What should you do if Instagram requests an ID to verify your age?
The short answer
Meta describes age verification using an ID or video selfie. A verification request alone does not prove an account was hacked. It also does not justify sending a document to someone who contacted you in a private message.
What this answer is based onWhat to do
Open Instagram yourself and follow the instructions on the verification screen. Choose from the options actually offered to you. Do not forward your document to a message sender promising a faster result.
- Close the message and open the app yourself. Check whether your account shows a verification request.
- Read the purpose and available options. Use your own details; do not try to verify your age with someone else’s ID.
- If an offered method is unavailable, look for another option on that screen or in the app’s help. Save the exact error wording.
The situation
Lena corrects an inaccurate date of birth and sees an age verification screen in Instagram. That day, an unfamiliar profile messages: “We can speed it up. Send your passport here.” These are two different requests, even though both mention verification.
What this answer is based on
Meta Newsroom — Introducing New Ways to Verify Age on Instagramabout.fb.comGuide based on Meta’s materialReview details
Source reviewed:
We read the official source listed for this topic. Other Meta rules are reviewed separately.
Primary source reread: . This does not mean every supplementary source, translation or app screen was rechecked.
Material published: June 23, 2022
Material updated: May 24, 2024
Include the guide link, language and wording that needs checking. Add an official source link if you have one. Do not send passwords, login codes or photos of identity documents.
Examples are made up to explain the guidance. Meta decides individual account and content cases.
Study this topicProfiles, names and ageSources and related topicsPolicy Graph · Demo in development