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Instagram Safety Guide for Survivors of Tech Abuse

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Table of Contents

  1. Intro
  2. If You Suspect There is Unauthorized Access to Your Account
  3. How to Secure Your Account from Your Former/Current Partner
  4. If You Suspect You’re Being Monitored Through the App
  5. If You’re Receiving Harassing or Threatening Messages
  6. If You’re Having Harmful Content Made About You or Being Impersonated

Last Updated: February 3, 2026

This document is a guide of in-app safety strategies to combat common tech abuse that may be perpetrated by a current or former partner on Instagram. Note that this resource is not endorsed nor sponsored by Instagram. This may look like receiving harassing and threatening messages, having harmful or inappropriate content made about you, or experiencing identity impersonation. It may also include monitoring or controlling behaviors, such as locking you out of your account, pressuring you to delete or post certain content, or having your account accessed without consent.

By following this guide, you can learn how Instagram’s features can support your safety. But remember, making changes to your account could increase risks to your safety if your current/former partner is notified or recognizes the changes. If you are concerned, consider consulting with a support worker at an anti-violence organization beforehand.

If something in this guide is no longer up to date, or you have any questions, please reach out to techsafe@bcsth.ca with your concerns. If you are having trouble with any of these safety steps, go to Instagram’s Safety Centre.

 

Symbols and What They Mean in This Guide


Course of action may be visible to your former or current partner. You may want to consult with a staff of an anti-violence program in your community before removing your former or current partner’s access.


Evidence documentation checkpoint. Take screenshots, pictures with a different device, or screen recordings of your former or current partner’s unauthorized access.

 

Definition of Words in This Guide

Followers: Someone that follows you on Instagram.
Following: Someone that you follow on Instagram
Story: A reel or photo your friends can see for 24 hours on your account.
Meta: The parent company of Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp, etc.
Instagram Map: A feature that allows Instagram users to share their location with others.
Close Friends List: A private list of selected Instagram accounts you choose to share Stories, Reels, and Posts with.
Reels: Short videos you can share with your Instagram followers.
Notes: Short, 60-character text updates that show up on the top of your messages inbox.
Post: A photo or reel (video) shared by an Instagram user that appears in followers’ feeds on their profile.
Feed: A stream of Instagram posts from the accounts you follow and suggested content.

 

If You Suspect There is Unauthorized Access to Your Account

 

Reviewing Log-Ins

If you suspect someone has logged in to your account without your consent, review your login history.

Safety Tip: Be sure to take screenshots/recordings of the unauthorized log-ins. Before removing unauthorized access, consult with a support worker as it could notify your former/current partner and potentially increase risk to violence.

To review your login history using an Android device, iPhone, or iPad

  1. In your device, open the Instagram app and log in.
  2. On the bottom right, tap your profile picture or the profile icon (profile avatar).
  3. On the top right, tap the Menu icon (triple bar).
  4. Tap Accounts Center.
  5. Tap Password and security.
  6. Tap Where you’re logged in to review your login activity for your account(s) in this Accounts Center.
  7. To log out of specific devices:
    • Tap on the desired account.
    • Tap Select devices to out log.
    • Tap devices you’d like to log out.
    • Tap Log out.

To review your login history using a computer

  1. On your computer, open the Instagram and log in.
  2. At the bottom left of your screen, click the More icon (triple bar).
  3. Click Settings.
  4. Click Accounts Center.
  5. Click Password and security.
  6. Click Where you’re logged in to review your login activity for your account(s) in this Accounts Center.
  7. To log out of specific devices:
    • Tap on the desired account.
    • Tap Select devices to out log.
    • Tap devices you’d like to log out.
    • Tap Log out.

Source: Instagram Help Center

 

Changing Passwords

If your former/current partner is logged into your Instagram account, changing your password can log them out of the account on their device. You will need to know your current password to change to a new password. If you do not know your current password, refer to Account Recovery.


Safety Tip: If your former/current partner has access to the email that is connected to your Instagram account and connect recovery email, an email will be sent to the connected email account(s) stating that your Instagram account has changed password. You may want to consult with a support worker as it could notify your former/current partner and potentially increase your risk to violence. To make a secure password, refer to How to Create and Maintain Strong Passwords.

