Nowadays, Instagram is not just an entertainment platform, but it also stores our daily conversations, memories, and many important things. Sometimes it happens that we accidentally delete an important chat, and later we realize how necessary it was. Then only one question comes to mind can these deleted messages be recovered?
On the internet, you will find many videos and posts claiming that deleted chats can be recovered in 2 minutes, but the truth is a bit different. So here we are going to tell you the correct, safe, and real method through which you can view your old Instagram messages again.
Can Deleted Chats Really Be Recovered?
The simple and clear answer is that Instagram does not provide any direct button to restore deleted messages back into the chat. Once a chat is deleted, it does not come back to the chat box.
However, the good thing is that Instagram keeps a backup of your data on its servers. Because of this, you can download your old messages and view them. This means the chat does not come back, but you can still read it.
The Right Method on Instagram: Data Download Feature
Instagram itself provides a feature called Download Your Information. With the help of this feature, you can download all your account data, including your chat messages.
First, open the Instagram app on your phone and go to your profile section. On the profile page, you will see a three-line menu at the top. Click on it and then go to Account Center.
After entering Account Center, you will find an option called Your Information and Permissions. Here, you need to click on Export Your Information or Download Your Information.
Why Proper Settings Are Important
When you open the export option, you will see many types of data options like photos, videos, stories, and profile information. But if you only want chat messages, then selecting the correct settings is very important.
First, click on Create Export and select your Instagram account. Then choose the Export to Device option so that the file gets downloaded to your phone.
Now go to Customize Information, remove all options, and select only Messages. This will ensure that only chat-related data is downloaded and the file size remains small.
How to Select Date Range
After this, you will get the option to select the date range. Here you can decide how old chats you want to view.
If you want all chats from the beginning till now, then selecting All Time is the best option. If you need chats from a specific period, you can also set a custom date.
You will also see a Media Quality option where you can choose High, Medium, or Low. If you only need text chats, Medium or Low is perfectly fine.
What Happens After Export
Once you complete all the settings, click on Start Export. After this, Instagram may ask for your password to confirm your identity.
Then your request will be submitted and will go into the Requested section for some time. Usually, it takes around 10 to 15 minutes, but sometimes it may take a little longer.
As soon as the data is ready, you will get a Download option.
How to View Chats After Download
When you download the file, it comes in ZIP format. You need to extract it. After extracting, a folder will open containing all your Instagram activity data.
Inside this folder, you will find a section called Messages. In it, there is an Inbox folder where all your chats are stored.
Here, you will see chats listed according to names. Click on any name, and you will be able to read the full conversation.
Important Things You Should Know
One important thing to understand is that this method only allows you to view messages. You cannot restore them back into the Instagram chat box.
Also, be careful of any third-party apps or websites that claim to recover your chats instantly. Such apps can put your account at risk.
