Instagram removes end-to-end encryption for DMs

Meta has removed end-to-end encryption support for Instagram direct messages starting May 8, 2026.

The company confirmed the change through an update on its support page. Meta said users affected by the removal will receive instructions on how to download messages or media they want to keep.

End-to-end encryption prevents messages from being accessed by anyone except the sender and recipient, including the platform itself.

According to Meta, the feature was removed because only a small number of users enabled encrypted messaging in Instagram DMs. The company added that users who want encrypted messaging can continue using WhatsApp, where end-to-end encryption is enabled by default.