Purple Instagram DM Meaning: Why It Happens & How to Fix It
Recently you received an email in your Instagram inbox with the whole screen being purple instead of white and blue? You are not the only one and you are not being hacked! One of the more frequent visual surprises that users will come across is a purple Instagram dm, and it is generally nothing to do with security.
Here is the explanation of what causes the purple colour, how it relates (or doesn't relate) to Vanish Mode, and how to switch your chat back to normal quickly.
What is causing a DM to turn purple on Instagram?Why is a DM purple on Instagram?
Instagram also has the option for adding chat themes to their conversations to help customize them. When one of the following occurs, a purple Instagram DM appears:
You or the person you choose picked a gradient theme from the customization menu.
The particular chat is now in Vanish Mode.
The app has had an update and now features a new default theme.
That conversation was expanded to include features of the messenger style.
The Instagram and Messenger share more infrastructure these days, which means appearing in chat has been updated more often than before. If you've seen a color shift, this is not necessarily a problem on your account.
Is a Purple Instagram DM the Same as Vanish Mode?
Not necessarily. Vanish Mode gets a unique dark low-contrast appearance all to itself, designed to make Vanished messages stand out. A regular purple Instagram DM theme, however, is just a color skin over a typical, long-term discussion. If you still see your messages when you close and reopen the chat then you're NOT in Vanish Mode.
Why Was Only One of My Chats Purple?
One of the most asked questions after seeing a purple Instagram DM is, "What does it mean?The most asked question after seeing a purple Instagram DM is: "What does it mean? Themes are only for the chat, and not globally. If one conversation is different, then it will most likely be:
The other guy changed the theme on his side (themes are for both sides)
You hit the Customization Menu, but it slipped your mind.
This particular conversation was given a “seasonal theme” that will only last a limited time.
Each and every other chat conversation continues to be on the same subject that was established previously, so that the color may seem random until you check out chat-by-chat.
How to Turn Off a Purple Instagram DM Theme
If you would prefer to return to the classic appearance, the fix is quick and easy - under a minute:
Create the conversation using the purple theme
Tap on the name of the contact listed at the top of the screen.Tap on the contact's name at the top of the screen.
Click on Theme in the drop down menu.Click on Theme from the list.
Use Default or solid colors of your choice
The change will be saved when you leave the chat
If the color remains unchanged even after switching the theme, it's a good idea to check if there is an application update waiting, or clear the Instagram cache - sometimes, the colors are stuck in the application's UI even after making changes.
When a Purple Instagram DM Signals Something Else
However, in some instances, they have seen an Instagram DM flash up immediately after receiving an alert for an unfamiliar login to their account or some form of suspicious activity. If the color change is left as it is, it is a cosmetic change. However, if the red flag message happens to be associated with other red flag messages you didn't send, with a list of devices you didn't log in to, or a password reset email you didn't ask for, then consider these signs, not the color. Change your password, and activate two-factor authentication as an added security measure.
Quick Troubleshooting Checklist
If you have multiple chats where your DM colors have been acting erratically, do this before you think it's a bug:
Make sure Instagram is up to date by installing the most recent version from your app store.
If the app appears to be unresponsive, force-close it and relaunch it.
Clear cache (Android: Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage > Clear Cache)
Log out and back in
Reinstall if problem remains after clearing the cache again
The majority of color glitches will go away upon update or cache clear; a full reinstall is seldom needed.
The Bottom Line
Don't be alarmed, a purple DM on Instagram is simply the new theme system for chat, which is being developed due to the deeper integration of Instagram with Messenger. It's either a reset of the theme or app refresh, pretty much always. Whether it's Vanish Mode, a manually selected theme or a rollout across the platform. When you have several accounts or you professionally manage social growth campaigns (like Boostbysocial) it's part of your everyday job to keep all your clients' conversations smooth, and minor changes in interface like this are not an exception.
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