Meta has officially announced that Instagram has ended support for end-to-end encrypted messaging.
According to the notice shown to users, chats affected by the change will include instructions on how to download messages or media that users may want to save.
Some users may also need to update the Instagram app before they can access the download feature.
What is end-to-end encryption?
End-to-end encryption is a security feature that prevents anyone outside the chat, including the platform itself, from reading messages.
Meta has not yet shared additional details about why the feature was removed from Instagram.
On the other hand, the company recommended users to its other end-to-end encrypted messaging platform, WhatsApp.
Instagram’s support for end-to-end encrypted messaging ended May 8, 2026.