Like other social media apps and platforms, it’s common to experience glitches with Instagram. One such issue that multiple users complain about is the Instagram Messages Blacked Out error. If you are experiencing this for the first time, you might panic.
But don’t worry; this problem can quickly be resolved using simple troubleshooting methods we will explain here. However, before moving towards the fixes, we will first take you through the reasons for this problem.
So, keep reading till the end to find out what makes the Instagram messages blackout on your app and what fixes you can try to get yourself out of this situation.
Why Do Instagram Messages Black Out?
Before moving towards the fixes, let us first look at the main reasons for the blacking out of Instagram messages.
Though numerous factors contribute to making the “Instagram blacked out messages” error appear on your app, one of the leading causes of this problem is the latest Instagram app update.
After the release of a new Instagram update in the late 2022s, there has been a significant increase in the number of users experiencing this problem. This made users wonder if the update had something to do with the blacking out of messages.
Here are other causes for the Instagram messages blacking out on your app.
1. Storage Issues
If you have installed too many apps on your device, this can affect its working efficiency. Due to this, various apps will suffer and can stop working occasionally. One of the consequences of insufficient storage on your device is the blacking out of messages on the Instagram app.
The same could happen if you have saved too many things in the storage tab of your Instagram app.
2. Poor Internet Connection
Another reason the Instagram messages have blacked out is the poor internet connection. If the Wi-Fi network your device is connected to isn’t working correctly, the app won’t be able to load completely. This can cause several tabs on the app to appear blank, and the blacking out of messages on the app is one of them.
3. Software Glitch
A software glitch with the Instagram app is another thing that could result in the blacking out of messages. This glitch could happen because of any malware or virus that might have gotten into the app, or it can be a normal software glitch that will disappear after some time.
4. Outdated App
If you haven’t updated your Instagram app to the latest version, you will likely experience several issues with it, and the Instagram messages blacking out is one of them.
Fixing the Instagram Messages Blacked Out Error
If this is your first time experiencing this problem where your Instagram messages have blacked out on your device, and you have no clue how this can be fixed, our 6 simple fixes will help you resolve this problem without much hassle.
Method #1: Rebooting the Device
Rebooting your mobile device is the first thing you can do to solve the blacked-out Instagram messages error.
Following are the steps you need to follow to reboot your iPhone.
1. Press and hold your device’s “Volume” and “Power” buttons.
2. Let go of the buttons when you see the “Power” slider on the screen.
3. Drag the slider and wait for around 30 seconds.
4. Hold the “Volume and Power” buttons again until the “Apple logo” appears on your screen.
5. Go to your Instagram app and check for the issue.
Method #2: Switching to Dark Mode
Another thing you can do to resolve the issue where your Instagram messages are blacked out is to switch the theme/mode of your iPhone to Dark Mode.
Here are the steps you need to follow for this:
Step #1: Open “Settings”
On your iOS device, find the “Settings” app and tap to open it. If you haven’t kept the Settings app on your Home Screen or any other tab on the Home Page, you can go to the “App Drawer” on your iPhone and find the “Settings” application there.
Step #2: Choose the “Display & Brightness” Option
Once you are in the “Settings” app, scroll down and find the “Display & Brightness” option. Tap on it.
Step #3: Switch to the “Dark Mode”
On the “Display & Brightness” page, tap the “Dark” mode to switch your device to Dark Mode.
Once done, the entire display of your IOS device will start appearing dark.
Step #4: Check the Instagram Messages
Now, head to your Instagram app and scroll all the way up in the DMs. The display of the message section will be changed according to your device’s display, and you can find the messages there.
Method #3: Clearing the App Cache/ Offloading App
You can also fix the Instagram messages blacked-out error by clearing the cache of your Instagram app following these steps.
Step #1: Go to Settings
On your iPhone, navigate to the “Settings” app from the Home Screen.
Step #2: Head to “General”
Once you have opened the Settings app, find and tap the “General” option.
Step #3: Choose “iPhone Storage”
Scroll down on the next page to locate the “iPhone Storage” option.
Here you can see the storage distribution on your device, including the space taken by different apps. You will also find the space consumed by each app on this page.
Step #4: Offload the Instagram app
Find the “Instagram” app from the list of apps and tap on it.
Select the “Offload App” option on the next page. Doing so will uninstall the app, but all its data will remain intact.
Step #5: Reinstall the Instagram app
Wait a few minutes and reinstall the Instagram app from the App Store again. Go to the DM section to see if the issue is resolved.
You will find the messages successfully appearing on your app.
Method #4: Updating the Instagram App
Updating the Instagram app is another fix; you can try to make the Instagram messages appear back on your app.
Here is what you need to do for this:
1. Go to App Store on your device.
2. Tap the “Search” icon at the bottom.
3. On the search bar at the top, type Instagram.
4. You will see the app appear in the search results.
5. If you see an “Update” button next to the app icon, tap it.
6. Wait for the update process to complete and check for the issue.
Note: If you don’t see the “Update” button next to the app icon and instead, the “Open” option appears, your app is up-to-date. In this case, try some other fix.
Method #5: Updating the Device
You can also update your mobile device to get rid of the Instagram messages blacked-out error. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Navigate to your iPhone Settings.
2. Tap “General” and select the “Software Update” option on the next screen.
3. If you see an update on the next page, tap “Update” to install it.
Once the process completes and your phone turns on after a reboot, check for the issue.
Method #6: Contact the Customer Support
If none of the above methods works for you, you can contact “Instagram Official Customer Support” and enquire about the issue.
Here are the steps you need to follow for this:
Step #1: Reach the “Report a Problem” Page
Open your Instagram app and shake your phone while on the Home Page. A “Report a Problem” prompt will appear on the screen.
Step #2: Send the Message
Tap the “Report a Problem” option on the prompt and select “Include and Continue” on the next page.
Type your complaint, i.e., “Instagram messages are blacked out”, in this case, and tap the “Send” button.
Step #3: Wait for the Reply
Wait until Customer Support gets back to you and see if the issue can be fixed.
Conclusion – Instagram Messages Blacked Out – Why & How to Fix?
This guide has explored some leading causes for Instagram messages blacking out on your app. We have also taken you through some fixes you can try to resolve this problem.
Hopefully, one of these methods will work for you, and you won’t have to wait for the Messages tap to revert to its normal state again. Thanks for trusting us with your problem!