Android Instagram DM Links Not Working? 7 Fixes (2025)

Your iPhone followers click links perfectly. Your Android followers? “The link doesn’t work.” “It won’t let me click it.” “Nothing happens when I tap.”

Android users represent 40%+ of US Instagram users and 70%+ globally. If your links don’t work for them, you’re losing nearly half your potential sales.

TL;DR

Android Instagram DM links fail because Instagram’s Android app detects URLs less reliably than iOS—add a blank line before links for 80% success rate.

• Fastest fix: Add blank line before your link (80% success rate)
• Best for reliability: Use Bitly/TinyURL shorteners instead of long URLs
• User instruction: Tell Android users to long-press link, then select “Open”
• Backup solution: Include plain-text link they can manually copy-paste

The Problem: Android Users Complaining About Broken Links

You’re sending DM links to your Instagram followers.

Your iPhone friends? No issues. They click, they buy, they convert.

Your Android followers? Radio silence. Then you get the DMs:

• “The link doesn’t work”
• “It won’t let me click it”
• “Nothing happens when I tap”

Here’s the reality: Android users represent a significant portion of Instagram’s audience (over 40% in the US and 70%+ globally based on industry reports as of November 2025). If your links don’t work for them, you’re losing nearly half your potential sales.

This isn’t a CreatorFlow problem. It’s not a LinkDM problem. It’s not even an Instagram problem.

It’s an Android + Instagram combination that breaks how links work in automated DMs.

This guide shows you exactly why this happens and how to fix it-whether you’re using CreatorFlow, LinkDM, ManyChat, or any other automation tool.

Why Android Users Can’t Click Your Instagram DM Links

The Technical Reason (Explained Simply)

When you send an automated DM with a link, Instagram shows it in two different ways:

iPhone (iOS):

• Link appears as blue, underlined, clickable text
• Tap anywhere on the link → opens in Safari or Instagram browser
• Works exactly like you’d expect

Android:

• Link appears as plain black text (NOT blue, NOT underlined)
• Instagram’s Android app doesn’t always recognize it as clickable
• User needs to long-press → select → copy → paste into browser
• Most users don’t know this workaround, so they think it’s broken

Why This Happens

Instagram’s Android app handles link detection differently than iOS:

• iOS: Instagram automatically makes URLs clickable using standard iOS link detection
• Android: Instagram relies on specific formatting that automated tools sometimes don’t trigger correctly

When automation tools (CreatorFlow, LinkDM, ManyChat) send DMs via Instagram’s system, they’re sending plain text. Instagram’s job is to detect the URL and make it clickable.

On iPhone, this works reliably. On Android, not always.

Real Example

What you send:

Hey! Here's that product link you asked for:
https://amzn.to/3abc123

What iPhone users see: Blue, underlined, clickable link ✅

What Android users see: Black text that looks like a link but doesn’t respond to taps ❌

The 7 Fixes That Actually Work

Fix #1: Add a Space Before the Link (Easiest Fix)

This sounds absurdly simple, but it works 80% of the time.

Instead of:

Here's your link:
https://amzn.to/3abc123

Do this:

Here's your link:

https://amzn.to/3abc123

Why it works: Android’s link detection triggers better when the URL is on its own line with whitespace around it.

When to use this: Try this first. It’s the fastest fix and solves most Android issues.

Fix #2: Remove Link Preview Text

When you paste a link, Instagram sometimes generates preview text (title, description, thumbnail).

On iOS: This preview is helpful.

On Android: The preview sometimes “hides” the clickable URL underneath, making it look broken.

How to fix:

1. Send your DM without the link first
2. Add the link in a second message
3. Android users will see a clickable URL without the preview interfering

Pro tip: CreatorFlow and other tools don’t control link previews-Instagram adds them automatically. Sending the link separately avoids this issue.

Fix #3: Use URL Shorteners (But Be Careful)

Long URLs break more often on Android than short URLs.

Problem URLs:

https://www.amazon.com/product-name-here/dp/B08XYZ123?tag=yourtag-20&linkId=abc123

Better URLs:

https://amzn.to/3abc123

Best URL shorteners for Instagram:

• Bitly (bit.ly) - Most reliable, widely recognized
• TinyURL (tinyurl.com) - Works well, simpler interface
• Your own domain (link.yourname.com) - Best for branding

Warning: Avoid sketchy shorteners (goo.gl, ow.ly, t.co). Some Android users have security settings that block unfamiliar domains.

Fix #4: Tell Users How to Open the Link

Sometimes the link IS clickable, but Android users don’t realize they need to long-press instead of tap.

