Step-by-Step: Use Instagram's Data Export to Find Who Doesn't Follow You Back

What Is Instagram's Data Export?

Instagram allows every user to download a copy of their account data. This includes photos, messages, profile information, and — most importantly for our purposes — your complete list of followers and the accounts you follow.

This feature is part of Instagram's compliance with data protection regulations like GDPR, and it's completely official and safe to use.

Why Use Data Export Instead of Third-Party Apps?

Third-party unfollower apps come with serious risks:

• They can steal your login credentials
• They may violate Instagram's terms of service
• Your account could get banned or restricted
• They often contain ads, malware, or hidden subscriptions

Instagram's data export is the only 100% safe method because you're using Instagram's own tools.

Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Open Instagram Settings

Open instagram.com in your web browser (this works best on desktop, but mobile browser works too). Click your profile picture in the top right, then click Settings.

Step 2: Navigate to Accounts Centre

Click on "Accounts Centre" in the left sidebar, then click "Your information and permissions."

Step 3: Click Download Your Information

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

Step 4: Select Your Account

Choose the Instagram account you want to export data from. If you have multiple accounts linked, make sure you select the right one.

Step 5: Choose What to Export

Select "Some of your information" rather than downloading everything. This is faster and creates a smaller file.

Step 6: Select Followers and Following Only

In the "Customise Information" screen, untick everything except "Followers and following." This keeps the export small and fast.

Step 7: Set Format and Date Range

Set the format to JSON (not HTML — JSON is required for ByeBud to process it). Set the date range to "All time" to get your complete lists.

Step 8: Start the Export

Click "Create files" or "Start Export." Instagram will process your request, which usually takes 2–10 minutes.

Step 9: Download the ZIP File

You'll receive an email from Instagram when your export is ready. Download the ZIP file and extract it on your computer.

Step 10: Find the Right Files

Inside the extracted folder, navigate to connections/followers_and_following. You need two files:

• followers_1.json — your complete list of followers
• following.json — everyone you follow

Step 11: Upload to ByeBud

Go to ByeBud's analyzer page and upload both files. Your data is processed entirely in your browser — nothing leaves your device.

Step 12: Review Your Results

Instantly see who doesn't follow you back, who you don't follow back, and your mutual followers.

Tips for a Smooth Export

• Use a desktop browser for the easiest experience
• Make sure you're logged into the right account
• If the export takes longer than 30 minutes, try again
• Always select JSON format, not HTML
• Keep the exported files private — they contain your follower data

What to Do With Your Results

Once you have your list of non-followers, you can:

1. Review the list for accounts you want to keep following regardless
2. Unfollow accounts that add no value to your feed
3. Identify follow-for-follow accounts that unfollowed after you followed back
4. Clean up your following list to improve your follower ratio

Conclusion

Instagram's data export is your safest option for finding unfollowers. Combined with ByeBud's instant analysis, you can clean up your Instagram in under 5 minutes — no login sharing, no risky apps, no worries.