Can Using Airplane Mode Help Avoid Showing “Seen” on Instagram DMs?

Many Instagram users value privacy when it comes to direct messages (DMs), and one of the most common tricks shared online is using airplane mode to avoid triggering the “Seen” receipt. This method is popular among people who want to read messages without letting the sender know, especially those looking for ways to disable seen on Instagram without using third-party tools or violating platform rules.

Here’s how it works, why it may help, and what you need to know before relying on it as a long-term solution to disable seen on Instagram.

What Does “Seen” Mean on Instagram?

The “Seen” label on Instagram DMs appears when the recipient has opened and viewed the message. This feature functions as a read receipt, informing the sender that their message has been read.

Unfortunately, Instagram does not offer a built-in setting to turn off read receipts—meaning every time you open a message, the other person will know you’ve seen it.

How the Airplane Mode Trick Works

The airplane mode trick is a popular workaround to view messages discreetly. It works by cutting off your internet connection before opening the message, preventing Instagram from notifying the sender.

Steps to Use Airplane Mode:

• Open Instagram and let your messages load (but don’t open the chat yet).
• Turn on Airplane Mode – this disables Wi-Fi, mobile data, and Bluetooth.
• Open the DM you want to read.
• Close Instagram completely (force-close it or swipe it away from recent apps).
• Turn off Airplane Mode and reconnect to the internet.

By opening the message while offline and ensuring the app is fully closed before going online again, Instagram won’t immediately register that the message was viewed.

Does It Always Work?

While this method works in many cases, it’s not guaranteed to work every time. Here’s why:

• If the app is not closed properly, it may sync in the background once internet access returns and still show the message as seen.
• Recent Instagram updates may reduce the effectiveness of this trick as the platform becomes more responsive and connected in real time.
• Background activity settings on some phones (especially Android) may allow the app to update in the background even after force-closing.
• So yes, airplane mode can help, but you must be careful to fully close the app before turning off airplane mode. Otherwise, Instagram may still notify the sender when you reconnect.

Alternatives to Using Airplane Mode

If using airplane mode feels like a hassle or too risky, here are a few alternative methods:

1. Read Through Notifications

If your phone settings allow message previews, you can read Instagram DMs directly from your notification bar without opening the app. This won’t trigger the “Seen” tag.

2. Restrict the User

Instagram’s Restrict feature can delay or block read receipts. When someone is restricted, their messages go to the “Message Requests” folder, and you can read them without them knowing.

To restrict someone:

Go to their profile > Tap the three-dot menu > Select "Restrict"

3. Use a Third-Party Cloning App (Not Recommended)

Some users try using cloned Instagram apps or third-party apps to read messages without triggering “Seen.” However, these apps often violate Instagram’s terms of service and may put your account at risk. Use them with caution, if at all.

Will Instagram Ever Let You Turn Off “Seen”?

As of now, Instagram has not introduced a native option to disable read receipts, though many users have requested it. Instagram seems committed to real-time, transparent communication, which includes showing activity and message view status.

However, considering increasing concerns over privacy, it’s possible that future updates may include more control over read receipts.

Final Thoughts

Can using airplane mode help avoid showing “Seen” on Instagram DMs? Yes, it can—if done correctly. It’s one of the few manual tricks that allows you to view messages privately without alerting the sender. However, it’s not a guaranteed or long-term solution, and small mistakes (like forgetting to close the app) can still cause the message to be marked as seen.

If you frequently want to read messages without triggering read receipts, consider using notification previews or the Restrict feature for more consistent privacy. Until Instagram offers a built-in option to disable read receipts, these workarounds remain your best bet.