What to do first
If you’re in immediate danger, contact your local emergency number. Otherwise, don’t reply. Screenshot the messages with the sender’s username and the dates visible, and copy the profile link. Evidence is easy to lose if the sender deletes messages or their account.
Step 1: Block, and block future accounts
From the sender’s profile, choose Block. Instagram’s block tool also lets you block new accounts the person may create, which helps when someone keeps coming back with fresh usernames. It won’t catch every account, but it reduces repeat contact.
Step 2: Use Restrict if blocking would escalate
Restrict moves the person’s messages to requests and hides their comments from others without telling them. It’s useful when the person is someone you know and a block would cause conflict. You can read their messages without them seeing that you did, and you can unrestrict later.
Step 3: Filter with Hidden Words
In your settings, turn on Hidden Words to filter offensive message requests and comments, and add words or emojis of your own. It works in the background and spares you from reading abuse.
Step 4: Report the chat
Open the conversation, tap the name at the top, choose Report and pick the reason that fits. You can also press and hold an individual message to report it. Report each account separately. Meta doesn’t publish a timeline, and sending more reports doesn’t speed it up.
Step 5: Limit who can contact you
Use Limits and the message controls to restrict who can message you, especially if you’ve got a public account that’s targeted by a wave of messages.
Building a record that helps later
A tidy record turns a messy situation into something police, a school, an employer or a platform can act on. Put screenshots in one folder named by date. Note the username, profile link, date and time, and what each message said. Keep the originals; don’t crop out usernames. If a message disappears, note that it did. If the person is someone you know, note how.
What not to do
- Don’t reply or argue. It tends to prolong contact.
- Don’t organise others to mass-report. Reports are assessed on content, not counts.
- Don’t share personal details about the person publicly.
Getting support
Talk to someone you trust, and keep screenshots in a safe place. If threats are involved, police can act in ways Instagram can’t.
Official sources
Meta and Snap update their help pages and flows often. Always follow the wording on your own screen and the current official Help Center. Unbanz is an independent service and is not affiliated with Meta, Instagram, Facebook or Snapchat.