Notifications are literal representations of curiosity. Every time one from Instagram pops up, it generates instant curiosity – is it a like, a comment, or someone messaged me? Although it’s fine to be excited about it, there’s a catch that alternatively messes up the whole mood. And that is the stubborn ghost notification from Instagram that lingers there and just won’t go away. So, what is this fuss all about and how can you get rid of it? We’ll discuss more about it in today’s blog, let’s get started.
You might have received a notification that says that you have unread messages from 1 person on Instagram but you don’t find any new unread messages from anyone on tapping on it. So, was it a ghost notification from Instagram? Well, no, not really. Whenever you receive a text, the platform notifies you about it. However, if you can’t find it, it’s possible that the sender unsent it.
Now here’s the thing: whether and how can you read unsent messages on Instagram is a different story. Currently, unless you’re using its web version on a PC users do not get notified that the message has been unsent and is no longer available. Instead, the notification goes away. If it hasn’t in your case, the following could be the possible causes:
- Poor internet connectivity
- Corrupt cache files
- Sender deactivated or deleted Instagram account
- Bugs or glitches
- Server issues
Quick Answer
Troubleshoot the internet connectivity on the device and relaunch the app to check if there are any new messages. If not, clear out the corrupt cache data.
1. Open Settings and tap on Apps.
2. Select Instagram from the menu.
3. Finally, tap on Storage, followed by Clear cache.
Tip: You may be getting notified of the old unread chats only. So, before you start with the troubleshooting, make sure to read all the old unread messages on Instagram. Also, check the Message Requests, and if there are any pending ones, read them.
Note: Since smartphones don’t have the same Settings options, they vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Hence, ensure the correct settings before changing any on your device. The steps were performed on the Samsung S20 FE 5G, as shown in the illustrations below.
Method 1: Restart App, then Device
Often, a simple restart can resolve minor, temporary glitches that might be causing the notifications to persist. If you still see the notifications, restart your phone.
Method 2: Wait for Server Uptime
Perhaps you’ve received the notification but not the message yet. If in case Instagram servers in your region are experiencing downtime or are under maintenance. As a result, you might face delays in app responses. Open Downdetector for Instagram and in case of any discrepancies reported, wait until they get fixed.
Method 3: Troubleshoot Internet Connectivity
Similar to server issues, sometimes, a poor and unstable internet connection can also prevent notifications from being properly loaded or acknowledged. Hence, even if you have received the notification, you might see no message on Instagram instantly. Such scenarios are possible, hence make sure to boost the internet speed on your Android phone. Once you receive the message and read it, its notification will be gone.
Method 4: Clear App Cache Data
Make sure that app cache data does not hog your phone’s storage. Moreover, corrupt or damaged cache files can lead to glitches in the app’s functionality, including the you have an unread message on Instagram from 1 person notification that just won’t go away. In such cases, it is advised to clear out all the temporary files stored by the app.
1. Open Settings and tap on Apps.
2. Select Instagram from the list of apps and tap on Storage.
3. Tap on the Clear cache option at the bottom.
Once cleared, check if the issue is resolved. If not, you can also Clear data. But, do remember that doing so will erase all your login credentials.
Method 5: Relogin to Your Account
Now it’s another simple procedure that has helped multiple users get rid of this persistent ghost Instagram notification. All you need is to log out of all your accounts and log in once again. Follow the steps:
1. Open Instagram, move to the profile page, and tap on the three lines icon at the top right corner.
2. Select Settings and privacy from the menu.
3. Scroll down and tap on Log out <username>. If you have multiple accounts, tap on Log out of all accounts.
4. Once logged out, enter credentials, and Log In to your account once again.
Check now if the issue is resolved.
Also Read: 15 Best Free Instagram Stalking Apps
Method 6: Turn Off Instagram Notifications for Direct Messages
You can also disable direct message notifications for Instagram to avoid such issues. By doing so, the app will notify you about likes, comments, and every other activity on your profile, except for the messages you receive. Follow the steps:
1. Open Settings and tap on Notifications followed by App notifications.
2. Tap on Instagram and then on Notification categories.
3. Toggle off the Instagram Direct requests option.
Method 7: Pause All Instagram Notifications
If you can still see the unread messages notification, disable all notifications from Instagram at once. Follow the steps:
1. Open Instagram, move to the profile page, and tap on the three lines icon at the top right corner.
2. Tap on Notifications and toggle on the option next to Pause all.
3. Select the period for which you want to pause all notifications.
4. Tap on Messages and select Off for all options including Message requests, Messages from individual and group chats, Message reminders, Group requests, etc.
Also Read: How to Recover Deleted Notifications on Android
Method 8: Update App, then Device
Outdated apps are prone to bugs and glitches, which could cause such problems within the app. However, they can be fixed with an update.
1. Open the Google Play Store, search for Instagram, and tap on the Update option.
2. Now open Settings on the phone, scroll down, and tap on Software update.
3. Tap on Download and install.
4. If there are any updates available, Download it and Restart the phone to install.
Method 9: Report Problem
If the above methods fail to resolve the problem, reporting the issue to Instagram’s technical support team becomes a pivotal step. Make sure to provide a detailed description of the issue and any relevant information that might help in resolving the problem. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open Instagram and navigate to the Settings and privacy menu
2. Scroll down, tap on Help, followed by Report a problem.
3. Tap on Report a problem and turn off Shake phone to report a problem.
4. Tap on Include and continue.
5. Describe the problem you’re facing and finally tap on Send.
Also Read: How to Get a Taken Username on Instagram
Method 10: Reinstall Instagram
Lastly, if the error persists, try uninstalling and reinstalling Instagram. Doing so will clear out all corrupt or damaged files that might be causing the issue and download fresh ones. Follow the steps:
1. Tap and hold the Instagram icon in the app drawer and select Uninstall from the pop-up menu.
2. Open the Google Play Store, search for Instagram, and tap on the Install option.
3. Once installed, log in to your account. All the old notifications must be removed now.
We hope our guide helped you fix the Instagram notification won’t go away issue. If you have any queries or suggestions, please feel free to share them in the comments section below. Stay tuned to TechCult for more solutions to such app-related errors.