How to Export Your Instagram Data (Mobile and Desktop, 2026 Version)

Why Export Your Instagram Data?

Instagram allows you to download a copy of all your account data. This includes your photos, messages, profile info, and — most relevant for unfollower tracking — your complete followers and following lists.

This feature exists thanks to data protection laws like GDPR and is completely official and safe.

Desktop Method (Recommended)

The desktop browser method is faster and easier for most users.

Step 1: Open Instagram Settings

Go to instagram.com in your web browser and log in. Click your profile picture in the top right corner, then click "Settings and privacy."

Step 2: Navigate to Accounts Centre

In the left sidebar, click "Accounts Centre." Then click "Your information and permissions."

Step 3: Request a Download

Click "Download your information" and then "Request a download."

Step 4: Select Your Account

Choose the Instagram account you want to export data from.

Step 5: Choose What to Download

Select "Some of your information" to avoid downloading everything. On the next screen, untick everything except "Followers and following."

Step 6: Set the Right Format

Set the format to JSON (this is essential for tools like ByeBud). Set the date range to "All time."

Step 7: Create the Export

Click "Create files." Instagram will process your request — this usually takes 2–10 minutes.

Step 8: Download the Files

You'll receive an email when the export is ready. Click the download link and save the ZIP file.

Step 9: Extract the ZIP

Unzip the downloaded file. Navigate to connections/followers_and_following. You need followers_1.json and following.json.

Mobile Method

On iPhone or Android

1. Open the Instagram app
2. Tap your profile picture → Hamburger menu (☰) → Settings and privacy
3. Tap "Accounts Centre"
4. Tap "Your information and permissions"
5. Tap "Download your information"
6. Follow the same steps as desktop from Step 4 onwards

Mobile Tips

• The mobile browser (instagram.com in Chrome/Safari) often works better than the app
• Make sure you have enough storage space to download the ZIP file
• Use a file manager app to extract the ZIP on mobile

Using Your Data with ByeBud

Once you have your followers_1.json and following.json files, upload them to ByeBud for instant analysis.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Export Is Taking Too Long

If your export takes more than 30 minutes, try again. Sometimes Instagram's servers are busy.

Can't Find the Files

The folder structure is: [your_export_folder]/connections/followers_and_following/. Look for followers_1.json (not followers.json) and following.json.

File Format Wrong

Make sure you selected JSON format, not HTML. If you downloaded HTML, you'll need to request a new export in JSON format.

Multiple Accounts

If you have linked accounts, make sure you select the right one during the export process.

Conclusion

Exporting your Instagram data is simple and takes less than 5 minutes. It's the safest way to get your follower information for analysis with tools like ByeBud.