If you’ve used Instagram recently, you may have noticed something new happening inside your DMs — a purple message bubble. And like most users, your first reaction was probably, “Why did my chat suddenly turn purple? What changed?”

Instagram loves rolling out updates quietly, and this one has definitely caught people’s attention. The purple bubble isn’t just a design tweak. It’s tied to a much bigger change Instagram has been working on for years: stronger privacy and end-to-end encryption.

In this guide, you’ll find a clear, simple breakdown of what the purple bubble means, how it affects your conversations, and what you should keep in mind moving forward — all explained in a natural, human way, without jargon.

What Is Instagram’s Purple Chat Bubble?

The purple chat bubble is basically Instagram’s way of showing you that a conversation is now using enhanced privacy settings, including end-to-end encryption. In other words, your chat has moved into a more secure mode.

For years, Instagram used blue and grey message colors. But with the 2025 rollout of upgraded DM security, the app needed a visual way to differentiate secure chats from regular ones. That’s where the purple bubble comes in.

Why purple, though?

It fits Instagram’s brand vibe — the app has always leaned toward a purple-pink gradient. But more importantly, it’s bold and easy to spot. You’ll instantly know when a chat is running in a higher-security mode.

Why Instagram Introduced the Purple Bubble in 2025

The world has become a lot more privacy-conscious. People worry about their chats being read, leaked, or accessed through hacked accounts. Instagram has been under pressure to catch up with apps like WhatsApp, which already offer full encryption.

So in the 2025 update, Instagram moved many chats to default end-to-end encryption — and the purple bubble is just the visual indicator of that change.

This means:

• Your messages can’t be read by anyone except you and the person you’re chatting with.
  
  

• Instagram can’t decrypt your messages.
  
  

• Even if someone logs into your account from another device, they can’t automatically open your older encrypted chats.
  
  

• Hackers or third parties won’t be able to intercept your messages.
  
  

The purple bubble is simply Instagram saying, “Your conversation is locked and private.”

When You’ll See the Purple Bubble

The purple bubble doesn’t appear in every single chat. You’ll see it under certain conditions:

1. When You Turn On Encryption

Instagram now gives users an option inside chat settings to enable encryption manually.
Once you do it, the bubble switches to purple.

2. When the Other Person Has Encryption On

If the person you’re chatting with already uses encrypted mode, Instagram will automatically upgrade your chat too.

3. When Instagram Enables It Automatically

In many regions, Instagram is gradually turning on encryption by default.
This means your bubble may turn purple without you changing anything.

It’s not a glitch — it’s part of the upgrade.

What the Purple Bubble Actually Changes

Instagram didn’t just color the bubble purple and call it a day. Encrypted chats come with a few noticeable improvements:

Disappearing Messages

You can send photos, videos, or text that vanish after they’re viewed. This feature feels similar to Snapchat but is designed for privacy, not fun.

Screenshot Notifications

If someone in an encrypted chat takes a screenshot, Instagram alerts the other person.
This creates a safer environment for private conversations.

Extra Device Verification

Only your verified device can open older encrypted chats.
This protects you even if your password is leaked.

Hidden Notification Previews

Your lock screen won’t show message previews from encrypted chats anymore. Instead, you’ll see something like “New Message,” without details.

All of these features get bundled together inside the purple bubble.

Purple Bubble vs. Regular Bubble (Blue/Grey): What’s the Difference?

Let’s break it down in straightforward language:

• Purple = private and encrypted.
  
  

• Blue/Grey = normal chat mode with basic protection.
  
  

Here’s the difference in everyday terms:

If you’re discussing something personal or sensitive, the purple bubble is definitely where you want to be.

Should You Be Concerned If Your Bubble Turns Purple?

Not at all. In fact, it’s usually a good sign.

Some people panic because they assume purple means something suspicious is happening. But the reality is the opposite — the purple bubble means Instagram is adding extra protection to your conversation.

Still, here are a few things to know:

You Might Not See Older Messages

If you switch phones often, older encrypted chats may be temporarily locked until you verify your device again.

Backups Changed Slightly

Encrypted chats aren’t always stored in standard cloud backups.
This keeps them safer, but it also means you may not see them if you reinstall the app on a new phone.

Some Features Don’t Work Yet

A few fun DM features — like certain interactive stickers or filters — may not work in encrypted mode.
Instagram is still updating compatibility.

None of these are problems, but they’re worth knowing.

How to Turn Encryption (Purple Bubble Mode) On or Off

How to Enable It

1. Open Instagram
   
   

2. Go to your DMs
   
   

3. Open the chat you want
   
   

4. Tap the user’s name
   
   

5. Choose Privacy & Security
   
   

6. Turn on End-to-End Encryption
   
   

The bubble will immediately turn purple.

Can You Turn It Off?

You currently can’t disable encryption in a chat once it’s active.
However, Instagram may let you open a separate, non-encrypted chat if you prefer normal mode (this depends on your region).

Final Thoughts: Why the Purple Bubble Matters

Instagram’s purple bubble isn’t just a design update. It represents a major step toward making your conversations safer and more private. In an age where digital privacy is becoming harder to protect, having encrypted DMs is a win for everyone.

So if you see that purple bubble appear in your chat, take it as a good sign — your conversation just became more secure than ever.