Instagram Messages Blacked Out? Try These Fixes

Popular apps like Instagram are sometimes plagued with unusual bugs and glitches that prevent perfect functionality. Lately, a common one is direct messages appearing to be all black. That prevents users from reading what someone else sent them.

Look no further if you’ve encountered this problem and have had enough. The community suggests some solid solutions after rigorous testing. Read on to find out more.

Instagram Messages Blacked Out on the iPhone

The first thing to be aware of is that this issue isn’t your internet connection or mobile device’s fault. The cause is known to be the app itself. In May 2022, Instagram was down for a short time around the time blacked-out messages started appearing.

This bug surfaced after an update, so it’s safe to say the update introduced some unwanted elements to the app.

Ironically, the solution to the problem is to switch your phone to Dark Mode. It’s that simple.

1. Go to your iPhone settings.
   
2. Select the “Display & Brightness” option.
   
3. Pick “Dark.”
   
4. You can now view the messages and understand their contents.

By changing your display to Dark Mode, Instagram also changes color to adjust for the new mode, usually letting you read your messages again. Until Instagram has a permanent solution, you should keep this configuration.

Check Instagram Version

Sometimes, the bug could be a result of an outdated build. You’ll need to update the app by going to the App Store.

1. Go to the App Store.
   
2. Search for the Instagram app.
   
3. Tap on the “Update” button if it’s present.
   
4. Wait for the app to download new data.
   
5. Test and see if the messages are still blacked out.

If yes, then Instagram hasn’t released the fix yet. Try using Dark Mode for now.

Instagram Messages Blacked Out on an Android Device

Android users have also experienced this issue. Their messages are all blacked out, and there’s no way to understand them. Switching to Dark Mode also resolves the problem.

1. On your Android device, go to the Settings menu.
   
2. Head to the “Display” section.
   
3. Enable Dark Mode.
   
4. Check and see if the messages are now readable.

Because every mobile device has its own version of Android, the steps may vary slightly. Dark Mode may also be called Dark Theme. No matter the operating system variant or feature name, the results are the same. You can now read the messages.

Depending on your Android device, there are two more ways to enable Dark Mode. After enabling Quick Settings, you can switch themes in the notification tray. This optional method works for almost every Android device with Quick Settings.

Certain Pixel smartphones also automatically turn on Dark Mode when you enable Battery Saver. This feature isn’t likely to be present on many other devices.

Alternatively, you can try updating your Android Instagram app.

1. Go to the Google Play Store.
   
2. Search Instagram.
   
3. Update the app.
   
4. Test and see if the messages can be read.

If this fixes the problem, you won’t have to try using Dark Mode.

Currently, it has been months since this issue came to light. Instagram may have resolved it after bug fixes and following updates.

Should it still appear, try the steps above and see if it fixes the issue. Otherwise, submitting a ticket to Instagram’s customer support is the only way to resolve this. Here’s how:

1. Launch Instagram.
   
2. Shake your phone.
   
3. A popup will appear.
   
4. Follow the instructions and describe the problem.
   
5. Submit some screenshots to help tech support.
   
6. Wait for them to reply.

Hopefully, the solutions above will fix the issue.

I Can’t Read Them

As with many popular social media platforms, annoying bugs and glitches like blacked-out messages can sometimes surface. Workarounds may not always work, but this issue is fortunate enough to have one. However, The only sure-fire way to resolve the problem is to wait for Instagram to fix it.

Have you been a victim of this glitch? What did you do to make your messages readable? Let us know in the comments section below.