How to Enable and Manage Instagram Direct Messages (DMs) for Business Accounts?

In order to send messages using the Instagram messaging service you must enable 'Allow access to messages' in the Instagram business account.

1. In the Instagram app Settings menu, navigate to the Setting and Activity section from your profile. 
   
   
   
2. Navigate to the 'Messages and Story Replies' section.
   
   
   
3. In the Message Controls menu, enable Allow Access to Messages under the Connected Tools section.
    

Manage Message Requests on Instagram

You can customize who can send you message requests:

1. Click More in the bottom-left of your screen (desktop).

2. Go to Settings.

3. Under How others can interact with you, click Messages and story replies.

4. Click Message controls.

5. Adjust the settings for:

   • Who can send you message requests.

   • Whether those messages go to your Message Requests folder or are blocked entirely.

Note: You’ll need to manually accept message requests before they appear in your main Chats list.

Messages from people you follow will appear directly in your chats.
These settings do not affect messaging through ad campaigns or monetized content—you will still receive messages via CTM ads.

Manage Group Chat Message Requests

You can also manage who can add you to Instagram group chats:

1. Click More in the bottom left, then go to Settings.

2. Under How others can interact with you, click Messages and story replies.

3. Go to Message controls.

4. Tap Who can add you to groups and choose from:

   • Everyone on Instagram: Group chats from accounts you’ve connected with will appear in your chats. All others will go to Message Requests.

   • Only people you follow: Only people you follow or have messaged before can add you to groups.

   • Blocked Accounts: Users you’ve blocked cannot send you message requests or add you to groups.

   • If you’re invited to a group chat that includes a blocked account, Instagram will notify you before you join.

   • If someone has multiple accounts, consider blocking each one individually if needed.