4 ways to send a direct message on Instagram

Sending a direct message to an Instagram user is the best way to exchange private messages that only you can see. You have the option of using Instagram Direct or the recipient's profile options to send a message. You can also use the Instagram app for Windows to communicate with another user on a PC.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Use Instagram Direct on the mobile app

Step 1. Open the Instagram app

Tap the pink, purple, and yellow camera icon on your Home screen or in the app drawer. If you are already logged into your account, this will display your home page.

If you are not yet logged in, start by typing your username (or your phone number or your email) and your password then press Log in.

Step 2. Tap the paper airplane icon

You will find it at the top right of your screen. Tap it to open Instagram Direct, Instagram's messaging service.

If you are not on the home page, first tap the house icon at the bottom left of the screen

Step 3. Select

This is the pencil and paper icon. You will find it at the top right of the Live screen.

If you have an ongoing conversation, you can tap the recipient's name on the Direct page

Step 4. Choose the person you want to send a message to

You will see a check mark appear in the circle to the right of its name. You can choose as many people as you want.

You can also type a username in the search bar at the top of the screen

Step 5. Go to Chat

This option is located at the top right of the screen. Tap it to open a direct message window.

Step 6. Tap the Message field

It's the bar at the bottom of the screen that says Message.

Step 7. Type the message you want to send

You can see a preview of the message in the bar.

If you want to send an image instead, tap the photo icon to the left of the text field and then select a photo

Step 8. Tap Submit

The Send button is located to the right of the text field and allows you to send your message directly to the recipient.

If you are sending an image, tap the arrow at the bottom of the screen

Method 2 of 4: Use the recipient's profile on a phone or tablet

Step 1. Open the Instagram app

Its icon looks like a pink, purple, and yellow camera. You will find it on your home screen or in the application drawer. If you are already logged in to Instagram, this will bring up your home page.

If you are not yet logged in, type your username (or your phone number or your email) followed by your password then press Log in.

Step 2. Tap the magnifying glass icon

This is the second tab at the bottom of the screen.

You can also scroll down the Home tab to one of the posts of the person you want to send a message to

Step 3. Select the search bar

The search bar is at the top of the screen.

Step 4. Enter a person's name

As you type, you'll see suggestions appear below the search bar.

Step 5. Tap a person's name

You will be redirected to their profile page.

Step 6. Choose Message

This option can be found under the information on his profile page.

Step 7. Tap the Message field

This is the field at the bottom of the screen labeled Message.

Step 8. Type a message

You will see a preview of the message in the dedicated field.

If you want to send an image instead, you can tap the photo icon to the left of the text field. Select your image by tapping on it

Step 9. Select Send

The Send option is located to the right of the text field and allows you to send your message to the selected recipient.

If you are sending an image, tap the arrow at the bottom of the screen

Method 3 of 4: Use Direct in the Instagram web app

Step 1. Go to Instagram in a web browser

You can use any desktop web browser. The web version of Instagram lets you access it from a PC or Mac.

You can also download the Instagram Windows app from the Microsoft Store

Step 2. Log into your account (if necessary)

If you are not logged in automatically, enter your Instagram username (or your phone number or email) followed by your password and click on Log in. You can also log in with your Facebook account. If Instagram detects your account, click Continue as [username].

If you have 2-factor authentication enabled, write down the 6-digit authentication code that was sent to you by text message or email. Enter it in your web browser and then log in

Step 3. Click on the paper airplane icon

This icon is located at the top right of the page, next to the other icons.

Step 4. Choose Send Message

It's the blue button in the center of the right panel. Click on it to open a New Message window in the center of the application.

You can also click on an ongoing discussion in the left panel

Step 5. Type a recipient name next to To

This will display a list of contact names that match your search parameters.

Step 6. Select a recipient name

It will appear in the To field at the top of the New Message window.

You can add more recipients by typing a new name under the previous one and then clicking on the account that appears

Step 7. Choose Next

This option is located at the top right of the New Message window. Click on it to open a new dialog window.

Step 8. Click on the Message field

This is the bar that says Message at the bottom of the dialog window.

You can also send an image by clicking on the photo icon to the right of the message field. Find the photo on your computer and click on it to select it. Then choose To open.

Step 9. Type the message you want to send

You will see a preview of your message in the field at the bottom of the dialog window.

Step 10. Select Send

The Send option is on the right of the dialog window and allows you to send your message.

Method 4 of 4: Use the recipient's profile in the web application

Step 1. Go to Instagram in a web browser

You can use any web browser on PC or Mac. The web version of Instagram allows you to access the application from a Windows computer or Mac.

You can also download the Instagram app for Windows from the Microsoft Store

Step 2. Log into Instagram (if necessary)

If you are not logged in automatically, enter your Instagram username (or your phone number or email address) and click Log in. You can also log in with your Facebook account. If Instagram detects your account, click Continue as [username].

If you have 2-factor authentication enabled, you will need to check your text messages or email and write down the 6-digit authentication code you received. Enter the code into your web browser and log in

Step 3. Click in the search bar

The search bar is located at the top center of the Instagram app. It allows you to search for a recipient.

Another way is to scroll through your news feed to find the post of the person you want to send a message to

Step 4. Type the name of the recipient

This will display a list of users that match your search parameters.

Step 5. Select the recipient's username

This will display his profile page.

Step 6. Go to Message

This option is at the top of the recipient's profile page, next to their username. Click on it to open a new dialog window.

Step 7. Click the Message field

This is the bar with the message Message at the bottom of the dialog window.

Alternatively, you can send an image by clicking the icon that looks like a photo to the right of the message field. Then find and click on a photo to select it. Choose To open.