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why does my.ig.say message request.but nothing there

It usually means Instagram thought there was a new request at some point, but there’s nothing you can actually open now – often because the request disappeared, is hidden, or the app glitched.

Why does my IG say “Message request” but nothing is there?

Think of it like a stuck notification badge: something triggered it, but the “thing” is now gone, hidden, or not loading correctly.

Common reasons:

  • The person deleted the message or their account after sending it.
  • Instagram auto-filtered it into “Hidden requests” or spam.
  • Your message settings changed (who can send you requests) so the request no longer shows.
  • A simple app glitch or cache issue that leaves the “1 request” badge stuck.

A lot of people on forums describe the same thing: “It says I have 1 request but when I click on it nothing shows,” even after refreshing.

Quick things to check

Try these in order; most people fix it with one of these steps.

  1. Open all request folders carefully
    • Go to your IG inbox (paper plane / chat icon).
 * Tap **Requests** at the top.

 * If you see options like **All requests** , **Top requests** , or **Hidden requests** , open each one.
  1. Check message settings
    • Profile → menu (three lines) → Settings & privacy → search “Messages”.
 * Open **Message controls** / **Message requests**.

 * Make sure you’re allowed to receive requests from “Others on Instagram,” “People who follow you,” etc.; if it’s set to “Don’t receive requests,” behavior can be weird.
  1. Update and clear app cache
    • Update Instagram to the latest version from the App Store/Play Store.
 * On Android: long‑press Instagram → App info → Storage → **Clear cache** (not data).

 * On iPhone: if it feels really buggy, delete and reinstall the app (you won’t lose your account).
  1. Try another device or web
    • Log into Instagram on a different phone or on a browser (instagram.com) and check Message requests there.
 * If the badge is gone on web but stuck on your phone, it’s almost certainly just a local app glitch.
  1. Wait it out or contact support
    • Sometimes the ghost request disappears after a few hours or a day, especially if the sender blocks you or deletes their account.
 * If it stays for days and really bothers you, you can report a problem through Instagram’s Help section.

What’s probably happening in your case

Based on what people commonly report:

  • You did get a request (from someone you don’t follow),
  • IG showed the “Message request” banner,
  • The message was then deleted, filtered as spam/hidden, or the account disappeared,
  • But the notification badge didn’t fully update, so it looks like there’s something there when there isn’t.

It’s annoying but usually harmless, and one of the steps above (especially opening Hidden requests, updating the app, and clearing cache) is usually enough to fix it.

TL;DR

Your Instagram says “message request” with nothing there because of a ghost request : deleted messages, hidden/spam filters, or a small app glitch leave the badge behind even though the actual request is gone.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.