To change your password using an Android device, iPhone, or iPad

  1. In your device, open the Instagram app and log in.
  2. On the bottom right, tap your profile picture or the profile icon (profile avatar).
  3. On the top right, tap the Menu icon (triple bar).
  4. Tap Accounts Center.
  5. Tap Password and security.
  6. Tap Change password.
  7. Tap the account that needs a password change.
  8. Follow prompts.

To change your password using a computer

  1. On your computer, open the Instagram and log in.
  2. At the bottom left of your screen, click the More icon (triple bar).
  3. Click Settings.
  4. Click Accounts Center.
  5. Click Password and security.
  6. Tap the account that needs a password change.
  7. Follow prompts.

Source: Instagram Help Center

 

Account Recovery

Account recovery is a way to access your account through either your email or phone number when you have been locked out. If your former/current partner has access to the email or phone number connected to your account, account recovery will notify them. If you aren’t sure which email/phone number is secure, it may be safer to create a new account using a different email/phone number that only you have access to.

If your former/current partner has access to your email or your phone number’s messages, a code will be sent to those accounts in order to give you recovery access back to your account. It will notify them that your Instagram account is requesting a verification code. Similarly, changing your account password will also notify the connected email which can alert your former/current partner of these changes if they have access to the email that is connected to your account.

To recover your Instagram account when you are logged in, refer to Changing Passwords.


Safety Tip: When you click the “Forgot your password?” button, a password change link will be sent to the email that is connected to your Instagram account. If your former/current partner has access to this email, they could be notified that you are requesting to change your Instagram password. Once you change your password, it will also send an email to the connected email stating this change.

To recover your Instagram account using an Android device, iPhone, or iPad

  1. In your device, open the Instagram app.
  2. On the login page, tap Forgot Password?
  3. Input your Instagram username, email, or phone number.
  4. Tap Continue and follow prompts.
  5. Check your email or phone to find a link to reset your password.

To recover your Instagram account using a computer

  1. On your computer, open the Instagram.
  2. On the login page, click Forgot Password?
  3. Input your Instagram username, email, or phone number.
  4. Click Send login link.
  5. Click Ok and follow prompts.
  6. Check your email or phone to find a link to reset your password.

Source: Instagram Help Center

 

How to Secure Your Account from Your Former/Current Partner

 

Turning On Two-Factor Authentication

Turning on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) can protect your account from future unauthorized logins. Check this resource to understand why 2FA is important.


Safety Tip: Before enabling 2FA, make sure the password to your account is secure, and that you are the only one who has access to the email and/or phone number connected to your account. If 2FA is enabled on an account your current/former partner has access to, they will be notified of attempted logins through verification codes.

To turn on 2FA using an Android device, iPhone, or iPad

  1. In your device, open the Instagram app and log in.
  2. On the bottom right, tap your profile picture or the profile icon (profile avatar).
  3. On the top right, tap the Menu icon (triple bar).
  4. Tap Accounts Center.
  5. Tap Password and security.
  6. Tap Two-factor authentication.
  7. Tap account you’d like to set up 2FA.
  8. Tap security method you’d like for verification and follow prompts.

To turn on 2FA using a computer

  1. On your computer, open the Instagram and log in.
  2. At the bottom left of your screen, click the More icon (triple bar).
  3. Click Settings.
  4. Click Accounts Center.
  5. Click Password and security.
  6. Click Two-factor authentication.
  7. Tap account you’d like to set up 2FA.
  8. Tap security method you’d like for verification and follow prompts.

Source: Instagram Help Center

 

Check Your Accounts’ Trusted Devices

This function is only available if 2FA is enabled. You will see a list of devices that won’t require 2FA to your Instagram account since they are trusted devices. Checking your account’s trusted devices can protect your account from possible pre-existing logins that are unauthorized.


Safety Tip: If there is unauthorized access, be sure to take screenshots to document the unauthorized log-ins. Before removing unauthorized access, consult with your support worker as it could notify your former/current partner and potentially increase your risk to violence.

