Twitter‘s message requests allow anyone to direct message you, even if you don‘t follow each other. While this opens up communication, it also makes it easier for spammers and bots to contact you.
In this comprehensive guide, you‘ll learn how to enable, check, and delete message requests on Twitter to take control over your inbox.
What Are Twitter Message Requests and Why Do They Matter?
When someone sends you a direct message on Twitter, it doesn‘t always go straight to your main inbox.
Instead, Twitter automatically filters messages from non-mutual followers into a separate "requests" folder. This extra buffer helps limit spam and abuse according to Twitter‘s own message request policies.
So why enable requests at all if they increase spam risk?
Legitimate messages can occasionally end up in the requests folder, especially when contacting brands, public figures, potential friends or new connections. As a user, you have full control to enable or disable requests as needed.
Based on Twitter‘s latest transparency report, nearly 15% of flagged abusive content originates in direct messages compared to public tweets. And confusing UX around requests only compounds confusion and spam issues.
While DM spam affects every major social platform, properly managing requests allows you to find potential signal amidst the noise.
Step-by-Step Guide to Managing Requests
Below you‘ll find detailed instructions to take control over message requests in your Twitter account.
Enabling Message Requests
Message requests are disabled by default unless you specifically enable them. Here‘s how:
On Mobile:
- Tap your profile icon
- Tap "Settings and privacy"
- Tap "Privacy and safety"
- Tap "Direct messages"
- Enable "Allow message requests"
| Step | Screenshot |
|---|---|
| 1. Tap profile icon |  |
| 2. Tap "Settings and privacy" |  |
On Desktop Web:
- Click the menu icon
- Click "Settings and Support"
- Click "Privacy and safety"
- Click "Direct messages"
- Enable "Allow message requests"
Once enabled, non-followers will be able to message you and their requests will appear in a separate folder.
Checking Message Requests
To view incoming message requests do the following:
On Mobile:
- Tap the envelope icon
- Tap "Message requests" at top
On Desktop:
- Click "Messages" in the left sidebar
- Click "Message requests" at top
If no special folder appears, then you have no requests waiting.
When reviewing message requests, carefully check the sending account for any suspicious signs before clicking links or responding. If the message seems unsafe, report it instead.
Deleting Message Requests
Since requests can pile up quickly, routinely clear out old ones by:
On Mobile and Desktop:
- Navigate to message requests folder
- Click the delete (X) icon next to each unwanted request
Repeat until all spam, unsafe, or irrelevant requests removed.
Reporting Spam Requests
If a request seems suspicious or clearly violates Twitter‘s abuse policies, take the time to formally report it before deletion:
On Mobile and Desktop:
- Tap the overflow menu (3 dot icon)
- Select "Report [username]"
- Complete the reporting steps for Twitter to review
Reporting takes a few minutes but helps improve platform safety at scale.
Key Takeaways
And there you have it – an in-depth guide to taking control of Twitter‘s message requests!
Here are some top recommendations if you opt to enable requests:
- Double check new requests for any risky warning signs before engaging
- Routinely prune old message requests to keep your inbox tidy
- Don‘t hesitate to report any harassing, suspicious or policy-violating behavior
I hope these best practices make you feel more empowered to open communications across Twitter contacts safely and securely.
Just be smart, stay vigilant, and use the built-in tools appropriately if needed. Now get out there and connect!
