> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.heyy.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Instagram
> Connect your Instagram account to handle Instagram Direct messages in your Heyy Inbox with automations, AI Employees, and campaigns.
Instagram lets you handle Instagram Direct messages in your Heyy [Inbox](/quick-start/inbox). Your customers can message you on Instagram while you use the same [automations](/quick-start/automations/triggers), [AI Employees](/quick-start/ai-employees), [contacts](/quick-start/contacts), and [campaigns](/quick-start/campaigns) as with WhatsApp, Messenger, and Live Chat.
## Requirements
Before you connect, ensure:
* **Admin role**: The user who clicks **Connect** must be an **admin** with access to the Instagram account and the linked Facebook Page.
* **Professional account**: The Instagram account must be a **professional account** (Creator or Business), not a personal account.
* **Connected to a Page**: The Instagram account must be **connected to a Facebook Page**. See [Connect Instagram to a Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/help/instagram/570895513091465).
* **Both in Business Portfolio**: Both the **Facebook Page** and the **Instagram account** must be in your [Meta Business Portfolio](https://business.facebook.com). Verify your Page in [**Pages** in Business settings](https://business.facebook.com/latest/settings/pages) and add or link your Instagram account—see [Add an Instagram account to your business portfolio](https://facebook.com/business/help/620548115562686). If either is not in your portfolio, add or connect them before starting the onboarding flow.
## Connecting
1. Go to **Settings → Channels** in your Heyy dashboard.
2. Click **Add Channel**.
3. Select **Instagram**.
4. Click **Connect** in the dialog.
Clicking **Connect** opens **Meta’s Instagram onboarding flow**. You’ll be asked to sign in with Facebook (if needed) and to authorize Heyy to manage messaging for your Instagram account. Complete the flow in the window that opens. When authorization succeeds, Heyy creates the channel and the dialog closes. Your Instagram channel then appears in **Settings → Channels**.
### About Meta’s onboarding flow
Heyy uses Meta’s embedded signup so you can connect your Instagram account to Heyy in one step. During the flow, Meta may ask you to:
* Sign in to Facebook or confirm your account.
* Choose the **Instagram account** you want to connect (you must have admin access to that account and its linked Page).
* Grant Heyy permission to send and receive messages on behalf of that Instagram account.
If the connection fails or you don’t see your Instagram account, check that your account is a professional account, that it’s connected to a Page, that both are in your [Meta Business Portfolio](https://business.facebook.com) and [Business Info](https://business.facebook.com/latest/settings/business_info) is complete, and that you have the right role (Admin). For help, [contact Heyy support](https://heyy.io/contact-us).
## Editing
Open the channel from **Settings → Channels** and use the **Profile** tab.
### Profile
* **Internal name**: A label for this channel inside Heyy (e.g. “Support Instagram”). You can edit this at any time.
* **Display name**: The Instagram username (handle) as shown to customers. This is read-only and comes from your Instagram account; to change it, update your profile on Instagram.
* **Edit profile on Instagram**: Use the button to open your Instagram profile in a new tab so you can edit your profile, bio, and settings on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com).
## Removing
Disconnecting or deleting an Instagram channel is **irreversible**. Heyy will no longer send or receive messages for that Instagram account. Existing conversations and history for that channel may be lost or no longer accessible. If you might need the data later, export or back up before disconnecting.
To remove an Instagram channel, go to **Settings → Channels**, open the Instagram channel, and use the disconnect or delete option for that channel.
## Use cases
* **Customer support**: Answer questions and resolve issues on Instagram Direct. All chats appear in your [Inbox](/quick-start/inbox).
* **Marketing and follow-up**: Use [campaigns](/quick-start/campaigns) to reach contacts on Instagram, or offer Instagram as a follow-up channel (e.g. from [Live Chat](/channels/live-chat) or your website) so customers can continue the conversation where they prefer.
* **Automations**: Use [Instagram triggers](/quick-start/automations/triggers) and [Instagram actions](/quick-start/automations/instagram-actions) (e.g. send message, wait for reply) for welcome flows, qualification, or routing.
* **AI Employees**: Assign an [AI Employee](/quick-start/ai-employees) to handle first-line replies on Instagram 24/7.
Ensure your Instagram account is a professional account and connected to a Facebook Page before connecting. Keep your [Business Info](https://business.facebook.com/latest/settings/business_info) and [Meta Business Portfolio](https://business.facebook.com) up to date so the connection goes smoothly.