To check your trusted devices on Instagram using an Android device, iPhone, iPad, or computer, refer to Review Log-Ins.

 

Sharing Across Profiles

Sharing across profiles is a feature to link external Meta accounts such as your Facebook or another Instagram account to your current Instagram account. If your former/current partner has their own Instagram or Facebook profiles connected to your Instagram account, they can access your account content such as controlling stories or posts.


Safety Tip: If there is unauthorized access, be sure to take screenshots to document the unauthorized log-ins. Before removing unauthorized access, consult with your support worker as it could notify your former/current partner and potentially increase your risk to violence.

To view which Meta accounts are connected to yours using an Android device, iPhone, or iPad

  1. In your device, open the Instagram app and log in.
  2. On the bottom right, tap your profile picture or the profile icon (profile avatar).
  3. On the top right, tap the Menu icon (triple bar).
  4. Tap Accounts Center.
  5. Tap Connected experiences.
  6. Under the ‘Content’ heading, tap Sharing across profiles.

To view which Meta accounts are connected to yours using a computer

  1. On your computer, open the Instagram and log in.
  2. At the bottom left of your screen, click the More icon (triple bar).
  3. Click Settings.
  4. Click Accounts Center.
  5. Click Connected experiences.
  6. Under the ‘Content’ heading, click Sharing across profiles.

Source: Instagram Help Center

 

Viewing Which Meta Accounts Have Access to Your Account

If you have other Meta Instagram or Facebook profiles connected to your current Instagram account, you can view which Meta accounts have login access to yours and which other accounts you can log into.


Safety Tip: If there is unauthorized access, be sure to take screenshots to document the unauthorized log-ins. Before removing unauthorized access, consult with your support worker as it could notify your former/current partner and potentially increase your risk to violence.

To manage your Meta accounts are connected to your current Instagram account using an Android device, iPhone, or iPad

  1. In your device, open the Instagram app and log in.
  2. On the bottom right, tap your profile picture or the profile icon (profile avatar).
  3. On the top right, tap the Menu icon (triple bar).
  4. Tap Accounts Center.
  5. Tap Connected experiences.
  6. Tap Logging in with accounts.
  7. Tap Manage logins to select which accounts can log into other accounts.

To manage your Meta accounts are connected to your current Instagram account using a computer

  1. On your computer, open the Instagram and log in.
  2. At the bottom left of your screen, click the More icon (triple bar).
  3. Click Settings.
  4. Click Accounts Center.
  5. Click Connected experiences.
  6. Click Logging in with accounts.
  7. Click Manage logins to select which accounts can log into other accounts.

Source: Instagram Help Center

 

If You Suspect You’re Being Monitored Through the App

 

Turning Off Location Tracking

Instagram can use your precise location for Instagram Map or tagging locations in posts. For Instagram Map, you are not sharing location by default. To share your location in Instagram Map, you need to tap Share Location on the map page. A red dot will appear at the top right of the map to indicate you are not sharing your location.

To hide your location from certain people on Instagram Map on Android, iPhones, or iPads

  1. In your device, open the Instagram app and log in.
  2. At the bottom middle of your screen, tap the Messages icon (paper airplane).
  3. At the top of your inbox, tap Map icon (globe).
  4. At the top right, tap Settings.
  5. Tap the Options icon (three dots).
  6. Tap Hide from….
  7. Select account(s) you’d like to hide your location from.
  8. Tap Done.

Source: Instagram Help Center Map

Within your device settings, you can disable Instagram’s ability to track your precise location. However, it is important to keep in mind the photos/videos you share on your account as it could reveal recognizable locations.

When you choose to turn off your Location Services for Instagram, the app will still collect information based on your activity to estimate your general location called your “Primary Location.”  Your Primary Location is determined through your IP address as well as interactions with Instagram’s products/information which allows them to find information about the network you’re connected to. While this information should be private if you have secured your account, it is useful to be aware of the ways in which Instagram may still be collecting information about your location.

To change location sharing permissions for iOS

  1. In your iPhone, tap Settings.
  2. Tap Privacy & Security.
  3. Tap Location Services.
  4. Locate Instagram and change its location permission either to:
    • ‘Only While Using’ (share your location with Instagram while you’re using the app).
    • ‘Always’ (stop location sharing with Instagram completely).

