If you see the message "The account owner has disabled access to Instagram Direct Messages" on your Instagram Business or Creator profile, you need to turn on message access in the Instagram app. Once it's on, your Instagram DMs can come into the Vista Social Inbox.
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Note This setting doesn't affect publishing or scheduling with Vista Social. Until you turn it on, message stats may not show in your analytics. |
How to allow access to messages
Instagram shows this setting in different places depending on your app version. Try Method 1 first. If you don't see those options, use Method 2.
Method 1: Messages and story replies
1. Open the Instagram app, go to Settings, and tap Messages and story replies.
2. Tap Message controls (or Message requests).
3. Under Connected tools, turn on Allow access to messages.
Method 2: Privacy
1. In the Instagram app Settings, tap Privacy.
2. Tap Messages.
3. Scroll down and, under Connected tools, turn on Allow access to messages.
After you turn it on
Vista Social picks up the change within a few hours, and your Instagram DMs start showing in the Inbox. To speed it up, reconnect the profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does this setting affect publishing?
A: No. Publishing and scheduling keep working. The setting only controls access to your Instagram messages.
Q: I turned it on, but my DMs still don't show in the Inbox. What should I do?
A: Wait a few hours, then reconnect the profile. If the DMs still don't show, contact our support team.
Q: Does this work for Instagram Personal profiles?
A: No. Inbox is available only for Instagram Business and Creator profiles connected through a Facebook page. See Instagram profile types explained.
Need help?
Reach out to our support team, and we are happy to help.
Related Reading:
How to resolve frequent Instagram and Facebook profile disconnections
How to reconnect/disconnect profiles
Troubleshooting Instagram failed post errors
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