> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://themochi-app.gitbook.io/documentation/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://themochi-app.gitbook.io/documentation/module-1-getting-started/connecting-your-instagram.md).

# Connecting your Instagram

## Connect your Instagram

**What it is** — Connecting Instagram is what lets Mochi read and reply to your DMs. Once it's connected, new conversations flow straight into your Mochi inbox.

**Who can use it** — Available on web and iOS, both at `Settings > Socials` (the iOS app is currently a **TestFlight** beta — see What Mochi is & how to get around). Reconnecting an already-connected Instagram account is limited to your organization's **Creator** or **Manager**.

> ⚠️ NEEDS VERIFICATION: whether the same Creator/Manager restriction applies to connecting Instagram for the *first* time. Confirmed for reconnecting; not explicitly documented for the initial connect.

**Before you start** — A Mochi account and organization (see Create your account & organization). Your Instagram account also has to be a **Business or Creator account** and not private — personal accounts can't connect, and that's a Meta API restriction, not a Mochi limitation.

### How to connect Instagram

#### If your account is Personal, switch it first

1. Open the Instagram app and go to `Settings > Account`.
2. Tap **Switch to Professional Account**.
3. Choose **Creator** — it's free and takes about two minutes. (Business also works, if that's already your account type.)

#### Connect it in Mochi

Web and iOS:

1. Go to `Settings > Socials`.
2. Select **Connect Instagram**.
3. Follow the Instagram prompts to log in, and **accept every permission Meta asks for** — Mochi needs full message access to send, receive, and track DMs. Declining any permission will stop parts of the platform from working.

### What syncs when you connect

* Only **new messages from the moment you connect** come into Mochi. Meta doesn't allow any tool — Mochi included — to access historical DMs, so past conversations won't appear. This is a platform-wide restriction, not a Mochi gap — it's exactly why tools like ManyChat can't produce a historical export either, so don't expect one when you switch to Mochi.
* Mochi can track and help you send DMs, but it can't send fully automated cold outbound messages — Meta's rules don't allow that for any tool. See The 24-hour reply window for what Mochi can and can't send automatically.

### Tips

* Right after connecting, add close friends or personal contacts to **Excluded Contacts** at `Settings > Socials` so they never show up in a setter's inbox.
* Give it 2–4 days after connecting before you put setters to work — see Your first days: going live for the full sequence.

### Common mistakes & fixes

| Mistake                                   | Fix                                                                                                                  |
| ----------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Instagram won't connect                   | Confirm the account is a Business or Creator account, not Personal — and confirm it isn't set to private.            |
| Declined a permission during setup        | Reconnect and accept every permission this time — a partial grant stops messages from syncing correctly.             |
| Expecting to see old DMs after connecting | Not possible for any tool. Meta blocks historical message access — only messages sent after you connect will appear. |

### Limits & good to know

* No historical DMs, ever — this applies to every Instagram-DM tool, not just Mochi.
* Private accounts can't connect.
* If Instagram ever shows as disconnected later (password change, revoked permission), reconnect the same way from `Settings > Socials`.

**Related:** Create your account & organization · The 24-hour reply window · Your first days: going live · *Exclude personal contacts / mutuals* (Team & Leads module)