To change location sharing permissions for Android

  1. In your Android smartphone, tap Settings.
  2. Tap Location.
  3. Tap App location permissions.
  4. Tap Instagram and change its location permission either to:
    • ‘Only While Using’ (share your location with Instagram while you’re using the app).
    • ‘Always’ (stop location sharing with Instagram completely).

Source: Instagram Help Center iPhone Location

 

Making Your Account Private

Turning on this feature restricts access to your profile details such as your posts, stories, followers, and following to only those who follow your account. All follow requests will be moved into a folder where you choose which accounts follow you. Note that only personal accounts can be made private.

To make your account private on Android devices, iPhones, or iPads

  1. In your device, open the Instagram app and log in.
  2. On the bottom right, tap your profile picture or the profile icon (profile avatar).
  3. On the top right, tap the Menu icon (triple bar).
  4. Under the ‘Who can see your content’ heading, tap Account privacy.
  5. Beside the ‘Private account’ heading, tap the toggle on switch.
  6. Tap Switch to private.

To make your account private on computers

  1. On your computer, open the Instagram and log in.
  2. At the bottom left of your screen, click the More icon (triple bar).
  3. Click Settings.
  4. Under the ‘Who can see your content’ heading, click Account Privacy.
  5. Beside the ‘Private account’ heading, click the toggle on switch.
  6. Click Switch to private.

Source: Instagram Help Center

 

Turning Off Activity Status

Turning off this feature hides when you are and last were active on your Instagram account to those who you follow as well as those you have messaged before. Note that a green dot or timestamp shown next to your profile picture in messaging means that your activity status is on.

To turn your activity status off on Android devices, iPhones, or iPads

  1. In your device, open the Instagram app and log in.
  2. On the bottom right, tap your profile picture or the profile icon (profile avatar).
  3. On the top right, tap the Menu icon (triple bar).
  4. Under the ‘How others can interact with you’ heading, tap Messages and story replies.
  5. Tap Show activity status.
  6. Beside the ‘Show Activity Status’ heading, tap the toggle button to turn off your activity status.

To turn your activity status off on computers

  1. On your computer, open the Instagram and log in.
  2. At the bottom left of your screen, click the More icon (triple bar).
  3. Click Settings.
  4. Under the ‘How others can interact with you’ heading, click Messages and story replies.
  5. Click Show activity status.
  6. Beside the ‘Show Activity Status’ heading, click the toggle button to turn off your activity status.

Source: Instagram Help Center

 

Turning Off Read Receipts in Messages

Turning off this function prevents the sender from knowing whether you have viewed their messages. You cannot manage read receipts on a computer. You can manage read receipts for specific chats or for all chats. Note that turning on read receipts for a specific chat and having read receipts for all chats turned on still means that your messages in the specific chat will still be turned on. In other words, read receipts for specific chats feature overrules the read receipts for all chats feature.

To manage read receipts in a specific chat on Android, iPhones, or iPads

  1. In your device, open the Instagram app and log in.
  2. At the bottom middle of your screen, tap the Messages icon (paper airplane).
  3. Tap the chat you’d like to turn off read receipts.
  4. Tap the chat name at the top.
  5. Tap Privacy & safety.
  6. Beside the ‘Read receipts’ heading, tap the toggle button to stop allows others in the chat to view when you’ve read someone’s message.

To manage read receipts for all chats on Android, iPhones, or iPads

  1. In your device, open the Instagram app and log in.
  2. On the bottom right, tap your profile picture or the profile icon (profile avatar).
  3. On the top right, tap the Menu icon (triple bar).
  4. Under the ‘How others can interact with you’ heading, tap Messages and story replies.
  5. Tap Show read receipts.
  6. Beside the ‘Read receipts’ heading, tap the toggle button to stop allows others in the chat to view when you’ve read someone’s message.

Source: Instagram Help Center

 

Restricting Instagram Accounts

Restricting your former/current partner’s Instagram account is a good way to limit their interactions with your account without them being notified. They won’t be able to tag or mention you or be able to see your activity status. They also will not be able to see when you have read their messages and their messages will be moved to a requests folder. Any comments they make on your Instagram posts will not be visible to anyone but you and the restricted account.

