Alexis Kestler
Are you wondering why you don‘t have the new Instagram messaging update with features like chat colors, emoji reactions, vanish mode, and more? If the "Update Messaging" option is missing from your Instagram settings, this comprehensive troubleshooting guide will help you fix it.
As a long-time Instagram power user and social media geek, I‘ve explored various tricks to activate the Instagram messaging update when it‘s not showing. I‘ll share all the possible reasons and solutions so you can also enjoy the new chat features.
An Overview of the Instagram Messaging Update
Before we get into the fixes, let‘s quickly recap what the new Instagram messaging update includes:
- Chat Colors – Choose gradient backgrounds to personalize chats
- Reactions – React to messages with any emoji of your choice
- Selfie Stickers – Make conversations more fun with AR selfie stickers
- Vanish Mode – Exchange messages that disappear after being viewed
- Enhanced Replies – Directly reply to specific messages in chats
- Group Chats – Improved group messaging with @mentions and admin controls
These features provide more options to make your conversations engaging. Instagram is rolling them out slowly to ensure smooth functioning.
Why You May Not Have the Instagram Messaging Update
If you aren‘t seeing the update, here are the likely reasons:
Slow Global Rollout
Instagram mentioned that the messaging update may not be available yet in some European countries like Italy, Germany, France etc.
They are gradually enabling it across the world through app updates. As per Instagram‘s statements, the update has been launched in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and Japan so far.
Pending Instagram App Update
To get the new messaging features, ensure your Instagram app is updated to the latest version. If an update is pending, you won‘t see the changes.
The screenshot below shows the update on Google Play Store:
[Insert screenshot of Instagram update on Google Play Store]Check your device‘s app store to grab any pending Instagram updates.
Issues with Specific Accounts
As shared by some users on Instagram‘s official Twitter account, the messaging update may show up on one account and not the other.
So even if the update is available in your country, you specifically may not see it due to a bug. Trying a different Instagram account on the same device can help identify if that‘s the case.
Location and VPN Issues
If you recently moved or traveled to another country where the update is not yet launched, you‘ll stop seeing it in your Instagram account.
Similarly, if you were previously using a VPN to access Instagram from a country with the new messaging, it will disappear once you turn the VPN off or change locations.
Other Individual Restrictions
In some rare cases, the update may be intentionally restricted for certain users based on past violations of Instagram‘s community guidelines regarding messaging misuse. So extensive spamming or abuse of DM features can prohibit access to the latest messaging tools.
How to Fix Instagram Messaging Not Updating
If you aren‘t seeing the new chat features, don‘t worry. Here are some handy troubleshooting tips to try out:
Update to the Latest Instagram Version
As I mentioned before, the key reason for the messaging update missing is a pending app update.
Go to your device‘s app store and check for an Instagram update. Download and install the latest version.
Once updated, restart Instagram and head to your profile settings to see if the "Update Messaging" option now appears.
Here are the steps to get pending updates on Android and iOS:
Android
- Open the Google Play Store app
- Tap the hamburger menu on top left
- Go to My Apps & Games > Updates Pending
- Check for Instagram update and tap Update
iOS
- Open the App Store app
- Tap your profile icon on top right
- Scroll down to see available updates
- Check for Instagram update and tap Update
Try Different Instagram Accounts
As I mentioned earlier, some users aren‘t seeing the update on their main Instagram account but it‘s present on their secondary accounts.
To check if this is happening with you, log out of your primary Instagram account on the app.
Then sign in with another account and check if you can now see the "Update Messaging" option under your settings.
If the update is visible there, it indicates an issue with your main account preventing the update. You can report the bug using the steps further below.
Uninstall and Reinstall Instagram
If updating the app doesn‘t work, uninstall the Instagram app completely from your device. Make sure to remember your login details before uninstalling.
Next, head to the app store again and reinstall Instagram. Sign back in with your credentials once installation is complete.
This forces the app to re-download from scratch and can sometimes resolve update issues.
Use a VPN Service
If you still can‘t see the messaging update, use a trusted VPN service to access Instagram as if you were in the US or another country where the update is already active.
To do this:
- Install a VPN app on your device (many good free options are available)
- Connect to a server in the US or another country as desired
- Force close the Instagram app and restart it
- Check your Instagram settings for the messaging update
Once you‘ve confirmed the update works via VPN, you can disconnect and the features should keep working in your original location.
Contact Instagram Support
If you‘ve tried all troubleshooting steps multiple times and the messaging update is still missing, reach out to the Instagram support team via the in-app reporting option.
Here‘s how to report a problem with your Instagram account:
- Go to your profile and tap the menu (hamburger icon)
- Tap Settings followed by Help
- Select Report a Problem
- Pick Messaging as the issue type
- Explain your problem of the update missing
- Include screenshots if needed
- Tap Send to submit the issue
The Instagram support team should respond with a fix or a reason why you don‘t have access to the latest messaging features.
When Will the Update Roll Out in More Countries?
Based on Instagram‘s phased rollout strategy so far, the messaging update is likely to reach more countries in Europe and worldwide over the next few weeks.
It‘s difficult to predict exact dates, but the update typically reaches new regions via app updates every 2-3 weeks.
For reference, here‘s a timeline of when the Instagram messaging update started rolling out in different countries so far:
- United States – Early September 2020
- Canada – Mid September 2020
- United Kingdom – Late September 2020
- Australia – Early October 2020
- Japan – Mid October 2020
- France – Late October 2020
- Italy – Early November 2020
So most European countries can probably expect the update by end of November, assuming there are no delays.
Instagram provides the access in phases to monitor performance and catch any issues before global launch.
Access Instagram‘s Old Messaging Features Till You Get the Update
While waiting for the update to reach your country or account, you can continue using Instagram messaging as before.
Some of the key old messaging features that still work include:
- Text, visual, and voice messages
- Stickers and GIFs
- Message reactions
- Sending photos and videos
- Group chats
- Disappearing messages
So you can still chat with friends and family normally, except for the color customizations, special emoji reactions, selfie stickers and advanced reply options introduced in the new update.
Conclusion
I hope this detailed troubleshooting guide helped you understand why the Instagram messaging update may not be showing for you. The steps and workarounds shared here should help activate the latest chat features.
While Instagram‘s phased rollout takes time, you can continue chatting as usual till then. And if you face any other problems accessing the messaging update, feel free to reach out! I‘m always happy to help fellow social media enthusiasts with tech issues like these.
