How to See First Message on Instagram Without Scrolling

Quick Tips

• Instagram doesn’t offer a jump to top feature in chats, but there are workarounds to see the first message on Instagram.
• If you remember some keywords from the first conversation, use the search feature to jump to the top.
• Another method is to download Instagram Messages data and find the first message from it.

Can You Scroll to the Start of the Message Thread on Instagram?

Without raising your expectations, let me put this straight. Unlike seeing your first liked post on Instagram, if you have to read old messages from the start, you must scroll for hours to reach the first message.

Although there is no direct way to scroll quickly to the top in Instagram Direct Messages (DMs), there are workarounds.

Method 1. Search for Keywords in the Conversation

This method will only work if you remember some keywords of your initial conversation. The idea is to search the keyword and get directed to the top of the chat (as near as possible so you can scroll the rest of the way).

Step 1: Go to the Instagram chat window and select the conversation.

Step 2: Tap the contact/group name from the top. Select Search from the options.

Step 3: Type the keyword and hit search.

Step 4: Select the last search result (arranged in descending order). Depending on your chat, you’ll be near the top. Scroll up to see the first message.

Method 2. Download Instagram Data to See First Message

While the method is time-consuming, you can read your Instagram messages right from the start. For that, you must download Instagram Messages data in HTML format.

For easier understanding, we’ve divided the process into two parts.

Part 1. Download Instagram Data

Instagram offers a handy tool to allow you to download your data. You can access the data from Instagram Settings → Your Activity → Download your information from the app. However, we’re using a PC for easier access.

Step 1: Open the Data Download tool on your PC through any browser. If prompted, sign in with your credentials.

Step 2: Click Continue.

Step 3: On the following page, select Download or transfer information. Select the account and click Next.

Step 4: Luckily, you can select and download the data you want. Click Some of your information.

Step 5: Next up, scroll and check the box for Messages and click Next.

Step 6: On the next page, select Download to device, followed by Next. Here, make the following decisions:

• Date Range – As per your requirement.
• Format – Ensure HTML is selected.
• Media Quality – As per preference.

Step 7: Once done, click Create files to download data.

Now, you have to wait. Depending on the data size, Instagram will take some time to provide the data. You will receive an email to notify you when the data is ready to download.

Note: Once the data is generated, you only have four days to access/download the data, so keep that in mind.

Part 2. See the First Message on Instagram 

When you receive the mail, open the link. Click Download, enter your password, and save the file to your device.

Step 1: Unzip the file downloaded from the Instagram. Open the folder and select the HTML file – Start_here.

Step 2: In the window that opens, click Chats.

Step 3: Search (Cmmd/Ctrl + F) for the chat and open it.

Step 4: Now, hold the slider and drag it to the end of the page. You’ll see your first message on Instagram or from the time you’ve selected.

Note: The download data will not contain unsent/deleted or disappearing messages.