What does “Instagram user” mean in DMs? | Tech Reddy

So, you’ve scrolled through Instagram DMs. Maybe you remember the ghosts from the old DM movies. Or, maybe you’re trying to find that funny meme you sent a friend a few weeks ago. Suddenly, you’ll see: A gray default profile picture with the name “Instagram User.” When you click on their profile, you will see “User Not Found” instead of a follow button. Is your DM inbox cursed?

Before you get Mark Zuckerberg on the line, take a breath. While it may be unusual to see a message with this random person in your inbox, it happens to everyone. And there are a few reasons for that.

Whether you’re trying to contact someone who appears as an “Instagram User” in your inbox, or you want to identify a mysterious Instagram User sitting in your inbox, here’s what you need Learn about Instagram messaging.

What does “Instagram user” mean in DMs?

If you’ve seen one (or several) messages labeled “Instagram user,” you’re probably wondering who this anonymous character belongs to. Essentially, “Instagram User” is a nickname that Instagram puts above the chats with people you can’t contact in Instagram messages.

If you see an Instagram User in your inbox, there are many reasons. One of the main reasons why this person deleted his account or disabled it. NerdTechy also mentions that you can even appear as an “Instagram user” if you get banned. Blocking someone makes it impossible to view their messages or communicate with them, which may result in your DM appearing as an uninformed user.

If you want to find out the real identity of this person, check your contacts with them. Maybe, you will know your message thread to them. You may find inside jokes with your friend off the grid, solving your mystery quickly. Or, you may not be able to piece together who the person is.

The good news and the bad, it’s not a big deal if you see this in your inbox. This means that the person has deleted their profile. It probably means that you have been blocked by someone. And in any case, you can’t read them to ask. So if you see this gray icon stuck in your inbox, don’t panic. Refocus your attention on answering the many blue dots next to friends who are waiting for your answer.