To restrict an account on Android devices, iPhones, or iPads

  1. In your device, open the Instagram app and log in.
  2. On the bottom right, tap your profile picture or the profile icon (profile avatar).
  3. On the top right, tap the Menu icon (triple bar).
  4. Under the ‘How others can interact with you’ heading, tap Restricted.
  5. Tap Next.
  6. Search for the account you’d like to restrict.
  7. Tap Restrict next to their username.

To restrict an account on a computer

  1. On your computer, open the Instagram and log in.
  2. At the bottom left of your screen, click the More icon (triple bar).
  3. Click Settings.
  4. Under the ‘How others can interact with you’ heading, click Restricted.
  5. Search for the account you’d like to restrict.
  6. Tap Restrict next to their username.

Source and for additional support: Instagram Help Center

 

Hiding Your Stories, Highlights, and Lives

Hiding your story and live from an Instagram account prevents them from viewing any stories you post as well as the highlights that may be saved to your Instagram profile. Note that hiding stories, highlights, and lives from a specific account means they can still view your profile and posts.

To hide stories, highlights, and lives while on Android devices, iPhones, and iPads

  1. In your device, open the Instagram app and log in.
  2. On the bottom right, tap your profile picture or the profile icon (profile avatar).
  3. On the top right, tap the Menu icon (triple bar).
  4. Under the ‘Who can see your content’, tap Story, live and location.
  5. Tap Hide Story and live from.
  6. Think about the people you’d like to hide your story from, then tap their account name.
  7. On the top left, tap Back.

To hide stories, highlights, and lives while on a computer

  1. On your computer, open the Instagram and log in.
  2. At the bottom left of your screen, click the More icon (triple bar).
  3. Click Settings.
  4. Under the ‘Who can see your content’, click Story, live and location.
  5. Click Hide Story and live from.
  6. Think about the people you’d like to hide your story from, then click their account name.

To hide stories, highlights, and lives while viewing the former/current partner’s account on Android devices, iPhones, and iPads

  1. In your device, open the Instagram app and log in.
  2. After posting a story on your account, tap on the story (i.e., your account photo on the left corner of your screen).
  3. Find the name of the person’s account you’d like hide your story from and tap the Options icon (three vertical dots).
  4. Tap Hide your story.
  5. Tap Hide.

Source: Instagram Help Center

 

How to Set-Up “Close Friends”

Close Friends is a function on Instagram that allows you to create your own list so that only the selected accounts can view your content when you make a post, note, reel, or story. If you prefer not to block, report, or remove your former/current partner’s account, making a Close Friends List allows you to share content to only those you choose.

To make a close friends list on Android devices, iPhones, and iPads

  1. In your device, open the Instagram app and log in.
  2. On the bottom right, tap your profile picture or the profile icon (profile avatar).
  3. On the top right, tap the Menu icon (triple bar).
  4. Under the ‘Who can see your content’, tap Close Friends.
  5. Think about the people you’d like to add to your Close Friends list, then tap Select next to their account name.
  6. To remove someone from this list, tap Done beside their account name.
  7. To save your changes, tap Done.

Source: Instagram Help Center

By default, when you post content, Instagram will share it with all your followers. However, before clicking the “Share” button on posts, notes, or stories, you can change the privacy settings and upload the content to your Close Friends list.

 

Making Posts to your Close Friends List…

On Android devices, iPhones, and iPads:

  1. In your device, open the Instagram app and log in.
  2. On the top right corner of your screen, tap Create (+ sign icon) or swipe right anywhere in Feed.
  3. At the bottom, tap POST.
  4. At the bottom, tap Record to take a photo or hold Record to record a video. To choose photos or videos from your device’s gallery, swipe up.
  5. After making any desired edits to your reel and land on the page that gives you the option to ‘Save draft’ or ‘Share’ your reel, tap Audience above the ‘Also share on…’ heading.
  6. Tap Close Friends.
  7. On the top left corner, tap the Back icon (arrow pointing to the left).
  8. On the bottom, tap the Share button when you’re ready.

