How to Fix the Instagram Notes Not Showing Issue? Try 8 Ways

| Updated on July 27, 2024

Back on December 12, 2022, Instagram launched a new feature called Instagram Notes that was said to be pretty similar to how AIM (an instant messaging computer software created by AOL) worked. 

It is surely an interactive feature that can help many to keep themselves engaged with their followers. However, some users are complaining and tweeting about an Instagram Notes issue, as shown below. 

https://twitter.com/jala____/status/1603040891509284865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

In this article, we will walk you through everything you might want to know about Instagram notes not showing iPhone issues. So let’s get the ball rolling and start it off by talking a bit about what exactly Instagram Notes are.

Instagram Notes: An Overview 

With almost every other social media platform coming with new and innovative features time and time again, Instagram Notes is no surprise. After testing it for a while, Instagram brought out its Notes feature, which allows users to attach quick notes with post-disappearing content.  

Just like the Instagram Stories feature, the notes also disappear after 24 hours. Moreover, you can add a short message to the notes of up to 60 characters. While it is available for various reasons already now, not everyone knows about it and its use. Some users face the issue of not being able to post on Instagram.

The users can share their thoughts in quick notes with their added Close Friends list, or with their followers and those who they follow back on Instagram. It is a fun way to interact with others along with things to post on the Instagram account and also see what they have to say when they share their thoughts. 

The Notes feature is being liked by many users, with many already using it. However, some are complaining that the Instagram notes feature not showing. So to answer the question, ‘Why is my Instagram not showing notes?’, let’s first have a look at the reasons and understand why this might be the case. 

Why is My Instagram Notes Feature Not Showing?

Unlike the DMs on Instagram, the feature of Instagram Notes is quite the opposite. While you get notified when someone messages you on Instagram, the Instagram notes remain tucked away in your inbox. 

However, if you are unable to see them for some reason, there is a list of factors that could lead to the Instagram notes update not showing. They are listed below: 

  • You might have a poor network connection.
  • There is some issue with your device.
  • The update, including the Instagram Notes feature, is not installed. 
  • You are not added as a close friend of the user or don’t follow each other. 
  • Instagram Notes is not available in your region yet. 
  • Your Instagram app is out of date. 

These are some reasons that can make you wonder, ‘Why is my Instagram not showing notes.’ Now let’s have a look at the steps for ‘how to get Instagram Notes.’  

How to Get Instagram Notes? Methods to Consider

Just like the Stories feature by Instagram, the feature of Instagram Notes also stays only for 24 hours. It lets users share their thoughts. So if you also want to share notes on Instagram and want to know how you can get Instagram Notes, here is a step-by-step guide. 

Check your Messages 

Before you dwell on your thoughts with overthinking and let FOMO get the best of you, make sure you are looking for the notes in the right place! Instagram is a pretty big place, and some might get lost looking for the right options and features. 

So you have to make sure that you aren’t checking in the wrong options to view Instagram Notes, as they can only be posted and viewed in DMs. And if you have been looking in the Instagram Feed for them, you are missing out on them without a clue. Some users have also faced the Instagram couldn’t refresh feed issue. 

Now you know that instead of the feed, you have to look into the Direct Messages for Instagram Notes. To find Instagram Notes in your DMS:

Go to: Instagram < Messenger icon < + icon on your Profile Picture

Here, you will be able to view the Instagram Notes from other users as well, who have shared them with you.

Update Instagram 

One of the most important things that people forget about or often tend to ignore or skip is updating their apps. And the same can be the case here for Instagram as well. 

Since the Instagram Notes came in December 2022, many might not have updated the Instagram app and hence, cannot find them. So make sure that you update your Instagram account using the following steps:   

  • Go to Play Store or App Store.
  • Search for Instagram.
  • Check if there is a new version available.
  • If there is, click on Update.

Create A Close Friends List

If you don’t have a Close Friends list created for your account on Instagram, this can also be the reason you are unable to show Instagram Notes to others or for ‘why can’t I see Instagram notes?’

So to create a Close Friends list on Instagram, follow the steps given below:

  • Go to Instagram and tap on the profile icon.
    Tap on your profile icons
  • Then click on the Menu icon and select Close Friends.
    Tap on Close Friends
  • Click on Get Started.
    Tap on Get Started
  • Once you are ready to add friends, tap on Add next to the user’s name and click Create List.
    Tap on Add and hit Create List

Once you have done that, check if you are now able to view the Instagram Notes from your followers or whether you can add your own now.

