“Why am I not getting notifications even though they are turned on?”. This is an issue Instagram users deal with once in a while. Although the problem is not a big deal, it could be frustrating for active users.
To solve this glitch, it’s important to find out the reasons and possible solutions. In this blog, we’ll go deep into all scenarios why Instagram notifications not working, and what we can do to clear the obstacles. Let’s get started!
Why Instagram Notifications Not Working?
Sometimes, you may notice Instagram notifications not showing on the lock screen. While it’s not a common issue, there are some potential explanations.
One possibility could be that you’ve turned Instagram notifications off on your device, or that you’ve left the notifications off on the Instagram app.
There are other reasons, too. If you’re not getting Instagram notifications but are still not sure about the reason behind it, read on to find solutions.
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Instagram Notifications Not Working? How to Fix?
There are many things you can do to troubleshoot this issue. Below, we’ve made a list of all the possible solutions.
#1. Check Instagram Notifications on Your Device
Firstly, make sure you’ve allowed Instagram notifications on your device. This is a very straightforward process as you read:
Turn on notifications for Android
- Head over to Settings.
- Open App Notifications and check Instagram.
3. Turn it on if it’s off.
Turn notifications on for iPhone devices
- Go to your device’s Settings app
- find the Notifications section, and locate Instagram.
- Toggle on the notifications switch.
#2. Instagram Notifications Not working: Check Notifications from the App
If you’ve activated notifications on your device but forgotten to do the same for the Instagram app, you won’t get any notifications.
As mentioned above, Instagram allows you to enable notifications for each content. In order to get notified, open the app on your device and go to the settings. Tap notifications and turn it on for any content you’d like.
#3. Check the “Do Not Disturb” Feature
Wondering why Instagram DM notifications not working on your phone? Maybe, you need to check the “Do not disturb” option” on your device.
When this feature is on, it could stop notifications from coming through as it’s designed to silence all incoming push notifications. To disable it on your device, follow the below steps.
For Android devices
- Go to the Settings;
- Select Notifications;
3. Move down to the Do Not Disturb;
4. Tap to turn it off.
For iPhone devices
Instagram direct message notifications not working on your iOS device?
Follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your device.
- Look for the “Focus” or “Do Not Disturb” option and tap on it.
3. Disable the feature by turning it off.
4. Once you’ve turned off the “Focus” or “Do Not Disturb” mode, your Instagram notifications should start coming in as usual.
#4. When Instagram Notifications Not Working, Disable Low Power Mode
Why am I only getting Instagram notifications when I open the app? This issue is directly related to the low-power mode.
The low power mode is a feature on all mobile devices to protect battery life. However, it could be a snag for Instagram message notifications.
When this mode is enabled, certain background activities get limited or slow down. This may include getting notifications from Instagram. To sort out the problem, you need to disable it.
How to disable power saving mode on Android
While this feature may vary for different brands, the process is straightforward. Just swipe down from the top of the screen and turn power saving off.
How to disable power saving mode on iPhone
If Instagram notifications not working on iOS 15 and its updates, try this:
- Go to Settings and tap Battery.
- Turn the Low Power Mode green.
#5. Clear Instagram Cache, if Instagram Notifications Not working
Clearing Instagram cache data is a practical step to resolve any app-related issues. Since it takes up too much space, it can make the notifications blocked or delayed. So, try it to see if it works for you.
- Open Settings and scroll down to Apps;
- Select Instagram and tap Storage;
- Then tap Clear Cache.
For iPhone users
Clearing Instagram cache data on iPhone devices is a bit complicated, as you have to delete the app and reinstall it. However, you can use third-party apps to clear the data without uninstalling Instagram. Here, we go through the manual method.
- First, open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on “General.”
- Now, find and tap on “iPhone Storage.”
- Run through the list of apps and tap on “Instagram.”
- Click “Delete App” and confirm the action.
#6. How About Enabling Background App Refresh for Instagram?
Cleared cache data but still IG message notifications not working? Go to the next solution and enable background app refresh. This feature allows apps to update their content and data in the background, even when they’re not active.
By activating this option, it can fetch new data, update content and most importantly, get notifications in the background. Let’s see how to push it on Android and iPhone devices.
Also read: How to read Instagram messages without being seen?
Android Devices
- Open Settings and go to Connections;
- Navigate for Data Usage and tap it;
- Now, open Mobile Data Usage;
- After that, locate Instagram and open it;
- Then, allow Background Data Usage.
iPhone Devices
In case Instagram notifications not working on iPhone, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap on “General.”
- Select “Background App Refresh.”
- Find Instagram in the list and ensure the toggle switch next to it is turned on.
#7. Check Your Network Connection to Get Rid of the Issue
One of the possibilities for Instagram notifications not working could be a poor internet connection. This is usually when you’re using mobile data. In this case, simply check your internet speed. It’s better to try a strong Wi-Fi connection.
#8. Update Instagram to the Latest Version
If the problem still exists, make sure the Instagram app is updated. As you know, without a new version, you’ll miss out on new features. But that’s not all. Usually, outdated apps don’t work well and contain many bugs.
Also read: How to get rid of Instagram unfollow glitch [2023]
#9. Instagram Notifications Not Working? Update your Device Operating System
In addition to the Instagram app, you need to update your device’s operating system. An old version of the Android or iPhone could be a good reason for Instagram notifications not working.
iPhone users can simply open the settings and tap on the second option.
