6 Easy Ways to Fix Notes Unavailable on Instagram [2024]

Instagram notes are a feature released in 2022 that allows you to display short messages in other people’s inboxes for 24 hours. Like every other feature, the Instagram notes are not free from random bugs and issues. One such reported problem with Instagram notes is the “Note unavailable. Use the latest version of the Instagram app” issue that can prevent you from seeing other people’s updates.

To help you with that, we will look over simple and quick fixes to “Notes unavailable” so you can get back to enjoying your Instagram session. So, let’s jump in!

What Are Instagram Notes?

Instagram Notes are short messages, left by people, that appear at the top of your inbox. Instagram added them recently as an extra means of expressing yourself to people that matter.

Notes support 60 characters including emojis and special characters. They appear as a text bubble over your profile picture to convey your message. Moreover, Instagram notes are highly customizable. You can edit who can see your notes, from followers to only close friends.

Like stories, Instagram notes will stay on the top of your friend’s inbox for 24 hours before removing itself. However, you can edit, change, or delete your note while it’s active. Your friends also possess the option to reply to your notes in direct messages.

READ MORE: 7 Easy Ways to Get Instagram Notes on iPhone & Android ➜

How To Use Instagram Notes

Instagram notes are available on both Android and iPhone but not on desktop and web apps. As far as we know there are no plans of introducing notes to these versions of Instagram.

Using Instagram notes is super easy even for a total novice. Just follow these steps,

1. Open the Instragram app on your device and head over to the DM inbox.
   

   

2. You should see your profile picture on the top with a plus icon and other people’s profiles with their respective notes.
   

   

3. Next, tap on the note icon to open the notes tab.
   

   

4. From here you can write a note up to 60 characters or less. Finally, press Share, and your Note should now appear at the top of the list.
   

   

READ MORE: How to Unmute Someone’s Notes on Instagram [2024 Guide] ➜

Why Are Instagram Notes Not Working

Many things can interfere with the working of Instagram notes especially the app version. However, other small issues can also cause problems as they can easily go unnoticed.

1. Check If It’s An Ongoing Issue

Instagram is updated and maintained regularly. Sometimes a recent update can break some features. Given the fact that Instagram notes are a relatively new feature, a recent update might have broken it. Look online if other people are experiencing similar issues or if the bug is officially acknowledged.

2. Try Creating a Close Friends List

When Instagram introduced Notes, the feature only worked when you had made a close friends list. While that restriction isn’t there anymore, it’s better to be on the safe side by creating a close friends list to see if something changes.

1. Open the Instagram app and tap on the Profile icon.
   

   

2. Tap on the three-line menu.
   

   

3. Select the option titled “Close Friends.“
   

   

4. Next, tap on “Get Started” and select the users you want to add as close friends.
   

   

5. Check if the notes options are visible and working now.

READ MORE: If You Search Someone on Instagram, Will They Know? ➜

3. Update Your App

Most of the time an outdated version of Instagram is the issue that causes notes to be unavailable. Always check recent updates and make sure your Instagram version is up-to-date. To update your Instagram,

1. Open Playstore on your Android device or Appstore if you are on an iPhone.
   

   

2. Search Instagram on the search bar.
   

   

3. Once that opens up, tap on update.
   

   

4. After updating check if you can now access notes.

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4. Enable Activity Status

When activity status is disabled it sometimes causes issues with Instagram notes. Try turning the activity status on by following these steps,

1. Head to your profile and tap on the three-line button.
   

   

2. Next, select the Settings and privacy option. 
   

   

3. Now search for Activity Status and tap on the first option
   

   

4. Here, enable the Show Activity Status option.
   

   

5. Try going to your inbox once again to see if the notes are now visible and working.

READ MORE: How to Clear Instagram Search Suggestions When Typing ➜

5. Switch To a Professional Account

Many Instagram app-related issues root back to not being a professional account. Switching to a professional account by following these steps can help resolve such issues.

1. Go to your profile and tap on the three-line button to open your account.
   

   

2. Scroll down, and tap on the Switch to Professional Account option.
   

   

3. Instagram will automatically prompt you with steps to set up a professional account.
   

   

4. Once finished, check if the notes option is now working. If it is, then you can try switching back to a personal account to see if it is now working there as well.

READ MORE: How Do Instagram Accounts Get Hacked? Follow These Steps to Avoid the Same Fate! ➜

6. Reinstall The App

If your “Note unavailable” issue is still not fixed, removing and installing Instagram back is your best bet as it can sometimes fix randomly occurring bugs. To reinstall the app,

↪ Android

1. Go to your home screen and hold the Instagram icon for an uninstall icon to appear.
   

   

2. Next, click or drop the Instagram app on the uninstall icon.
   

   

3. From here head to the Google Play Store and search Instagram on the search bar.
   

   

4. Click on Install and wait till the program is downloaded.
   

   

5. Finally, check if the notes option is functional now.

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↪ iPhone

1. Go to your home screen and hold the Instagram icon for a menu to appear.
   

   

2. Next, tap on the Remove App button.
   

   

3. From here go to the App Store and search Instagram.
   

   

4. Tap on Install and wait till the program is downloaded.
   

   

5. Now, check if the notes option is back on track.

READ MORE: How to Fix ‘Add Yours’ Sticker Not Working on Instagram ➜

7. Contact Customer Support

If you are still unable to use notes, we recommend seeking professional help from Instagram. You can report a problem to Instagram or contact their customer support. But make sure to check Instagram Help Center for articles solving similar problems.

READ MORE: How to Fix ‘Notes’ feature not showing up in Instagram ➜

Conclusion

When new features are introduced to any app they are bound to have some issues. Problems with Instagram notes are not as big of a deal as some people think. This article has provided easy-to-follow steps to get your notes working quickly.