Giving Instagram harassment messages to the police

Make the record from your own Instagram export

Drop the ZIP from Instagram into the free tool and preview the first 25 messages. Nothing is uploaded — it runs in your browser.

Open the free tool

When you report harassment, threats or extortion that happened on Instagram, officers need to see what was said, by which account, and when. A printed, time-ordered record is quicker to review than a phone full of screenshots, and you keep your phone.

Before you go

Write down the other account's username and profile link.
Request your data from Instagram so you have a copy that won't change if they delete messages.
Do not pay or negotiate with anyone threatening to share images — report it.

Export the messages

In the Instagram app, open Settings → Accounts Center → Your information and permissions → Download your information.
Choose Download or transfer information, pick your Instagram account, then Some of your information and tick Messages.
Choose Download to device. Set the date range to cover the conversation, and set Format to JSON. Set media quality to High if photos matter.
Tap Create files. Instagram emails you when the ZIP is ready — often within minutes, sometimes a few days. Download it before the link expires.

Print a clear record

Use the free tool to create a PDF of the conversation with dates, times and sender names on every line, photos in place, and page numbers. Bring it on paper or on a USB drive, along with the original ZIP if they want the source file.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Rules on evidence differ by court and country. Ask the court clerk, a legal aid office or your attorney what your case needs.