How to archive Instagram chats

Instagram doesn't allow you to archive chats, but thanks to a trick you can do it: here's how

Instagram is among the most popular and used social networks in the world. Just like Facebook and WhatsApp, it is controlled by Mark Zuckerberg's company, which keeps it frequently updated according to the requests and needs of its members. Among the many functions of the app, one is quite important.

It is not possible to archive chats, and this is a great inconvenience especially for those who want to hide some compromising conversations, so that they are not seen or discovered by prying eyes. The archive feature on Instagram could also be useful for those who have accumulated some uninteresting messages over time and would like to do some cleaning to keep only a careful selection of chats at their disposal. But how can you make conversations disappear from Instagram without deleting them? There is a trick that allows you to do this in just a few steps.

How to save and archive Instagram chats from your smartphone

The only way to be able to save conversations you've had in the app, without permanently deleting them is to rely on back-up, that is, downloading all the information inside your device. The app allows you to save data on both Android and iOS devices quickly.

To do so, you need to access your profile and from there tap the menu icon, which is located in the top right corner, next to the account name. Then following the path Settings > Security > Download Data you can select the "Request Download" button to save a copy of all the information contained in the application: not only messages, but also photos, videos, Stories and texts. The program sends the back-up to the connected email address. Before finishing this operation, however, you have to enter the password, an extra security to avoid prying eyes from possessing sensitive data about you.

Save Instagram chats from PC

The procedure just described can also be completed on the computer. Instagram has had an online version for quite some time now where various features are available. For example, from the computer you can still see how many Likes a post has gotten. Also, you can look at the Stories, find out who has seen yours, and then of course you can chat.

At the same time, it also allows you to download data. To do so, you need to click on the little man icon located on the home page in the top right corner. By accessing the Settings and then clicking on Privacy and Security you can get to the "Request Download" item, just as it happens on smartphones. By following this path, and confirming your email address and password, you will be able to receive all your Instagram data - including chats - on your email.

After saving all your data, with your smartphone or computer, you can then delete your chats, certain to have a copy on your device.