Instagram often shows "10 requests" in your message requests folder as a notification for pending Direct Messages (DMs) from non-followers or people you don't follow back. This is a common UI quirk where the counter appears, but the actual messages might be empty, hidden, spam-filtered, or glitchy—especially if it's a recent trend reported across forums.

Why This Happens

Instagram uses message request limits to curb spam and abuse, typically capping unsolicited DMs at 150-300 per day for regular accounts (higher for creators). The "10 requests" could mean:

  • Pending spam or low-priority messages : Instagram filters suspicious ones into a hidden "Spam" or "Hidden Requests" subfolder you might not see immediately.
  • Ghost notifications : A syncing bug where the app counts requests but fails to load content—common after app updates or high server traffic.
  • Rate limiting feedback : If you've hit sending limits (e.g., too many new DMs quickly), it indirectly affects how requests display for you.

"Anyone else having 10 requests for messages on Instagram? But you open them and theres NOTHING THERE?" – Recent Reddit thread (March 16, 2026), echoing widespread user frustration.

Quick Fixes to Try

Follow these steps in order—most users report success with the first few:

  1. Refresh the folder : Pull down on your Messages tab, force-close/reopen the app, or log out/in.
  2. Check hidden sections : Tap "Requests" > look for "Hidden requests" or "Spam" tabs within it.
  3. Clear cache : On Android/iOS, go to Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage > Clear Cache (won't delete data).
  1. Update app : Ensure you're on the latest version, as bugs like this get patched frequently.
  2. Wait it out : Limits reset every 24 hours; empty requests often vanish automatically.

Scenario| Likely Cause| Time to Resolve
---|---|---
Empty on open| Glitch/spam filter 10| 5-30 mins
Spam overload| Daily cap hit 8| 24 hours
App bug| Outdated version 4| Immediate after update

Trending Context (March 2026)

This "phantom 10 requests" issue spiked in forum discussions last week, tied to Instagram's ongoing anti-spam tweaks post-2025 updates. No official Meta statement yet, but it's not account-specific —affects millions. If it persists beyond 48 hours, report via app (Settings > Help > Report a Problem) to nudge a fix.

TL;DR : It's usually a spam filter or glitch; refresh, check hidden folders, and update the app—should clear up fast.

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