You’re using your Instagram Direct Messages wrong – here’s how to see your hidden inbox

YOU could be missing out on a whole load of Instagram messages if you don’t use this more obscure Instagram feature.

Your Instagram DMs actually have several sections and if you just use the primary one you’re likely missing out on the on your “requests”.

If you have any messages requests, they’ll be at the top right under the search bar

Instagram message requests are from people who you don’t follow on Instagram.

For some reason, the app doesn’t send you a notification when you get one – and they don’t appear in your default inbox.

The feature provides a level of protection from strangers but it also means you can miss out on messages you may have liked to respond to.

Instead, they crop up in a special “message requests” folder.

To find it, first open up the Instagram app on your smartphone.

Head to your Instagram Direct Messages by tapping the triangular icon at the top right of your screen.

If you have any message requests, they’ll appear under the search bar to the right of your normal DMs , with the title “[number] requests”.

Tap it to access your unread messages.

Clicking on the message requests will open the chat and allow you to accept or decline them.

You also have the option to block the sender’s account.

Be wary that taking a peek at these Instagram DMs could potentially unearth a few creepy messages from strangers.

You should also watch out for scam messages in this section.

In other news, smartphone experts are warning anyone thinking of buying an iPhone for Christmas to think again.

WhatsApp is adding a cryptocurrency feature for some users in the US.

And, we revealed an iPhone document scanning trick you need to try.