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3 min read•Updated December 2024

How to Download Your Instagram Followers Data

Complete guide to requesting and downloading your Instagram data export on any device.

Instagram gives every user the ability to download their account data, including complete lists of everyone who follows you and everyone you follow. This data export is essential for using safe unfollower tools like Unfollowr.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the exact steps to download your Instagram followers data on mobile (iPhone/Android) and desktop.

Before You Start

Make sure you have access to the email address associated with your Instagram account. Instagram will send a download link to this email when your export is ready.

Download on Mobile (iPhone & Android)

  1. Open Instagram and tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner.
  2. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner.
  3. Select "Settings and privacy" from the menu.
  4. Tap "Accounts Center" at the top of the settings page.
  5. Select "Your information and permissions" from the list.
  6. Tap "Download your information".
  7. Choose your Instagram account if you have multiple accounts linked.
  8. Select "Some of your information" (this lets you choose specific data).
  9. Scroll down and check "Followers and Following". You can uncheck other options if you only need follower data.
  10. Tap "Next" to continue.
  11. Choose "Download to device" as your destination.
  12. Select your preferred format: JSON (recommended) or HTML.
  13. Set the date range to "All time" for complete data.
  14. Tap "Create files" to submit your request.

Instagram will now prepare your download. You'll receive an email notification (and an Instagram notification) when it's ready. This usually takes a few minutes but can take up to 48 hours for larger accounts.

Download on Desktop (Web Browser)

  1. Go to instagram.com and log into your account.
  2. Click "More" in the left sidebar, then select "Settings".
  3. Click "Accounts Center" in the left menu.
  4. Select "Your information and permissions".
  5. Click "Download your information".
  6. Select your Instagram account.
  7. Choose "Some of your information".
  8. Check "Followers and Following" and uncheck other options.
  9. Click "Next".
  10. Select "Download to device".
  11. Choose JSON or HTML format.
  12. Set date range to "All time".
  13. Click "Create files".

Downloading Your Export File

Once your export is ready, you'll receive an email from Instagram with a download link. Here's what to do:

  1. Open the email from Instagram (check spam if you don't see it).
  2. Click "Download your information" in the email.
  3. Log into Instagram if prompted to verify your identity.
  4. Click "Download" to save the ZIP file to your device.
  5. Extract the ZIP file to access your data files.

Important: Download Link Expires

The download link in Instagram's email expires after 4 days. Make sure to download your data before it expires, or you'll need to request a new export.

Finding Your Follower Files

After extracting the ZIP file, you'll find your follower data in these locations:

JSON format:

connections/followers_and_following/followers_1.json

connections/followers_and_following/following.json

HTML format:

connections/followers_and_following/followers_1.html

connections/followers_and_following/following.html

These are the files you'll upload to Unfollowr to see who doesn't follow you back.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my Instagram data export?

Instagram typically prepares your download within a few minutes to a few hours. For accounts with lots of data, it may take up to 48 hours. You'll receive an email notification when your download is ready.

What format should I choose for my Instagram export?

Both JSON and HTML formats work with Unfollowr. JSON is more compact and processes faster, while HTML is human-readable if you want to view the files directly. Either format contains the same follower and following data.

Can I download just my followers list without other data?

Yes! When requesting your download, select 'Some of your information' instead of 'All available information.' Then check only 'Followers and Following' to get just the data you need for tracking unfollowers.

Got your export files?

Upload them to Unfollowr and see who doesn't follow you back in seconds.

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