You open your Instagram DM inbox, expecting to see those little thought bubbles (Notes) from your friends, but all you see is a blank list of messages.
It’s annoying, especially when everyone else is replying to Notes you can’t even see.
While most guides will tell you to “Update the App” (which you should do), the real culprit is often a privacy setting you changed months ago. I tested this on three different accounts, and here are the fixes that actually brought the Notes feature back.
Method 1: The “Show Activity Status” Fix (Most Likely Cause)
This is the most common reason for missing Notes. Instagram’s algorithm often links “Notes” visibility to your “Activity Status.” If you are hiding your online status from others, Instagram sometimes hides their real-time updates (like Notes) from you.
How to fix it:
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Go to your Instagram Profile and tap the Menu (≡).
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Tap Settings and privacy.
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Scroll down to Messages and story replies.
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Tap Show activity status.
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Toggle it ON.
Wait about 5 minutes, restart the app, and check your inbox. If this was the issue, your Notes should appear instantly.
[Insert Screenshot here: The ‘Show Activity Status’ toggle inside the new Settings menu]
Method 2: Switch to “Professional” and Back
Sometimes, your account gets “stuck” on an older server configuration. Switching your account type forces Instagram to refresh your profile’s features.
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Go to Settings and privacy > Account type and tools.
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Tap Switch to professional account. (Just click ‘Continue’ through the screens—it’s free).
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Once switched, restart the app.
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Now, go back and Switch to personal account (or keep it as Creator).
This “jiggle” often forces the server to push the latest UI updates, including Notes, to your device.
[Insert Screenshot here: The ‘Switch to professional account’ menu]
Method 3: You Might Have “Muted” Them
If you can see Notes from some people but not your best friend, you probably muted their Notes by accident. (It’s easy to do with a long-press).
How to unmute Notes:
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Go to the friend’s Profile.
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Tap the Following button.
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Tap Mute.
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Check if the toggle next to Notes is Blue (On). If it is, turn it OFF.
[Insert Screenshot here: The specific Mute menu showing the ‘Notes’ toggle]
Method 4: The “Force Stop” (Android Only)
If you are on Android, cached data can corrupt the DM interface.
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Long-press the Instagram icon.
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Tap the (i) info button.
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Tap Force Stop.
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Go to Storage > Clear Cache. (Do not Clear Data, or you will log out).
Summary Checklist
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Check Privacy: Is “Activity Status” On?
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Check Mutes: Did you accidentally mute their Notes?
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Refresh Account: Switch to Professional and back.
