Meta Platforms confirmed that Instagram will discontinue support for end-to-end encrypted direct messages after May 8, 2026. The optional feature, available only in select regions and requiring manual activation, allowed users to secure chats so that only senders and recipients could access content.
The company cited low adoption as the primary reason for the change. A Meta spokesperson stated: “Very few people were opting in to end-to-end encrypted messaging in DMs, so we’re removing this option from Instagram in the coming months”. Meta directs users seeking encryption to WhatsApp, where it remains the default.
Affected users are receiving in-app prompts to download messages, photos, and videos before the deadline. Those on older app versions may need to update to access download tools. Standard, non-encrypted DMs will continue unchanged.
Meta first tested the feature in 2021 but never made it default or widely promoted it. The reversal ends a limited experiment in private messaging on the platform.
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