How to download your Instagram data

UnfollowScout never asks for your Instagram password. Instead, you upload the data export that Instagram gives you. Here's how to request it. The steps are the same on iPhone, Android and desktop.

1. Request the export in Instagram

1. Open Instagram, go to your profile and tap the menu (☰) → Settings and activity.
2. Tap Accounts Centre → Your information and permissions → Export your information.
3. Tap Create export, choose your Instagram account, then choose Export to device.
4. Tap Customise information. Instagram ticks everything by default, so tap Clear all on each section, then tick only Followers and following, and tap Save.
5. Tap Date range and change it from Last year to All time. This is important: a shorter range can leave your followers file out.
6. Leave Format as HTML (JSON works too) and Media quality as it is.
7. Tap Start export.

Instagram will ask for your Instagram password. When you start the export and when you download it, Instagram asks you to re-enter your password on its own page (accountscenter.instagram.com). That's Instagram checking it's you. UnfollowScout never sees or asks for your password. If you've forgotten it, use Forgotten password? on that screen to reset it in Instagram first.

2. Download it when Instagram notifies you

Instagram usually notifies you, by email and in the app, within an hour, often sooner. The download link only works for 4 days, so download the file soon. If it has expired, just request a new export.

3. Upload it to UnfollowScout

1. Download the ZIP file from Instagram's email or notification.
2. In UnfollowScout, open your dashboard and tap (or drag onto) the upload area, then choose the ZIP.
3. Everything is analysed in your browser. Your follower lists never reach our servers.

On a phone

• iPhone: the file is saved in the Files app, under Downloads. When you tap the upload area, choose Browse, then Downloads.
• Android: the file is in your Downloads folder. When you tap the upload area, choose Files or Downloads.
• If the ZIP got unzipped (for example you tapped it in the Files app and it became a folder), that's fine. Open the folder, go to connections → followersandfollowing, and select both followers_1 and following together.

Tip: If your upload says it can't find a followers file, request a new export with Followers and following ticked and Date range set to All time. A "Last year" export may only contain your following list.

Once uploaded, your dashboard shows your Health Score and the accounts that don't follow you back.