Many Instagram creators have found themselves repeatedly checking phones only to realize Instagram never alerted them about a new DM, a like, or someone going live. The issue of Instagram notifications not working in 2025 is becoming more common, and it's frustrating for users who rely on these real-time updates to stay connected, especially influencers and business accounts that depend on timely engagement. In this detailed guide, you'll learn why Instagram alerts aren't showing, what causes the problem, and,most importantly,how to fix Instagram notification issues using proven methods for both iPhone and Android.
Why Are Instagram Notifications Not Working in 2025?
In 2025, Instagram has introduced numerous backend updates to improve the platform’s performance and user experience. However, these changes have sometimes resulted in notification delivery bugs, especially on newer OS versions and devices. If Instagram alerts are not showing, it may be due to several reasons including software updates, notification permission resets, battery optimization conflicts, or even server-side bugs.
Many users report that their Instagram push notifications fail after an app update or OS upgrade. Others notice a notification badge missing from Instagram, meaning their home screen icon doesn't even reflect activity. You might also be not getting Instagram activity alerts like likes or comments, or perhaps you can’t receive Instagram messages alerts at all.
Whether it’s a glitch from Instagram’s side or something wrong with your phone’s settings, this guide will help you understand the root cause and apply the right fix.
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Check App Notification Settings on iOS and Android
One of the most common reasons for Instagram not sending alerts anymore is misconfigured system-level notification settings. These permissions control whether the app is allowed to show alerts on your phone.
For iPhone Users:
- Go to Settings > Notifications > Instagram
- Make sure Allow Notifications is toggled ON
- Check if Lock Screen, Notification Center, and Banners are enabled
- Turn ON Sounds and Badges if you’re missing alert tones or app icon dots
This is your go-to iPhone Instagram notification fix.
For Android Users:
- Open Settings > Apps > Instagram
- Tap Notifications
- Ensure all relevant toggles are turned ON including DMs, Stories, Likes, and Comments
This is how you optimize your Android Instagram notification settings to ensure alerts are being sent properly.
Also, double-check if Instagram app not pushing notifications is due to a disabled system permission.
Make Sure Instagram Notifications Are Enabled Within the App
Even if your phone’s settings are perfect, Instagram has its own internal preferences that may override system permissions.
- Open Instagram and go to Profile > Menu (☰) > Settings and Privacy
- Tap Notifications
- Go through each category,Posts, Stories, Comments, Messages, Live Videos,and make sure notifications are enabled
Sometimes, you may have accidentally disabled alerts for likes or follow requests, causing Instagram like and comment alerts missing problems. This is also where you can fix no DM notifications on Instagram.
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Are You in Focus Mode or Do Not Disturb?
Modern smartphones come with productivity features like Focus Mode (on iOS) and Do Not Disturb (on Android), which silence notifications. If you notice no Instagram notifications on phone, this could be why.
On iOS:
- Go to Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb
- Either turn it off or allow Instagram as an exception
On Android:
- Go to Settings > Sound > Do Not Disturb
- Check your Exceptions and ensure Instagram is not silenced
This setting can cause missed Instagram messages due to no alerts or prevent you from getting Instagram live notifications.
How Battery Saver and Background Restrictions Affect Alerts
Phones are increasingly aggressive with battery optimization, which limits background activity to save power. Unfortunately, this often results in Instagram notification glitches and failures.
On Android:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Instagram > Battery
- Set it to Unrestricted or Don't Optimize
- Disable Adaptive Battery if necessary
This avoids the issue where battery optimization disables Instagram alerts entirely.
On iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Battery
- If Low Power Mode is on, turn it off
These changes are critical if you’re experiencing Instagram alert issues on Android/iPhone, especially if alerts stop working when the phone is idle.
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Update Instagram to the Latest Version
Running an outdated app is a key reason behind Instagram not sending alerts anymore or having notification-related bugs. New updates often include bug fixes and performance enhancements.
