How to Download Instagram Data Export

Step-by-step guide to download your Instagram data so you can use WhoDipped's analysis tools. Works on desktop, iPhone, and Android.

What Is an Instagram Data Export?

Instagram lets you download a copy of all your data, including your followers list, following list, messages, and more. WhoDipped uses the followers and following data from this export to run its analysis tools — all in your browser, with no server uploads.

Step-by-Step Guide (Desktop)

  1. Open Instagram.com in your browser and log in.
  2. Click your profile picture (bottom-left) → Settings.
  3. Go to Your activity → Download your information.
  4. Click Request download.
  5. Select JSON as the format (recommended for WhoDipped).
  6. Choose All time for the date range.
  7. Click Submit request.
  8. Instagram will send you an email when the export is ready (usually within a few hours).
  9. Download the ZIP file from the email or from Instagram Settings.

Step-by-Step Guide (Mobile — iPhone & Android)

  1. Open the Instagram app.
  2. Go to your Profile → tap the ☰ menu (top-right).
  3. Tap Your activity → Download your information.
  4. Tap Request download.
  5. Select JSON format and All time date range.
  6. Confirm your request. Instagram will email you when the file is ready.
  7. Download the ZIP from the email on your phone or computer.

What File to Upload to WhoDipped

After downloading, you'll have a ZIP file (usually named something like instagram-username-2026-02-26.zip). Upload this entire ZIP to any WhoDipped tool — we'll find the followers and following data inside automatically.

Don't unzip the file. WhoDipped handles the ZIP extraction in your browser. If you've already unzipped it, you can upload the individual JSON files instead.

Common Issues

ZIP won't upload

Make sure the file ends in .zip. If your browser downloaded it as a different format, try downloading again from the Instagram email.

Wrong format

WhoDipped works best with the JSON export format. If you chose HTML, request a new export in JSON format from Instagram Settings.

Export missing followers/following data

Occasionally, Instagram exports may be incomplete. If WhoDipped can't find follower data, try requesting a new export. Make sure you selected "All time" for the date range.

JSON vs HTML — which should I choose?

Choose JSON. It's structured data that WhoDipped can parse reliably. HTML exports are meant for human reading and are harder to process automatically.

Export is very large

Instagram exports can be large if they include photos and videos. WhoDipped only needs the follower/following data, which is tiny. The tool handles large ZIPs by extracting only what it needs.

Ready to Analyze?

Pick a tool to get started:

Not Following Back Checker

See who you follow that doesn't follow you back.

Unfollowers Tracker

Compare two exports to find who unfollowed you.

Pending Requests Checker

See follow requests that haven't been accepted.

Mutual Followers Checker

Find who follows you back.

Follower Export Tool

Export your lists to CSV for backup.

Full Analysis Hub

Run the complete analysis on the home page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is downloading my Instagram data safe?

Yes. You're using Instagram's official data download feature. The data goes directly from Instagram to you.

How long does the export take?

Usually a few minutes to a few hours. Instagram will email you when it's ready.

Do I need JSON or HTML format?

Choose JSON. WhoDipped is optimized for JSON exports. HTML exports may not work correctly.

Can I use the same export for all WhoDipped tools?

Yes! One export works for all tools: not-following-back, mutuals, pending requests, and CSV export. For the unfollowers tracker, you'll need two exports from different dates.

Why is my ZIP too large to upload?

Large ZIPs (with photos/videos) still work — WhoDipped only reads the small text data files inside. If upload is slow, be patient.

Can I use multiple exports?

Yes. The unfollowers tracker specifically requires two exports for comparison. Other tools work with just one.

What if my export doesn't contain follower data?

Make sure you selected "All time" for the date range and "JSON" as the format. If data is still missing, try requesting a new export.

Is my data shared with WhoDipped?

No. All processing happens in your browser. Your data export is never uploaded to any server.