Try Switching to a Professional Account 

One way to go with the problem of ‘Instagram Notes not showing’ is by switching to a professional account. To do so, follow the steps given below:

  • Go to Instagram and tap on your profile picture.
    Tap on your profile iconsss
  • Then click on the three-line Menu icon from the top right.
    Click on the Menu icon from the top right
  • Tap on Settings.
    Tap on Settings
  • Go to Account.
    Select Account
  • Now scroll down and tap on Switch to Professional Account.
    Tap on Switch to a professional account
  • Follow ahead with the prompts on the screen.

Now head back to your DMS and check if the feature of Instagram Notes is available, if it is not, you can try switching back to your account and see if the feature of Instagram Notes is now there.

Enable Activity Status

If the Instagram Notes are not working for you, you can turn on Activity Status and see if it helps.

  • Open Instagram and click on your profile icon.
    Tap on your profile iconsss
  • Now tap on the Menu icon (three horizontal lines).
    Click on the Menu icon from the top right
  • Choose Settings.
    Tap on Settings
  • Click on Privacy.
    Select Privacy
  • Now scroll down and tap on Activity Status.
    Tap on Activity Status
  • Turn on the Show Activity Status option.
    Enable Show Activity Status

After that, head over to your Messages and see if the feature of Instagram Notes is now available to you.

Check if Notes are Muted

In case you didn’t know, there is also the option to mute Instagram Notes. So, you may have accidentally or unknowingly muted them. However, if this is the case, the process of muting Instagram Notes isn’t quite simple. 

To mute someone’s notes on Instagram, you will have to press and hold on to their note and then tap on the option of ‘Mute notes’. So if you want to check whether the Instagram Notes are noted, you can do so in the following ways: 

  • Open Instagram and go to the profile that you think you might have muted the notes for. 
  • Under their bio, tap on Following < Mute < Toggle off Notes

If you have muted the notes for more than one user, it can surely be a time-consuming process, so make sure that you go through the other methods before trying this one.

Check if Instagram Notes Feature is Available in Your Region

There is also a possibility that the feature Instagram Notes has is not available for your region yet. This is because the feature is still being tested in some locations, hence leading to the  ‘Instagram notes not showing’ issue for some users. 

If you are sure after checking that the feature has not rolled out for you, and you want to use the feature anyhow, there is the option of VPN. Using any premium VPN, you will most likely be able to get your hands on the Instagram Notes feature.

  • Switch your location/region to the United States.
  • Log out of your Instagram.
  • Now log in your Instagram account again.
  • Check if you can now use the feature of Instagram Notes.

Now you will hopefully be able to use the Instagram Notes feature and if not, move ahead to the next method.

Contact Instagram Support

In case none of the methods explained so far worked for you, there is one final resort left for you that might do the trick. And that is contacting Instagram Support directly. 

You can report this issue for further assistance. The steps for it are as follows: 

  • Open Instagram & tap on your profile icon. 
    Tap on your profile iconsss
  • Then select the Menu icon.
    Click on the Menu icon from the top right
  • Then click on Settings.
    Tap on Settings
  • Select Help.
    Select Help
  • Now choose Report A Problem.
    Tap on Report a Problem
  • Now you can mention the issue you’re facing and explain it in the given description box.

The methods discussed in the article will help you understand the issue of the ‘Instagram notes not showing’ issue and hopefully help you to resolve it too. 

Final Thoughts

Before giving up entirely on this issue, make sure that you give a try to the methods discussed in the article. After going through the reasons, you will most likely be able to figure out and get the answer to ‘Why don’t I have Instagram notes?’.

For most of the part, the reason will most probably be the feature of Instagram Notes not being available in your region or that you haven’t updated your Instagram app. Well, the final step is yours to take, and hopefully, the feature will get rolled out for you soon too.

Also Read

FAQ

How to make an Instagram Note easily?

You can add a note on Instagram using the simple steps given below:

  • Open Instagram
  • Go to your Messages.
  • Tap on +Leave A Note with your profile picture.
  • Write down anything you want to and tap on Share.
Can you delete an Instagram Note?

Yes, you can easily delete an Instagram Note. To do so: Open Instagram>> Go to your Inbox>> Click on your note and long press>> Press Delete Note.

Why don’t I have Instagram notes after an update?

There can be various reasons why you can’t see Instagram notes even after an update, like the phone you are using or the feature itself not being available in your region yet.


Janvi Panthri

Senior Writer, Editor


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