Source: Instagram Help Center

Making Stories to your Close Friends List

On Android devices, iPhones, and iPads:

  1. In your device, open the Instagram app and log in.
  2. On the top right corner of your screen, tap Create (+ sign icon) or swipe right anywhere in Feed.
  3. At the bottom, tap STORY.
  4. At the bottom, tap Record to take a photo or hold Record to record a video. To choose photos or videos from your device’s gallery, swipe up.
  5. After making any desired edits to your reel and land on the page that gives you the option to ‘Save draft’ or ‘Share’ your reel, tap Audience above the ‘Also share on…’ heading.
  6. Tap Close Friends.
  7. On the top left corner, tap the Back icon (arrow pointing to the left).
  8. On the bottom, tap the Share button when you’re ready.

Source: Instagram Help Center

Making Reels to your Close Friends List

On Android devices, iPhones, and iPads:

  1. In your device, open the Instagram app and log in.
  2. On the top right corner of your screen, tap Create (+ sign icon) or swipe right anywhere in Feed.
  3. At the bottom, tap REEL.
  4. At the bottom, tap Record to take a photo or hold Record to record a video. To choose photos or videos from your device’s gallery, swipe up.
  5. After making any desired edits to your reel and land on the page that gives you the option to ‘Save draft’ or ‘Share’ your reel, tap Audience above the ‘Also share on…’ heading.
  6. Tap Close Friends.
  7. On the top left corner, tap the Back icon (arrow pointing to the left).
  8. On the bottom, tap the Share button when you’re ready.

Source: Instagram Help Center

Posting Notes to your Close Friends List

On Android devices, iPhones, and iPads:

  1. In your device, open the Instagram app and log in.
  2. At the bottom middle of your screen, tap the Messages icon (paper airplane).
  3. Input a note of up to 60 characters.
  4. Tap Close Friends.
  5. To share your note, tap Share on the top right.

To post a note to your close friends list on a computer:

  1. On your computer, open the Instagram and log in.
  2. At the top of your inbox, click Note… above your profile picture.
  3. Input a note of up to 60 characters.
  4. Click Close Friends.
  5. To share your note, click Share on the top right.

Source: Instagram Help Center

 

If You’re Receiving Harassing or Threatening Messages

 

Control Who Can Message You

This function allows you to control which accounts can contact you and whether you are able to see the messages in your Messages inbox.

To manage who can request to message you on Android devices, iPhones, and iPads

  1. In your device, open the Instagram app and log in.
  2. On the bottom right, tap your profile picture or the profile icon (profile avatar).
  3. On the top right, tap the Menu icon (triple bar).
  4. Under the ‘How others can interact with you’ heading, tap Messages and story replies.
  5. Tap Message requests.
  6. Under the ‘Who can send you message requests’ heading, tap either:
    1. Your followers (i.e., only your followers can send you message requests) or
    2. No one (i.e., no one can send you message requests).
  7. To hide message requests that may be offensive, spam, or scams, tap toggle on beside the ‘Hide unwanted message requests’ subheading below the ‘Types of message requests’ heading at the bottom.

To manage who can request to message you on a computer

  1. On your computer, open the Instagram and log in.
  2. At the bottom left of your screen, click the More icon (triple bar).
  3. Click Settings.
  4. Under the ‘How others can interact with you’, click Messages and story replies.
  5. Click Message controls.
  6. Under the ‘Who can send you message requests’ heading, click either:
    1. Your followers (i.e., only your followers can send you message requests) or
    2. No one (i.e., no one can send you message requests).
  7. To hide message requests that may be offensive, spam, or scams, click toggle on beside the ‘Hide unwanted message requests’ subheading below the ‘Types of message requests’ heading at the bottom.

Source: Instagram Help Center

 

Using Vanish Mode

Vanish Mode on Instagram allows users to send disappearing direct messages after the receiver has viewed the messages. As a result, the messages sent while Vanish mode is enabled are not permanent, but instead disappear. When using Vanish Mode, your message bar will display as “Disappearing message…” with a dashed line around the bar. Additionally, if you take screenshots of messages, it will appear as notifications in the chat. You can also set a timer for when messages are deleted after they are viewed.