Add this to your DM:

Android user? Long-press the link → Open

Or include simple instructions:

Hey! Here's your link:

https://amzn.to/3abc123

(If you're on Android and it won't open, long-press the link and select "Open")

Yes, this adds friction. But it’s better than losing the sale entirely.

Fix #5: Send a Backup Link in Plain Text

Give Android users a second chance by including a “copy-paste” option.

Example:

Here's your link:

https://amzn.to/3abc123

Not working? Copy this and paste into your browser:
amzn.to/3abc123

Why this works: If the clickable version fails, users can manually copy the URL. It’s not elegant, but it saves conversions.

Fix #6: Use Instagram’s Link Sticker in Stories

If you’re sending DMs in response to Story replies, consider putting the link directly in your Story using Instagram’s Link Sticker.

How it works:

1. Post a Story with Link Sticker (swipe-up replacement)
2. When users reply, reference the Story link
3. They can tap the link in your Story instead of the DM

Example DM:

Hey! Thanks for your interest!

Tap the link in my Story (still live for 18 hours) to grab it 👆

Why it works: Instagram’s Link Sticker is designed to work reliably on both iOS and Android.

Limitation: Story expires after 24 hours, so this only works for short-term campaigns.

Fix #7: Switch to Link-in-Bio + Custom Code

If links keep breaking despite all fixes, use a workaround:

Setup:

1. Create a link-in-bio page (Linktree, Beacons, Stan Store)
2. Give each product/offer a custom code (e.g., SUMMER10)
3. In your automated DM, tell users: “Check my bio link, enter code SUMMER10”

Example DM:

Hey! Thanks for asking about the blue dress!

→ Tap the link in my bio
→ Enter code: BLUEDRESS
→ You'll see the exact product page

Let me know if you have questions!

Why it works: Your bio link is native to Instagram, so it works reliably on Android. The custom code eliminates confusion.

Downside: Extra friction (bio link → code entry), but conversion rates often stay high because you’ve pre-qualified the lead.

How to Test If Your Links Work on Android

Don’t have an Android phone? Here’s how to test before sending to thousands of followers:

Method 1: Ask a Friend with Android

1. Send them a test DM with your link
2. Have them try clicking it on their Android phone
3. Document what works and what doesn’t

Method 2: Use Android Emulator (Free)

1. Download Android Studio (free from Google)
2. Install Instagram app in the emulator
3. Log into a test account
4. Send a test DM to yourself
5. See exactly how Android users experience your links

Method 3: Community Testing

1. Post in Facebook groups: “Android users: Can you test my DM link?”
2. Offer a small incentive (free digital product, discount code)
3. Collect feedback on what works

Pro tip: Test on multiple Android versions (Android 12, 13, 14) because link behavior can vary.

The Mistakes That Make Android Link Issues Worse

Mistake #1: Using Multiple Links in One DM

Problem:

Here are your options:
Option 1: https://link1.com
Option 2: https://link2.com
Option 3: https://link3.com

Android struggles to make all three clickable. Often only the first one works.

Better approach:

Which option do you want?
1️⃣ Blue dress
2️⃣ Red dress
3️⃣ Black dress

Reply with the number and I'll send your link!

Then send a single-link DM based on their response.

Mistake #2: Embedding Links in Sentences

Problem:

Check out this amazing product https://amzn.to/3abc123 and let me know what you think!

Android’s link detection fails when URLs are buried in sentences.

Better approach:

Check out this amazing product! Link below:

https://amzn.to/3abc123

Let me know what you think!

Mistake #3: Not Testing Before Scaling

You set up automation, send 1,000 DMs, then realize Android users can’t click your links.

Better approach:

1. Send 10 test DMs (5 to Android users, 5 to iPhone users)
2. Confirm both groups can open links
3. Fix any issues
4. Then scale to hundreds/thousands

Mistake #4: Ignoring User Feedback

When Android users say “link doesn’t work,” they’re not lying. Don’t dismiss it as user error.

Instead:

1. Ask: “Are you on Android? Try long-pressing the link”
2. If that doesn’t work, send a backup plain-text link
3. Document the issue and adjust your DM template
4. Test a new version

Tools That Handle Android Links Better

Not all automation tools are equal when it comes to Android link compatibility.

