If Ellipsend lets you send a message, you're safe. If it blocks you, the 7-day window may have closed. The rest of this article is the why and the how.

Meta gives you 7 days to reply to a contact after their last message to your page. Inside that window, message freely. Outside it, you can't.

The clock starts (or restarts) any time the contact sends you something — a DM or a reaction. If 7 days pass with no message from them, the window closes.

The inbox shows this directly: green dot = messageable, red dot = expired. The text box for an expired contact reads "Can't send messages now." To see all expired contacts, filter by Availability → Expired.

For filter setup, see Inbox & Messaging.

When someone comments on your post, you can send one private reply. That's not a DM, and you only get one. Use an Opening DM in your automation to prompt them to respond. Once they reply, the 7-day window opens.

Skip the Opening DM when you just want to send one thing (e.g., a link at the end of a chat).

See Automations.

Meta's messaging API has no "start a new conversation" endpoint. Conversations only begin when the contact DMs you or comments on your post.

Using Ellipsend is the protection. As an official Meta tech provider, your messaging routes through officially approved channels and removes the need to have people log directly into your Instagram account.