End-to-end encrypted messaging on Instagram will no longer be supported after today i.e. May 8, 2026. This means that Instagram-parent Meta will potentially be able to access and read the contents of all messages shared between users on the social media platform. End-to-end encryption messages has been an optional feature in Instagram since 2023. But after today, the optional feature will no longer be available and the content of messages shared on Instagram will no longer be private. Thankfully, Instagram says that those impacted by the change will be able to download any media or messages they may want to keep. In this article, we take a look at how to download Instagram DM data before it becomes ‘public’
What is end-to-end encryption messaging?
End-to-end encrypted messages and calls ensure only you and the people you’re communicating with can see or listen to what is sent, and no one else, not even Meta, can do so. Keep in mind, for reporting and optional features, you or someone in the chat may still choose to share messages with Meta.How does it work?Every device in an end-to-end encrypted conversation has a special key that’s used to protect the conversation. Users can compare keys with someone to check if messages and calls are secured with end-to-end encryption.When a user sends a message in an end-to-end encrypted chat, the device locks the message as it’s sending. This message can only be unlocked by a device that owns one of the special keys for that chat. The same is true for the content of your video and audio conversations.No one can read messages or hear calls except the people who have these special keys – not even Meta. Keep in mind that if you or the receiver of an end-to-end encrypted message or call chooses to share it with someone else outside of the conversation, they’ll be able to see or hear its contents.
How to download your data from end-to-end encrypted messages on Instagram
Users can download a copy of all their end-to-end encrypted messages at any time if they’ve turned secure storage on in Instagram. Data in end-to-end encrypted messages can include:
- Messages that one has sent and received from other people.
- Attachments, such as files, images and other media that you’ve sent and received.
Here’s how you can download data from secure storage
- Click Menu in the bottom left, then click Your activity.
- Click Download end-to-end encrypted data at the bottom, then click Next.
- If your device is not authenticated, you may need to enter your PIN.
- Enter your Instagram account password and click Request download.
- The download will happen in the browser once your file has been prepared.
