Instagram messages for small claims court

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

Many small claims start in DMs: a sale arranged on Instagram, a loan between friends, a deposit, a promise to fix or return something. The messages are often your contract. Small claims judges move fast, so a record that is easy to read helps.

What the record should show

The agreement: price, what was promised, deadlines.
Proof of payment or delivery that was sent in the chat (photos of receipts, tracking numbers).
Your requests to be paid and their replies — or silence.

Get the messages from Instagram

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.

Make it easy for the judge

In the free tool, choose the conversation and limit the dates to the deal. Add the case name and an exhibit label. Bring enough copies for the court and the other side. Highlight the key messages on your own copy, and list their message numbers in a one-page summary.

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.