Are you getting a “Disabled accounts can’t be contacted” error on Instagram?

The error message happens when you try sending someone a direct message.

Because the text field is disabled, you won’t be able to type and send a DM.

Instagram gives you to option to temporarily disable your account.

However, you might encounter some issues after you’ve reactivated it.

One of the issues is that your friends might not be able to DM you.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to fix “Disabled accounts can’t be contacted” on Instagram direct messages (DM).

Why does Instagram say that disabled accounts can’t be contacted?

Instagram says that disabled accounts can’t be contacted because the account is temporarily deactivated.

On Instagram, you can temporarily disable/deactivate your account.

Deactivating your account can be done from the Instagram app, a mobile browser, or a computer.

If you do so, your profile, posts, likes, and comments will be hidden.

They will be restored when you reactivate your account by logging back in.

However, reactivation can cause certain issues like the inability to receive direct messages.

How to fix “Disabled accounts can’t be contacted” on Instagram

To fix “Disabled accounts can’t be contacted” on Instagram, the user needs to reactivate their account first (by logging back in).

If the account is already reactivated, you can try restricting and unrestricting it.

You can also try unfollowing and following or blocking and unblocking the account.

If all else fails, you need to wait for 24 to 48 hours or more to send direct messages again.

This is because the reactivation of an Instagram account can cause the inability to receive direct messages for a period of time.

Fix 1: Restrict and unrestrict

1. Open the conversation between you and the person.
2. Tap on the person’s username on the top navigation bar.
3. Select “Options” and select “Restrict”.
4. Search for the person’s username in your direct message list and select them.
5. Select “Unrestrict” and try sending them a message

Fix 2: Unfollow and follow

1. Visit the person’s profile.
2. Tap on the “Following” button.
3. Select “Unfollow” followed by “Follow”.
4. Try sending them a message.

Fix 3: Block and unblock

1. Open the conversation between you and the person.
2. Tap on the person’s username on the top navigation bar.
3. Select “Options” and select “Block”.
4. Select “Unblock” on the same screen.
5. Try sending them a message.

Fix 4: Wait for 24 to 48 hours

• If an account is temporarily disabled, it needs to be reactivated before you can send them a message.
• To reactivate an Instagram account, you need to log in to it and follow the on-screen instructions.
• You might not be able to send messages to an account that is recently reactivated.
• If an account was recently reactivated, try waiting for 24 to 48 hours or more before sending a message.

Further reading

How to Fix Instagram Reels Not Showing

How to Download an Instagram Voice Message

How to Fix GIF Comment Option Not Showing on Instagram