A friend sent you a hilarious text, and you’re about to react to it but realize that the emoji reaction feature is not working! Has this been happening to you too!?
This must have got you wondering as to why you can’t react to messages with emojis on Instagram!
Well, you’re not alone, my friend. Many Instagram users have been complaining about the same error.
In this article, I have covered the reasons why your Instagram emoji reaction feature might not be working.
Along with that, I have provided the fixes for the ‘can’t react to messages with emojis on Instagram’ error.
Why Can’t I React To Messages With Emojis On Instagram?
If you can’t react to messages with emojis on Instagram, there can be certain reasons behind it. I have discussed all the reasons in this section. These would help you understand the error better.
1. Outdated App
An outdated app can be a major reason why you can’t react to messages with emojis on Instagram.
If you have not updated your app, you can miss out on the new and interesting features.
2. Bug in Instagram App
One major reason you can’t react to messages with emojis on Instagram is a bug in the app.
The bug can be because of the accumulated cache and data. Or you may find a bug when you update your device.
3. Internet Connectivity Issue
Another possibility why you can’t react to messages with emojis on Instagram is internet connectivity.
If your internet is not working properly, it can cause many errors in the app including emoji reaction not working.
4. Instagram Server is Down
If your friends or knowns are also facing the same error then the issue could be at the backend of the platform.
Instagram Server being down can be the reason why you can’t react to messages with emojis on Instagram.
5. Using Instagram Lite
While using Instagram Lite can help you save some space on your device, you would miss out on many promising features.
Instagram Lite does not give you access to all the features that the normal Instagram app does.
So, if everything else is fine, it can be the app due to which you can’t react to messages with emojis on Instagram.
How to Fix Can’t React to Messages With Emojis on Instagram’?
Now, that you know the reasons behind Instagram emoji reaction not working, you should try the fixes given here. Before starting try to figure out the specific reason you can’t react to messages with emojis on Instagram. Then, you can apply the fix accordingly.
If you can’t figure out the reason behind the error, follow the fixes given in the order below. I’m sure one of the methods would help you out!
1. Update Instagram App
The first step you should take to fix ‘Instagram messages reaction not working’ is to update your Instagram app. The simple process of updating your app can help you resolve a number of errors. So, it’s worth a shot!
To update your Instagram app, got to ‘Play Store’ or ‘App Store.’ Find the Instagram app. Check if any new update is available. If you find a new update for the Instagram app, click on the ‘Update’ tab.
After updating the app, wait for sometime and then login again. Check if the error has been resolved. If the error still persists, scroll down below and try out the other fixes.
2. Offload Instagram App
If updating the app did not help you fix ‘Insatgram messages reaction not working’ error, you should try to offload it.
Offloading an app usually helps to get rid of any error you’re facing on the platform. Note that you can only ‘Offload’ an app on iOS.
For Android, you have to clear the cache.
To ‘Offload’ the Instagram app on iOS, go to your device Settings. Tap on General. Go to iPhone Storage and click on Instagram. Now, tap on Offload App.
To Clear the Instagram Cache on Android, go to your device Settings. Tap on Apps and Notifications and select Instagram. Now, go to Cache and Storage and select Clear Cache.
Once you have followed these steps, delete the app from your device and re-install it. If you can’t react to messages with emojis on Instagram, these simple steps should help you out!
3. Check Internet Connection
If updating the app and clearing Instagram cache (or offloading it) did not fix ‘Instagram messages reaction not working,’ you should check your internet connectivity. Your internet speed can be a reason why you can’t react to messages with emojis on Instagram.
To check your internet speed, go to website like Speedtest. If your internet speed is slow, try switching to a different network.
4. Check Instagram Server
If you’re not the only one facing the issue of ‘Instagram messages reaction not working,’ then it can be due to the server error. To check if it is a server error, go to website like DownDetector. There you can find reports from the last 24 hours.
Alternatively, you can also check Twitter and type Instagram in the search bar. If you find tweets with people complaining about the same issue, then it is a server error and you will have to wait, till Instagram fixes it.
5. Report Problem to Instagram
If none of the above steps helped and you still can’t react to messages with emojis on Instagram, then your last resort is to report the problem to Instagram.
To report the problem, go to the message where you can’t find the emoji reaction.
Now, shake your phone. On your screen you’ll find the ‘Did Something Go Wrong’ pop-up message. (Instagram has this option turned on for everyone by default)
Now, tap on ‘Report a Problem.’ Tap on ‘Continue’ and then describe your problem. You can also add a screenshot. Click on ‘Send.’ Now, wait for Instagram to contact you and fix the error.
How to React to Messages With Emojis on Instagram?
Many people don’t know how to use the message reaction on Instagram. To help you out, I have given the steps below.
Note that the steps to react to messages with emojis on Instagram differ for the app and the website. I have given the steps for both in detail below.
How to React to Messages With Emojis on Instagram App?
1. Open Your Instagram App.
2. Click on the DM icon on the top-right corner.
3. Now, click and open the conversation.
4. Press and hold the message you want to react to.
5. From the option of 6 emojis, select the one you want to use.
That’s it! With these simple steps, you can react to messages with emojis on Instagram app.
You get the option of 6 basic emojis: ❤️😂😯😢😡👍.
Note that you can also use other emojis by clicking on the ‘plus’ icon next to emojis. This will expand your options for reactions to messages.
How to React to Messages With Emojis on Instagram Website?
1. Open the Instagram Website and login to your account.
2. Click on the DM icon on the left side of the screen.
3. Now, click and open the conversation.
4. You can either double tap on the message you want to react to or you can click on the smiley icon next to the message.
5. Select the reaction you want and it will be used as your emoji reaction to the message.
Wrapping It Up
That’s a wrap! In this article, I have covered everything about the Instagram emoji reaction error.
From the reasons behind the error to the fixes, this article has everything for you.
If you can’t react to messages with emojis on Instagram, go through the entire article carefully. This guide will definitely help you.