Safety Tip: If you are receiving harassing or threatening messages, it may be safer to take photos of messages using another device or by showing the messages to your support worker. Keep in mind that screenshots/screen recordings will notify the sender of these actions.

To turn on Vanish Mode on Android devices, iPhones, and iPads

  1. In your device, open the Instagram app and log in.
  2. At the bottom middle of your screen, tap the Messages icon (paper airplane).
  3. Tap on the desired chat you’d like to use Vanish Mode on (i.e., you’d like the messages you send to disappear once the receiver has viewed them).
  4. In your chat, swipe up to turn on Vanish Mode.
  5. At the bottom of the description pop-up, tap OK.
  6. In the short description above the message bar ‘You turned on disappearing messages. New messages and reactions will disappear 24 hours after everyone has seen them’, tap Change to change the disappearing message timer.
  7. Tap an option that best fits your need:
    • Off meaning no disappearing message timer.
    • Once they’re seen meaning the message will automatically delete when you leave the chat.
    • 24 hours meaning the message will delete in 24 hours.
    • 7 days meaning the message will delete in 7 days.
  8. To turn off this mode, swipe up in your chat.

 

Removing Followers

Removing a follower from an account stops their ability to view your account’s posts if your account is private. If your account is currently public, refer to Making Your Account Private to hide your content from those who do not follow you.

To remove a follower on Android devices, iPhones, and iPads

  1. In your device, open the Instagram app and log in.
  2. On the bottom right, tap your profile picture or the profile icon (profile avatar).
  3. At the top, tap Followers.
  4. On the right side of the follower you’d like to remove, tap the X
  5. Tap Remove.

To remove a follower on a computer

  1. On your computer, open the Instagram and log in.
  2. On the left menu bar, tap Profile.
  3. Under your profile name, tap followers.
  4. On the right side of the follower you’d like to remove, tap Remove.
  5. Tap Remove to confirm.

Source: Instagram Help Center

 

Blocking Accounts

Blocking an account on Instagram means they won’t be unable to message you, tag you in a post, add you to events and groups, or find your account through the search function. Keep in mind that blocking accounts removes their messages and comments from your account. You can also refer to Reporting Accounts to report problematic content they have uploaded.

Blocking an account does not notify the owner, however, they may notice they have been blocked which could potentially increase any risks to your safety, we recommend that you consult with a support worker at your transition home or a support organization beforehand.


Safety Tip: Before reporting the account, make sure to take screenshots, pictures, screen recordings, and documentation of the profile as you will not have access to the view account once the company responds to the report. Keep in mind that screenshots and screen recordings taken inside the chat of your friends will be notified of this action. If your former/current partner makes a new account after you have blocked their account, Making Your Account Private can help to hide your content from those who do not follow you.

To block an account on Android devices, iPhones, and iPads

  1. In your device, open the Instagram app and log in.
  2. On the bottom right, tap your profile picture or the profile icon (profile avatar).
  3. On the top right, tap the Menu icon (triple bar).
  4. Under the ‘Who can see your content’ heading, tap Blocked.
  5. On the top right corner, tap the Add icon (+ sign).
  6. Enter the account of the person you’d like to block.
  7. Beside their name, tap Block.
  8. At the bottom, tap Block.

To block an account on a computer

  1. On your computer, open the Instagram and log in.
  2. Either:
    • Click their username from their post in your Feed or story post or
    • Click Search, enter their username, and click it to open their profile.
  3. On the top right, click the Options icon (three horizontal dots).
  4. Click Block.

Source: Instagram Help Center

 

Reporting Comments

If you are seeing harmful or unwanted comments, you can report comments on yours or anyone’s Instagram posts. This can anonymously notify Instagram to review the comment and take action if it violates the app’s guidelines.


Safety Tip: Before reporting the harmful or unwanted comment, you may want to take screenshots, pictures, screen recordings, and documentation as you will not have access to the comments once the company responds to the report.

