2 – Enter your credentials to login.
Step 3 – Tap on the Profile icon at the bottom right corner of the page.
Step 4 – Tap the Menu icon at the top right corner.
Step 5 – Select Settings.
Step 6 – Tap on Privacy.
Step 7 – Tap the toggle to turn off Private account.
Step 8 – Confirm by clicking Switch to Public.
You have now successfully made your Instagram account public. This will help you to enhance your digital presence and help you to fix can’t send message to account unless they follow you on Instagram issues.
Fix 4: Change The Age To 18 years
Are you less than 18 years of age? Instagram follows a strict set of Community Guidelines to protect the privacy of children who are less than 18 years of age. If you have set your age to less than 18 years of age, it might hinder you from sending random messages and deny access to certain features.
To fix can’t send message to account unless they follow you on Instagram issue, you can follow the instructions given below to change your age on the app, and set it to over 18 years of age. Follow the instructions given below,
Step 1 – Open the Instagram app on your device.
Step 2 – Enter your credentials to login.
Step 3 – Tap on the Profile icon at the bottom right corner of the page.
Step 4 – Tap the Menu icon at the top right corner.
Step 5 – Select Settings.
Step 6 – Scroll down and tap on Account.
Step 7 – Select Personal information.
Step 8 – Change the Date of birth to what makes you over 18 years.
You will now be able to fix can’t send message to account unless they follow you on Instagram error. However, we strongly suggest that you do not change your date of birth on the app. Instagram has standards set to protect children from explicit content and undue exposure. With a fake date of birth, you will be exposed to information that is not age appropriate for you.
Wrap Up
Instagram is responsible for the life and conduct of over 2.3 billion users on the platform. It works diligently to protect the privacy and security of all users. It offers various features that stop random people and absolute strangers from contacting users through the platform. It is best that we understand our preferences and be responsible users who do not disrupt the sole intent of the platform. We hope that by following the instructions given in this article you were able to successfully fix can’t send message to account unless they follow you on Instagram issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1 Why Can’t People Message Me On Instagram Unless I Follow Them?
Instagram has enhanced the security features of the platform. Any adult who tries to contact a minor, who is not their follower, will be denied access by an error message stating “Can’t send message to account unless they follow you on Instagram’.
Q2 What Does It Mean When Instagram Says Not Everyone Can Message This Account?
Instagram allows users to set their accounts to private and make changes to their message settings which denies message requests from unknown users. Instagram users who wish to protect the security of their account can set it to private and block and report users who disrupt them on the platform.
Q3 How Long Does Instagram Ban You From Sending Messages?
The most common temporary ban lasts for up to 24 hours. However, this could vary depending on your violation that conflicts with Instagram’s Terms of Service.
