How to Control Who Messages You on Facebook and Instagram

On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Technology Buyers Guide

Take charge of your privacy by customizing who can contact you on Facebook and Instagram. Here’s how you can manage, block, mute, or limit messaging effectively.

Understanding Message Requests

Friends & Followers:
- Messages from friends (Facebook) or followers (Instagram) appear in your main chat list with notifications enabled.

Requests Folder:
- Messages from strangers or people you’re not connected with go to a “requests” folder.
- You can preview the message without the sender knowing.
- Tip: On Facebook Messenger, check Message Requests by tapping your profile (app) or the three-dot menu (web).

Customizing Who Can Message You

You can manage message delivery for different groups (e.g., friends, friends of friends, or strangers).

Settings on Each App:

Facebook (Web):
- Open the chat window (top right).
- Click the three-dot menu > Message Delivery Settings.
- Adjust settings under “How You Get Message Requests.”

Facebook Messenger App:
- Tap your profile photo (top left).
- Go to Privacy > Message Delivery.
- Select how you want to handle messages from various groups.

Instagram App:
- Go to your profile (bottom right).
- Tap the three-line menu (top right) > Settings > Privacy > Messages.
- Customize your message preferences.

Ways to Block, Mute, or Ignore Messages

For existing chats, you can mute notifications, ignore, or block users entirely.

Key Options:

Mute Notifications:
- Silences alerts from a specific chat but still allows messages.

Ignore Messages:
- Moves messages to a spam folder.

Block Users:
- Prevents all contact. On Facebook, you can block just messages or the entire account.

Restrict Users (Instagram Only):
- Hides their comments on your posts and moves their messages to the requests folder.

How to Use These Features:

Facebook Web:
- Open a chat > Click the user’s name > Choose “Mute,” “Ignore,” or “Block.”

Facebook Messenger App:
- Open a chat > Tap the “i” icon (top right) > Select “Mute,” “Ignore,” or “Block.”

Instagram App:
- Go to the user’s profile > Tap the three-dot menu > Choose “Restrict” or “Block.”

Tips for Extra Privacy

Periodically check your settings to ensure they align with your privacy needs.
Unwanted messagesUse "Ignore" or "Block" without notifying the sender.
Restrict Mode (Instagram): A discreet way to limit interactions.

Control your messaging experience and enjoy better privacy across platforms!