--- title: "Why are my Instagram DMs not sending but notifications still work?" description: "Why are my Instagram DMs not sending but notifications still work?" author: "Ravi Vishwakarma" published: 2025-09-17 updated: 2025-09-26 canonical: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/115751/why-are-my-instagram-dms-not-sending-but-notifications-still-work category: "technology & healthcare" tags: ["instagram", "tech"] reading_time: 1 minute --- # Why are my Instagram DMs not sending but notifications still work? ## Answers ### Answer by Himanshi Gupta Many [Instagram](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/12321/instagram) users face this weird problem: notifications come on time but DMs ([messages](https://www.mindstick.com/news/4166/google-rolling-out-gemini-extensions-for-messages-whatsapp-and-spotify)) are not sending. This usually happens because of [connection](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/123/connection-string) or app issues. Your phone may have [internet](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/44099/best-internet-hobby) enough for notifications, but weak for sending messages. Instagram notifications are handled by server push, which use very little data, but sending a DM needs a proper connection. Another reason is bugs in the app. Sometimes the app is outdated or has a glitch, so DMs get stuck. [Cache problems in your phone](https://www.mindstick.com/interview/34005/how-can-you-handle-cache-consistency-issues) can also cause it. Also, if Instagram temporarily restricts your [account](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/33699/how-tech-is-disrupting-the-accounting-world) due to spammy activity, DMs might not send but you will still get alerts. To fix it, first check internet, maybe [switch from WiFi to mobile data](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/99779/how-to-set-up-a-mobile-hotspot-or-control-data-usage-for-specific-apps). Then update Instagram from [Play Store](https://www.mindstick.com/news/1784/the-app-permission-list-would-be-restored-soon-by-google-on-play-store) or [App Store](https://www.mindstick.com/news/2473/apple-threatened-to-remove-twitter-from-the-app-store-over-in-app-purchases). You can also [clear cache](https://www.mindstick.com/interview/1457/how-can-you-clear-the-cache) or reinstall the app. If your account is restricted, you may have to wait some hours or days. Basically, it’s not a very serious problem, just needs some fixes. --- Original Source: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/115751/why-are-my-instagram-dms-not-sending-but-notifications-still-work Copyright © MindStick Software Pvt. Ltd. This Markdown version is provided for developers, AI systems, and offline reading.