> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.ocoya.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Instagram DMs not showing in Inbox

> Turn on Allow access to messages in Instagram so your DMs reach the Ocoya Inbox.

Instagram only shares your direct messages with tools you have explicitly allowed. The setting is called **Allow access to messages**, it lives in the Instagram app rather than in Ocoya, and it is off by default. Until it's on, Instagram DMs won't reach the Inbox, even though publishing works.

Comments, mentions and Facebook Page messages don't need this setting.

## Before you start

The account must be an Instagram **Business** or **Creator** account linked to a Facebook Page, which it already is if you can publish to it from Ocoya. See [Instagram](/help/channels/instagram).

## Turn on message access

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open your messaging settings">
    In the Instagram app, go to your profile, tap the menu, then **Settings and activity → Messages and story replies → Message controls**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Allow connected tools">
    Under **Connected tools**, switch on **Allow access to messages**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Send a test message">
    Ask someone to send your account a DM. It should appear under **DMs** in the Ocoya Inbox. Messages sent before you turned the setting on may not come through.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Instagram moves this menu between app versions. If you can't find it, search the Instagram settings for "connected tools".

## Common problems

**"Can't load settings."** This is an Instagram app error, not something Ocoya can change. Try the same steps on another phone, sign out of Instagram and back in, or switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data. If it keeps failing, report it to Instagram from the app (**Settings and activity → Help → Report a problem**).

**"I turned it on and DMs still don't appear."** [Reconnect the channel](/help/reconnect-a-channel) (don't disconnect it) and approve every permission on Facebook's screens, including the ones for messages. Then send a new test DM.

**"Comments show up but DMs don't."** That's this setting. Comments don't need it; DMs do.

## Related

<Columns cols={2}>
  <Card title="Inbox" icon="inbox" href="/help/inbox">
    What the Inbox shows and which networks it supports.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Reconnect a channel" icon="refresh-cw" href="/help/reconnect-a-channel">
    Refresh permissions without losing your posts.
  </Card>
</Columns>


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