#10. Log Out and Back into the Instagram App
I’ve tried everything to get the issue fixed but why am I not getting Instagram notifications?
Well, in some cases, a simple logout can straighten out the problem. All you need to do is go to your profile and open “Settings and Privacy”. Next, browse to the bottom and log out of your account.
#11. You Might Need to Restart Your Phone
Instagram notifications not working might be resolved with a simple restart. By doing so, all the applications could refresh and fix the glitches.
#12. The Above Tricks Didn’t Work? Report the Issue
Last but not least tip is reporting the issue to Instagram support. Many times, Instagram notifications problems might happen as a result of a server error. Reporting an issue through the Instagram app is as follows:
Note that reporting a problem on Instagram is quite similar for iOS and Android systems.
- Shake the phone and tap Report a problem;
2. Include any information that may help resolve the trouble;
3. Whether you add more data or not, click Send.
How Different Types of Notifications on Instagram Work?
Still to this day, Instagram has provided seven main types of notifications to keep users informed about different activities. Additionally, within each type, you can customize the notifications. For now, let’s take a look at these seven types.
Posts, stories, and comments
Here, you can turn the notifications on or off for likes, likes, and comments of you, photos of you, comments, comment likes and pins, and first posts and stories. For any of them, it’s also possible to identify from whom you want to get notifications.
Following and followers
Instagram also lets you switch the notifs on or off for follower requests, accepted follow requests, account suggestions, and mentions in bio.
Messages
Under this feature, you can manage the notifications coming from messages.
- Message requests
- Messages from a person or group chats
- Message reminders
- Messages from broadcast channels
- Group requests
- Broadcast channel invitations
Want to learn How to check messages on Instagram like a pro in 2023?
Calls
In this section, you can decide whether you want to get informed of video chats.
Live and Reels
Since Instagram is filled with tons of reels every day, you may want to get rid of them. within the live and Reels section, you can silence or activate the followings.
- Original audio
- Remixes
- Live videos
- Recently uploaded Reels
- Most watched Reels
- Add yours
From Instagram
Not all the notifications are from your followers or followings. Like any other social media platform, Instagram may need to send you messages like reminders, product announcements, or support requests.
FAQs on Instagram Notifications Not Working
Up to now, we’ve listed potential reasons why Instagram notifications not working even though they’re on [2023 update]. We’ve also provided you with any possible solution. Now, it’s time to share some frequently asked questions regarding the topic.
Q1. How to Get Notifications on Instagram for a Specific Person?
If you like to get notified when a person posts something on Instagram, you just need to go to the settings. Whether you have an iPhone or Android, the process is similar. So;
- Open the profile of the person you want to get notification from;
- Tap the bell icon in the top right;
- Now turn the notifications on next to any content you’d like to get notified;
- You can turn on the notifications from videos, stories, posts, Reels, and more.
- To turn off the notifications, just do the vice versa.
It’s important to note that users aren’t notified when you turn notifications on or off for them. Moreover, if one of your followings posts something for the first time in a while, you’ll get notifications, whether you’ve turned the notifs on or not.
Q2. My Instagram Notifications Are On But Not Working. Can It Be a Glitch?
Sure, it could be a technical issue within the app. Fortunately, these are temporary and go away in a short time.
Q3. Why Am I Not Getting Instagram Notifications from One Person?
Although the above reasons could cause this issue, it’s more likely that you’ve muted notifications for a specific person. So, check this by going to your profile and opening direct messages. Then, tap on their name to see if they’re muted.
Q4. Why Instagram Notifications Not Going Away?
When you open an Instagram notification, it must go away. But sometimes, this doesn’t happen. There are several reasons for this problem. The first thing is that you received a message request from a person you don’t know. In this case, notifications won’t be in the main section.
It’s also possible that the person who sent you the message has deactivated their account right after. And even, it could be vice versa.
To make these stubborn notifications disappear, there are a few solutions.
- Turn off Instagram notifications both on your device and the Instagram app.
- Restart your phone.
- Update the Instagram app.
- Clear Instagram cache data.
Q5. Can I Delete Instagram Notifications?
Yes, you can remove any notification you want. Simply hop into your feed and tap the heart icon in the top right corner. When all notifications are opened, press and hold the one you like to remove and delete the notification.
Q6. Why Does Instagram Show 1 Message When I Don’t?
Here are some possible scenarios: The user might have removed the message before you open it or have taken back their likes, comments, and mentions. Other times it’s just a temporary issue that could go away after minutes.
Q7. What Is Instagram Quiet Mode, and How to Enable it?
Quiet mode on Instagram is a new feature [2023] that allows you to take a break from notifs. You can pause all the notifications coming from other users within a certain time. Do as follows to turn the quiet mode on.
- Open your profile and tap on Settings and Privacy;
- Navigate for Notifications and open it;
3. Then, head over to Quiet Mode and tap it;
4. Now, you can set it up by entering your desired time period.
Q8. Can I See the Notifications History on Instagram?
You can view your notifications by tapping the heart icon at the top of your feed. However, these notifications will be automatically deleted when they go over 100. But there are some third-party apps that help you see all the notifications.
