Alexis Kestler
📱 Having issues with the Instagram typing indicator not showing up in your DMs? I‘ve got you covered. In this super detailed guide, I‘ll walk you through exactly how to fix when that pesky "Typing…" notification doesn‘t appear. Trust me, I‘ve troubleshooted this problem more times than I can count, so I know all the tricks to get your Instagram typing indicator working again.
Here‘s what we‘ll cover:
- Why the heck your Instagram typing indicator isn‘t showing up
- 7 hacker-approved troubleshooting methods to fix it
- Pros and cons of using Instagram Lite or older versions
- Expert tips for contacting Instagram support
- A handy table summarizing the steps
Let‘s get started!
Why Isn‘t the Instagram Typing Indicator Working?
First things first – why might that "Typing…" notification not be popping up for you in the Instagram app?
👉 There are 3 main culprits:
1. Slow/Unstable Internet
The #1 reason you‘re likely not seeing Instagram typing indicators is an unreliable internet connection. If your WiFi or mobile data drops out even briefly, it can prevent typing notifications from coming through. I get how frustrating spotty internet can be!
2. Bugs & Glitches
Like any app, Instagram is prone to bugs. A recent update may have accidentally broken the typing indicator feature. Darn those sloppy programmers! These kinds of irritating glitches happen way more often than Instagram would like to admit.
3. Instagram Servers Down
During major Instagram outages, the entire DM system can go down. This takes away the magical typing dots for everyone across the platform. Not much you can do but wait it out!
The good news? We can get to the bottom of your missing typing indicator by trying a few troubleshooting hacks. Let‘s go over each method:
1. Download Instagram Lite
My first go-to fix is to grab Instagram Lite from the Google Play Store. This streamlined version of the app lacks some bells and whistles, but that also means it‘s less likely to contain any annoying bugs messing with your typing notifications.
To install Instagram Lite:
- Open the Play Store app on your Android phone
- 🔎 Search for "Instagram Lite"
- 👆 Tap to download and install it
- 📲 Open the Lite app and log into your Instagram account
- 💬 Check your DMs to see if the typing dots are now showing up
If they‘ve returned, success! The simplicity of Instagram Lite avoided any bugs interfering with the notification.
Instagram Lite Pros:
✅ Fixes bugs/glitches
✅ Smaller app size
✅ Uses less data
Instagram Lite Cons:
❌ Some missing features
❌ Can‘t post IGTV videos
❌ Separate from your main app
2. Revert to an Older Version of Instagram
If the Lite version doesn‘t do the trick, another workaround is reverting to an older version of the full fat Instagram app. Downgrading to a previous version brings you back to a state before any problematic updates.
To rollback Instagram:
-
❌ Uninstall the current app from your Android device
-
👀 Click "Older versions" and download an older APK
-
I‘d try a version from 6-12 months ago for best results
-
📲 Open the older version and log into your account
-
💬 See if your typing indicator returns in DMs!
Hopefully rolling back Instagram resets any pesky bugs interfering with the notification.
Pros of Older Version:
✅ Avoids recent bugs
✅ Gets typing indicator back
Cons of Older Version:
❌ Misses latest features
❌ Less secure versions
Instagram Lite vs. Older Versions
So should you use Lite or an older build? Here‘s how they compare:
| Feature | Instagram Lite | Older Version |
|---|---|---|
| App Size | Small | Large |
| Security | Latest patches | Potentially more vulnerable |
| Features | Limited | Full Instagram experience |
| Setup | Separate download | Rollback main app |
In most cases, I‘d try Lite first for its security and convenience. But downloading an older version works too if you want the full Instagram suite!
3. Update Your Current Instagram
Ironically, updating the Instagram app could also fix your typing woes. The latest update might actually patch the bugs causing the issue.
To update Instagram:
-
📲 Open the Play Store
-
🔎 Search for "Instagram"
-
⬇️ If an "Update" button shows, tap it
-
Once the update finishes, open Instagram
-
💬 See if the typing notification now works in your DMs
Updating gives you the most recent bug and security fixes. It never hurts to try!
4. Force Quit and Relaunch the App
If Instagram seems totally borked, force quitting and relaunching the app essentially gives it a reboot. This can reset any temporary glitches.
To force quit Instagram:
-
Swipe up from the bottom of your Android screen to view open apps
-
Swipe up on the Instagram preview to force close it
-
Tap the Instagram icon to restart the app
-
💬 Check your DMs for the return of the typing indicator!
Hopefully this clears out whatever gremlins were temporarily causing issues.
5. Clear Cache and App Data
Over time, cached junk files and app data can accumulate. Clearing this out resets things to factory settings.
To wipe cache/data:
-
Force quit Instagram first
-
Open Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage
-
Tap "Clear Cache" then "Clear Data"
-
🔃 Restart Instagram and see if your issue is fixed
Deleting this temporary data often sorts out persistent glitches. Give it a shot!
6. Log Out and Log Back In
If the typing indicator disappears mid-conversation, logging out and in again can refresh your connection.
To reauthenticate:
-
👤 Open Instagram and tap your profile pic
-
⚙️ Tap the menu and choose Settings
-
🚪 Tap Log Out to sign out
-
📲 Close and relaunch the Instagram app
-
🔑 Log back into your account
-
💬 Check your DMs for a restored typing indicator
This forces Instagram to re-verify your account. Say bye to any bugs!
7. Uninstall and Reinstall Instagram
The nuclear option is fully removing then reinstalling the app. This completely resets things to a fresh state.
To uninstall/reinstall:
-
🗑 Long press the Instagram icon and tap Uninstall
-
Open the Play Store and re-download Instagram
-
📲 Open the newly installed app and log in
Hopefully this wipes any lingering bugs interfering with your typing notifications. A fresh start can work wonders!
Wait It Out If Instagram Is Down
During major outages, Instagram‘s servers go down and take the typing indicator with it. If this happens, you‘ll see it mentioned all over social media.
Unfortunately all you can do is patiently wait for Instagram‘s engineers to get the DM systems back online for the typing notification magic to return universally. Make a cup of tea and ride it out!
When to Contact Instagram Support
If you‘ve tried every troubleshooting step and the typing indicator still doesn‘t show, it‘s time to go direct to the source:
-
📲 Open Instagram and tap your profile
-
⚙️ Go to Settings > Help > Report a Problem
-
📋 Select the typing notification issue and submit your report
Instagram can then investigate what could be causing the problem on their end. Hopefully they get it resolved for you quickly!
Let‘s Recap How to Fix Your Missing Typing Indicator
If you‘ve made it this far, you‘re a trooper! Let‘s summarize everything we learned:
🔧 Troubleshooting Steps:
1️⃣ Download Instagram Lite
2️⃣ Use an older Instagram version
3️⃣ Update current Instagram
4️⃣ Force quit and relaunch
5️⃣ Clear cache and app data
6️⃣ Log out and log back in
7️⃣ Uninstall and reinstall Instagram
🚦 When Instagram is Down: Wait it out!
🆘 If Issue Persists: Contact Instagram support
Phew, that was a lot of info! But now you have all the tools to get your Instagram typing notification working again. Follow these troubleshooting tips, and you‘ll start seeing those lovely typing dots in no time. Let me know if the problem keeps happening – I‘m always happy to help a friend out with more tech advice!
