Direct answer: Instagram DMs or Messages not opening can happen due to a mix of app issues, connectivity, or account/server problems. Try these steps in order to resolve common causes. What to check first

• Internet connection: Ensure you have a stable mobile data or Wi-Fi connection. Try loading other apps or websites to confirm connectivity.
• Instagram outage: Sometimes the service itself has a partial outage. Check if others are reporting problems or use a status checker for Instagram to confirm.
• App version: Make sure the Instagram app is updated to the latest version. If you recently updated and issues started afterward, try updating again or temporarily reverting to a prior version if possible.

Common fixes you can do now

• Restart the app and device: Close Instagram completely (remove it from recent apps) and reopen. If needed, restart your phone.
• Clear app cache (Android) or reinstall (iOS/Android): Clearing cache can resolve corrupted data. If you’re on iOS, you may need to delete and reinstall the app.
• Check message access settings: In Instagram Settings > Privacy > Messages, ensure you haven’t inadvertently blocked access to messages or restricted conversations.
• Try alternative access: If possible, log in via a web browser (desktop or mobile) and see if DMs load there. Sometimes the issue is app-specific.
• Force logout and re-login: Sign out of Instagram and sign back in to refresh your session.
• Check account status: If your account has any restrictions or blocks, messaging features may be affected. Review any notifications from Instagram about account limitations.

If the problem persists

• Report the issue to Instagram: Use the Help or Report a Problem option in Settings. Provide details (device model, OS version, app version, and a brief description of what happens).
• Wait for a fix: If it’s a known bug or server-side issue, waiting for an official patch may be necessary. Monitoring official channels or support pages can help you stay informed.

Notes on security and data

• Avoid third-party tools promising to fix DMs; only use official Instagram features to troubleshoot.
• Do not share login credentials or grant access to untrusted apps while troubleshooting.

If you’d like, share your device type (iPhone or Android), OS version, Instagram app version, and whether the issue occurs only on one account or all accounts. I can tailor a step-by-step checklist for your setup.