instagram_get_inboxLABSCO SUMMARY
The inbox, plus the requests folder nobody checks.
Pending requests are their own call here, which matters because that is where the messages you actually missed sit. Setup is a browser session's cookies — no app review and no developer account.
What it is
A TypeScript MCP server for Instagram Direct Messages. It authenticates with session cookies rather than an API key or OAuth, and covers the inbox, pending message requests, individual threads and the accounts behind them.
What you get
- The inbox listed, and pending message requests as a separate call
- One thread's messages read back
- A message sent into a thread
- Thread metadata, and profile information for a user
Requirements
A recent Node.js, and three Instagram session cookies — INSTAGRAM_SESSION_ID, INSTAGRAM_CSRF_TOKEN and INSTAGRAM_DS_USER_ID — taken from a logged-in browser session. Cookies expire, so the config needs refreshing when the session ends.
Setup effort
One command plus credentials — npx mcp-instagram-dm, then supply credentials
USE CASES
01
Catching up on messages you have not opened
List the inbox, then read the threads that look like they need something.
02
Digging out what is buried in message requests
Read the pending list and check who the senders are before accepting anything.
03
Replying without opening the app
Read the thread for context, then send the reply into it.
04
Working out who a stranger messaging you is
Read their profile and the thread metadata before you answer.
15 tools
Listed in project docs. Your client may show a different list.
instagram_get_threadinstagram_get_pendinginstagram_user_infoinstagram_thread_infoinstagram_send_messageinstagram_send_linkinstagram_create_threadinstagram_like_messageinstagram_unsend_messageinstagram_mark_seeninstagram_approve_pendinginstagram_search_inboxinstagram_search_messagesinstagram_search_usersBEFORE YOU INSTALL
What to know first
Tools you get
15 tools named in the project's documentation.
Requires
- npx on PATH
- INSTAGRAM_CSRF_TOKEN in your environment
- INSTAGRAM_SESSION_ID in your environment
- INSTAGRAM_DS_USER_ID in your environment
Where it runs
All 3 documented clients run the server on your machine.
INSTALLATION
Connect your client
Server setup
TERMINAL
npx mcp-instagram-dmMCP Clients
Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor
JSON
{
"mcpServers": {
"instagram": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"mcp-instagram-dm"
],
"env": {
"INSTAGRAM_SESSION_ID": "<YOUR_INSTAGRAM_SESSION_ID>",
"INSTAGRAM_CSRF_TOKEN": "<YOUR_INSTAGRAM_CSRF_TOKEN>",
"INSTAGRAM_DS_USER_ID": "<YOUR_INSTAGRAM_DS_USER_ID>"
}
}
}
}
