what to know
- Open Instagram > Messenger > Chat > Tap and hold on the message > Edit > Send .
- You can edit your message within 15 minutes of sending it.
- Each message can be edited up to 5 times.
Our social interactions on apps like Instagram are filled with embarrassing missteps; face-saving features like instant editing of messages can save everything from typos to knee-jerk comments. This article shows you how to edit a sent message on Instagram.
Since early 2024, Instagram has allowed you to edit messages sent within a specific time period. Whether you're using the Instagram app on Android or iPhone, you can follow these steps to adjust your message even after you hit "Send."
notes
Currently, this feature is only available on the Android and iPhone versions of the Instagram app. Editing features are still not available on the web or mobile versions of Instagram.
Select the chat conversation where you sent the message you want to edit.
Tap and hold on a message sent in a chat to display the context menu.
Select Edit from the menu's list of options.
Edit message content. You can correct spelling errors, rewrite the entire message, and even add emojis.
When finished, click Send on the updated message.
The message will be sent with an "Edited" label at the top for both of you to see.
While editing sent Instagram messages is simple, there are a few caveats about the feature.
- You can only edit a message within 15 minutes of sending it. After this time, the Edit option will no longer be available in the context menu.
- Only five edits are allowed per message. You won't be able to edit the same message after this - canceling sending may be a better option.
- Instagram does not notify recipients when a message is edited. However, the Edited label displays status to senders and recipients.
- The recipient can always read the original message before you have a chance to edit it.
- The sender cannot view the message's edit history.
The ability to toggle read receipts, unsend messages, and adjust sent messages using Edit gives you more control over your messaging.
