Data Export Guide

How to Download Your Instagram Data (JSON Format) in 2026

The complete guide for iPhone, Android & PC — get your data in the right format for unfollower tracking.

May 22, 2026 • 7 min read

Instagram lets you download a copy of all your data — including your followers and following lists. To use tools like UnfollowTool , you need the JSON format (not HTML). This guide walks you through the exact steps on every platform.

Table of Contents

1. Why You Need JSON Format (Not HTML)

When you request your data from Instagram, you can choose between two formats: HTML and JSON . Here's why JSON is the right choice:

HTML Format
  • Designed for human reading in a browser
  • Cannot be parsed by analysis tools
  • Missing structured data fields
JSON Format Recommended
  • Machine-readable structured data
  • Works with UnfollowTool & other analyzers
  • Contains all follower/following details
Important: If you download the HTML version by mistake, you'll need to request a new export. There is no way to convert HTML to JSON after the fact.

2. Step-by-Step on iPhone / iPad

  1. Open Instagram & Go to Your Profile
    Tap your profile picture in the bottom-right corner of the app.
  2. Open the Accounts Center
    Tap the ☰ menu (top-right) → Your activity → Download your information .
  3. Select "Download or transfer information"
    Choose "Some of your information" if you only need followers/following, or "All available information" for a complete export.
  4. Choose JSON Format
    Under Format , select "JSON" . Under Date range, choose "All time" . Then tap "Create files" .
  5. Wait for the Email
    Instagram will send a notification and email when your data is ready. Tap the link to download the .zip file.

3. Step-by-Step on Android

  1. Open Instagram & Tap Your Profile
    Tap your profile picture in the bottom navigation bar .
  2. Navigate to Your Activity
    Tap the ≡ hamburger menu (top-right) → "Your activity" → "Download your information" .
  3. Select Data to Download
    Choose "Download or transfer information" . Select your Instagram account and pick the data categories you need (at minimum: Followers and Following ).
  4. Set Format to JSON
    Make sure the format dropdown shows "JSON" and the date range is set to "All time" . Tap "Create files" .
  5. Download When Ready
    You'll receive a push notification and an email with a download link. The link expires after 4 days , so don't wait too long.

4. Step-by-Step on PC / Mac (Browser)

Using a desktop browser is often the fastest and easiest method, especially if you want to use the ZIP file with UnfollowTool right away.

  1. Go to instagram.com
    Log in to your account in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.
  2. Open the Accounts Center
    Click "More" in the left sidebar → "Your activity" → "Download your information" .
  3. Choose "Download or transfer information"
    Select your Instagram account. Pick "Some of your information" and check Followers and Following .
  4. Select JSON & Create Files
    Set format to "JSON" , date range to "All time" , and click "Create files" .
  5. Download the ZIP
    Within minutes, go to "Download your information" again to find the "Download" button. Save the .zip file to your computer.
Pro Tip: On desktop, you can drag the ZIP file directly into UnfollowTool without unzipping it first. The tool handles extraction automatically.

5. How Long Does It Take?

The processing time depends on the size of your account and Instagram's current server load:

Small Accounts

Under 1,000 followers: usually ready in 5–15 minutes .

Medium Accounts

1K–50K followers: typically 1–4 hours .

Large Accounts

50K+ followers or heavy media: up to 48 hours .

If you haven't received your file after 48 hours, try requesting the download again. Instagram sometimes drops requests during peak periods.

6. What to Do With the ZIP File

Once you've downloaded your Instagram data as a JSON ZIP file, here's how to use it:

Step 1
Go to UnfollowTool

Visit unfollowtool.com and select Instagram as your platform.

Step 2
Upload Your ZIP File

Drag and drop (or browse) to upload the ZIP file. Your data never leaves your device — all processing happens locally in your browser.

Step 3
See Who Doesn't Follow You Back

Instantly see a list of accounts you follow that don't follow you back. Filter, search, and decide who to unfollow — at your own pace.

Ready to Find Your Unfollowers?

Upload your Instagram JSON export and see results in seconds.
100% free. 100% private. No login required.

Open UnfollowTool — It's Free

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