To report comments on Android devices, iPhones, and iPads

  1. In your device, open the Instagram app and log in.
  2. Find the post that has the comment you’d like to report.
  3. Below the post, tap Comments (speech bubble icon).
  4. Tap and hold the harmful comment you’d like to report.
  5. In the pop-up, tap Report.
  6. Tap a reason.
  7. Tap Done.

To report comments on a computer:

  1. On your computer, open the Instagram and log in.
  2. Find the post that has the comment you’d like to report.
  3. Below the post, click Comments (speech bubble icon).
  4. Hover your cursor over the comment you’d like to report.
  5. Below the comment, click the Options icon (three horizontal dots).
  6. Click Report.
  7. Click a reason.
  8. Click Done.

Source: Instagram Help Center

 

Deleting Comments on Your Posts

If you are seeing harmful or unwanted comments, you can delete comments from your Instagram posts.


Safety Tip: Before reporting the harmful or unwanted comment, you may want to take screenshots, pictures, screen recordings, and documentation.

To delete a comment on your post on Android devices, iPhones, and iPads

  1. In your device, open the Instagram app and log in.
  2. Find your post that has the comment you’d like to delete.
  3. Below the post, click Comments (speech bubble icon).
  4. Tap and hold the harmful comment you’d like to delete.
  5. Tap Delete (trash icon).

To delete a comment on your post on a computer

  1. On your computer, open the Instagram and log in.
  2. Find the post that has the comment you’d like to delete.
  3. Below the post, click Comments (speech bubble icon).
  4. Hover your cursor over the comment you’d like to delete.
  5. Below the comment, click the Options icon (three horizontal dots).
  6. Click Delete.

Source: Instagram Help Center

 

Turning Off the Commenting Function on Your Posts

If you are seeing harmful or unwanted comments, or do not want anyone to have the ability to comment on your posts, you can disable this function.

Safety Tip: If there is already harmful or unwanted comments on your post, you may want to take screenshots, pictures, screen recordings, and documentation of the comment.

To turn off commenting on your post

  1. Open the Instagram app on your device or Instagram website and log in.
  2. Find your post that you’d like to turn off commenting.
  3. Follow either step:
    • On Android devices, iPhones, and iPads: Above your post, tap the Options icon (three vertical dots).
    • On a computer: Next to your post, click the Options icon (three horizontal dots).
  4. Tap/Click Turn off commenting.

Source: Instagram Help Center

 

If You’re Having Harmful Content Made About You or Being Impersonated

 

Reporting Posts

If there is harmful content made about you, or you see inappropriate content related to nudity, impersonation, hate speech, or misinformation, you can report the post. This can anonymously notify Instagram to review the post and take action if it violates the app’s guidelines.


Safety Tip: Before reporting the harmful or unwanted comment, you may want to take screenshots, pictures, screen recordings, and documentation of the post as you will not have access to view the post once the company responds to the report.

To report a post

  1. Open the Instagram app on your device or Instagram website and log in.
  2. Find the post you’d like to report.
  3. Follow either step:
    • On Android devices, iPhones, and iPads: Above your post, tap the Options icon (three vertical dots).
    • On a computer: Next to your post, click the Options icon (three horizontal dots).
  4. Tap/click Report.
  5. Follow prompts.

Source: Instagram Help Center

 

Reporting Accounts

If there is an account impersonating you, or is repeatedly making harmful content, related to nudity, hate speech, or misinformation, you can report the Instagram profile.


Safety Tip: Before reporting the account, make sure to take screenshots, pictures, screen recordings, and documentation of the profile as you will not have access to the view account once the company responds to the report.

To report an Instagram profile

  1. Open the Instagram app on your device or Instagram website and log in.
  2. Find the profile you’d like to report.
  3. Follow either step:
    • On Android devices, iPhones, and iPads: On the top right of their profile, tap the Options icon (three vertical dots).
    • On a computer: Next to their account name, click the Options icon (three horizontal dots).
  4. Tap/click Report.
  5. Follow prompts.

Source: Instagram Help Center

 

If you are experiencing tech abuse, you are not alone. Find support in your community by connecting with a BC Society of Transition Houses Member Program or check out our other safety resources at techsafebc.bcsth.ca.