Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, with over a billion active users. It allows users to share photos and videos, follow their favorite accounts, and communicate with others through direct messages (DMs). However, with so many features and updates, it can be difficult to keep up with all of the changes. One of the recent updates that has caused confusion among users is the orange flag that appears on Instagram DMs. In this article, we’ll explore what the orange flag means and how it affects your Instagram DMs.
Understanding Instagram DMs:
Before we dive into the orange flag, let’s first understand Instagram DMs. DMs are private messages that users can send to one another within the Instagram app. To send a DM, users can either tap the “Direct” icon at the top right corner of their home screen or swipe left on the home screen. From there, they can select the user or group they want to send a message to and type their message. Users can also send photos, videos, and voice messages through DMs.
When a user receives a DM, they will see a notification at the top of their home screen, indicating that they have a new message. The notification will display the sender’s username and profile picture, as well as a preview of the message. To view the message, users can tap the notification, which will take them to their DM inbox.
What is the Orange Flag on Instagram DMs?
Now, let’s talk about the orange flag on Instagram DMs. The orange flag is a new feature that was introduced by Instagram in 2021. It appears as a small orange dot next to the sender’s profile picture in your DM inbox. The orange flag indicates that you have a new message request from someone you don’t follow.
Previously, when someone you don’t follow sent you a message, it would appear as a separate request in your DM inbox, labeled as “Message Request.” However, with the new update, these message requests now appear as orange flags. This change was made to make it easier for users to see and respond to their message requests.
What Happens When You Receive an Orange Flag on Instagram DMs?
When you receive an orange flag on Instagram DMs, it means that someone you don’t follow has sent you a message request. To view the message request, simply tap on the orange flag. This will take you to your message requests folder, where you can see all the message requests you’ve received.
From there, you can choose to either accept or decline the message request. If you accept the message request, you’ll be able to see the sender’s message and reply to it. If you decline the message request, the sender will not be able to send you any more messages unless you follow them.
It’s worth noting that message requests from people you don’t follow are usually from spam accounts or bots. These accounts often send unsolicited messages or try to scam users. Therefore, it’s important to be cautious when accepting message requests from unknown users.
How to Turn Off Orange Flags on Instagram DMs?
If you don’t want to see orange flags on your Instagram DMs, you can turn them off. Here’s how:
- Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
- Tap the three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Go to Settings > Privacy > Messages.
- Under “Message Requests,” toggle off the “Show Preview” option.
Once you turn off the “Show Preview” option, you won’t see orange flags on your Instagram DMs anymore. Instead, message requests will appear as a separate folder in your DM inbox labeled as “Message Requests.”
Benefits of Orange Flags on Instagram DMs:
While the orange flag on Instagram DMs may seem like a small update, it has several benefits for users. Here are some of the benefits:
Improved Visibility: With the orange flag, message requests are more visible and easier to access. Users no longer have to go through their DM inbox to find message requests from unknown users. This makes it easier to respond to message requests in a timely manner.
Better Organization: The orange flag helps users keep their DM inbox organized. By grouping message requests together, users can easily see which messages are from people they don’t follow. This also makes it easier to keep track of message requests and avoid missing any important messages.
Increased Security: The orange flag can help users stay safe on Instagram. By indicating that a message request is from someone you don’t follow, users can be more cautious and avoid interacting with spam accounts or bots. This can help prevent scams and phishing attempts.
Tips for Using Instagram DMs Safely:
While the orange flag on Instagram DMs can help increase security, it’s important to take additional steps to stay safe on the platform. Here are some tips for using Instagram DMs safely:
Don’t Share Personal Information: Avoid sharing personal information, such as your phone number or home address, through Instagram DMs. Scammers and hackers can use this information to steal your identity or money.
Block Suspicious Accounts: If you receive a message from a suspicious account, block and report the user. This will prevent them from sending you any more messages and help Instagram identify and remove spam accounts.
Be Cautious When Clicking Links: Avoid clicking on links in DMs from unknown users. These links can lead to phishing sites or malware that can harm your device or steal your personal information.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your Instagram account. It requires you to enter a code sent to your phone or email to log in to your account, making it harder for hackers to access your account.
Conclusion:
The orange flag on Instagram DMs is a new feature that indicates a message request from someone you don’t follow. While it may seem like a small update, it has several benefits for users, including improved visibility, better organization, and increased security. By understanding how the orange flag works and taking additional steps to stay safe on Instagram, users can enjoy the platform and connect with others safely and securely.