CreatorFlow

• Link handling: Sends plain text URLs, relies on Instagram’s detection
• Android performance: Works well with proper formatting (space before link)
• Best practices: Built-in preview shows exact DM formatting
• Recommendation: ✅ Use Fix #1 (add space before link)

LinkDM

• Link handling: Similar to CreatorFlow (plain text)
• Android performance: Mixed results depending on link length
• Best practices: Use URL shorteners
• Recommendation: ✅ Use Fix #3 (URL shorteners)

ManyChat

• Link handling: Same approach (relies on Instagram)
• Android performance: Same issues as other tools
• Best practices: Test thoroughly before scaling
• Recommendation: ✅ Apply all fixes regardless of tool

InstantDM

• Link handling: Plain text URLs
• Android performance: No special Android optimization
• Recommendation: ✅ Use Fix #1 and Fix #5 (backup plain-text link)

The truth: No automation tool can “fix” this entirely because they all use Instagram’s messaging system the same way. The fixes above work regardless of which tool you use.

How to Communicate the Fix to Your Audience

If you’re sending DMs to thousands of people, you’ll inevitably get “link doesn’t work” complaints.

Here’s a saved reply template for Android users:

Hey! So sorry you're having trouble with the link.

Quick fix for Android users:

1️⃣ Long-press the link (don't just tap)
2️⃣ Select "Open" from the menu

Still not working? Copy this link and paste it into your browser:

[paste plain URL here]

Let me know if you still have issues and I'll send it another way!

Why this works:

• Acknowledges the problem (doesn’t blame them)
• Offers 2 solutions (long-press + plain-text backup)
• Keeps the door open for further help

The Bottom Line

Android users can’t open your Instagram DM links because:

1. Instagram’s Android app detects links less reliably than iOS
2. Automated DMs send plain text, relying on Instagram to make URLs clickable
3. Formatting issues (no space, embedded in text) make detection fail

The fastest fixes:

• Add a space before the link (Fix #1) ← Start here
• Use URL shorteners (Fix #3)
• Include Android instructions (Fix #4)
• Send a backup plain-text link (Fix #5)

Test before you scale. Send 10 test DMs to Android users, confirm links work, then go big.

If you’re using CreatorFlow, LinkDM, ManyChat, or any automation tool, these fixes work the same way. The issue isn’t the tool-it’s how Android and Instagram interact.

FAQ

Will Instagram fix this Android link issue?

Instagram hasn’t acknowledged it as a bug, so don’t count on a fix soon. The workarounds above are your best bet.

Do Bitly links work better than regular links on Android?

Yes, shorter URLs tend to work more reliably on Android. Bitly, TinyURL, and custom short domains all improve clickability.

Can I use emojis to make links stand out on Android?

Yes! Emojis don’t fix the clickability issue, but they help users find the link. Example:

👉 Your link: https://amzn.to/3abc123

Should I switch from Instagram DM automation to email?

No. Instagram DMs typically have significantly higher open rates than email (often 60-90% vs 15-35% for email, based on user reports). Fix the Android issue instead of abandoning DMs entirely. Individual results vary.

Does this affect Instagram Stories link stickers?

No. Link Stickers in Stories work reliably on both iOS and Android. The issue is specific to DM links.

Will this Android link issue affect my automation tool’s performance?

Only if you don’t apply the fixes above. Android users represent a significant portion of your audience (40%+ based on industry data). If links don’t work for them, your conversion rates will drop significantly.

Can I set up different DM templates for Android vs iOS users?

Not automatically. Instagram doesn’t let automation tools detect device type before sending DMs. Your best bet is to use formatting that works for both (Fix #1: add space before link).

What if Android users still can’t open the link after all fixes?

Send them to your bio link with a custom code (Fix #7). Example: “Tap my bio link, enter code SUMMER10”. This adds friction but saves the conversion.

Final Tip: Bookmark this guide. Every time you create a new DM automation, check that your links work on Android before scaling. Test with 10 Android users first, then go big.

Your iPhone friends will always click. Your Android friends need a little extra formatting love.

Now you know how to give it to them.

Want to see how your DMs will look before sending them? CreatorFlow’s real-time phone preview shows you exactly how your messages appear on Instagram-no guessing required. Try CreatorFlow free →

Related Articles

Want to learn more about Instagram DM automation? Check out these guides:

• The Complete Guide to Instagram DM Automation - Master all types of Instagram automation
• Comment-to-DM Automation Setup Guide - Step-by-step tutorial for automated comment replies
• How to Avoid Instagram Bans with DM Automation - Safety guide for compliant automation

Disclaimer: Performance results mentioned in this article are based on aggregated user data and industry research from 2025. Individual results vary based on audience size, content quality, engagement rates, and niche. CreatorFlow uses Instagram's official Graph API as of November 2025. Instagram/Meta may change features, rate limits, or terms at any time. Instagram is a trademark of Meta Platforms, Inc. CreatorFlow is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Meta Platforms, Inc. ManyChat, LinkDM, and InstantDM are trademarks of their respective owners. Users are responsible for complying with Instagram's Terms of Service and Community Guidelines.