To update:
- Visit the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android)
- Search for Instagram
- Tap Update if available
This resolves many problems such as:
- Instagram stopped alerting me
- Instagram notification issues after update
- problems with Instagram alert sound
Don’t forget to check update Instagram app notifications under in-app settings after updating.
Clear Cache or Reinstall the Instagram App
When all else fails, corrupted cache data or residual files may be causing notification failures. Resetting the app can fix Instagram alert bugs and push alert issues.
To Clear Cache (Android):
- Go to Settings > Apps > Instagram
- Tap Storage > Clear Cache
For iPhone, there's no direct cache clear option. You’ll need to uninstall and reinstall Instagram.
Reinstalling also helps restart Instagram notifications from a clean slate.
This method is known to fix:
- Instagram notification glitch
- Instagram alert bug workaround
- reset Instagram notification settings
Check for Account-Specific Settings (Muted, Paused, or Restricted)
Another overlooked cause of no story alerts from Instagram or no tag alerts is account-level changes.
You may have:
- Muted someone (disabling their alerts)
- Paused Notifications for certain activity
- Restricted or Blocked someone
To check:
- Visit the user’s profile
- Tap Following > Notifications
- Ensure Posts, Stories, and Lives are enabled
Also, check in Settings > Notifications > Pause All,make sure it's OFF.
Muting causes muted notifications for Instagram that often go unnoticed. Fixing this resolves follow request alerts not appearing and missing DMs from specific users.
Network or Device-Specific Issues That May Affect Notifications
Your alerts might be delayed or missing because of:
- Poor Internet Connection
- VPN or Proxy Conflicts
- Outdated OS
- Corrupted Firmware
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Restart your device
- Switch between Wi-Fi and Mobile Data
- Update to the latest iOS or Android version
- Disable VPN apps
Some users even report that changing time zones or travel-related settings cause Instagram notification issues after update.
If all else fails, consider contacting Instagram support or reporting a bug in-app. These steps often resolve what causes Instagram notifications to fail when all settings are correctly configured.
Final Thoughts
Notifications play a vital role in the Instagram experience,from staying up-to-date with likes and DMs to catching a live stream as it starts. Unfortunately, many users are still battling the issue of Instagram notifications not working in 2025 due to a range of causes including app settings, device-level restrictions, outdated software, and even Instagram's own glitches.
Here’s a quick recap of how to fix it:
- Check and enable all notification permissions,both in your device settings and within the Instagram app.
- Turn off Focus Mode or Do Not Disturb, which may be blocking alerts.
- Disable battery optimization and allow Instagram to run in the background.
- Update the Instagram app and your device OS regularly to prevent bugs.
- Clear cache or reinstall the app to remove corrupt data.
- Review account-specific settings like mute or pause.
- Troubleshoot network issues that may be causing delays or failures in alerts.
These steps collectively address all major causes of Instagram push notification failures, alert sound issues, and notification badge problems. By following this guide, you’ll not only fix the issue but optimize your Instagram experience for reliable real-time updates.
FAQ
Why aren’t Instagram notifications showing?
This could be due to disabled system or in-app notification settings, Focus Mode, battery optimization, or even a recent app update causing bugs.
What causes Instagram notifications to fail?
Causes include outdated app versions, denied notification permissions, background data restrictions, and conflicts with battery-saving modes.
How do I fix Instagram push alerts?
Enable all relevant permissions, update the app, turn off Focus Mode, clear cache, and check if any specific account or content has been muted.
Why don’t I get tag alerts from Instagram?
You may have disabled mentions or tag alerts in the in-app settings, or the user tagging you may be restricted or muted.
Is there a bug in Instagram notifications?
Yes, occasionally Instagram rolls out updates that introduce bugs affecting alerts. Updating the app and reporting the issue can help.
Why are my Instagram alerts delayed?
Delayed alerts are often caused by weak internet, VPN usage, or battery/data restrictions limiting background processes.