You can see who unfollowed you on Instagram by comparing two of your own data exports, but the built-in app won't show you. The reliable way is to download your followers list from Instagram and run it through a tool that compares the lists on your device. Instagram Unfollowers does exactly that: it reads your export locally, with no login and no password, and shows you who is no longer following you back.
Why Instagram Doesn't Show You Who Unfollowed You
Instagram's own app shows you who you follow and who follows you, but it does not notify you when someone unfollows. There is no built-in 'unfollowers' list. Third-party apps that promise this often require your Instagram password or login, which violates Instagram's terms and puts your account at risk. The safe method is to use Instagram's own data export feature, which gives you a file listing your current followers, and then compare it to a previous export or to the list of accounts you follow.
Step-by-Step: How to See Who Unfollowed You on Instagram
-
Request your Instagram data export. In the Instagram app, go to your profile, tap the menu, then 'Your activity' > 'Download your information'. Request a download of your followers and following lists in JSON format. Instagram will email you a link when the file is ready (usually within 24 hours).
-
Download and unzip the export. The file you receive is a ZIP archive. Extract it to a folder on your computer. Inside, you'll find a file called
followers_1.json(or similar) that lists your followers, and afollowing.jsonthat lists accounts you follow. -
Open Instagram Unfollowers. In your browser, go to the tool page. You'll see a drop zone labelled 'Drag & drop or browse' and the line 'Processed locally — your files never leave your device'.
-
Add your export files. Drag the
followers_1.jsonandfollowing.jsonfiles onto the drop zone (or click to browse and select them). The tool accepts several files at once because they are parts of one result. There is no upload step; the files are read directly from your computer. -
Review the results. The tool compares the two lists and shows you accounts that you follow but that do not follow you back. This is your list of unfollowers (or accounts that never followed you). You can then decide who to unfollow.
-
Repeat periodically. To track new unfollows, request a fresh export every few weeks and compare it to your previous one using the tool. The difference between the two follower lists shows who unfollowed you in that period.
How to Compare Two Exports to See Who Unfollowed You Recently
If you want to know who unfollowed you since a certain date, you need two exports: an older one and a newer one. Use the tool to compare the followers list from the old export with the followers list from the new export. Accounts that appear in the old list but not in the new one have unfollowed you. The tool can handle multiple files, so you can add both exports at once and it will show the changes. This method is more accurate than relying on third-party apps that may use unreliable detection methods.
Why Local, In-Browser Processing Beats Upload-Based Tools
Many online 'Instagram unfollower' tools ask you to upload your data export to their server. That means your follower list — which contains usernames of people you know — leaves your device and sits on someone else's computer. With Alvseike's tool, everything happens in your browser. Your files are never uploaded, so there's no risk of your data being stored, sold, or leaked. Local processing is also faster because there's no upload/download wait, and there are no file-size caps, so even large exports are handled with ease.
Common Mistakes and Pro Tips
- Don't use apps that ask for your password. They violate Instagram's terms and can get your account banned. Stick to your own data export.
- Make sure you're comparing the right files. The followers list is in
followers_1.jsonand the following list is infollowing.json. Some exports split followers into multiple files (e.g.,followers_2.json); add them all. - Export regularly. Instagram only provides a snapshot at the time of request, so to track unfollows over time, request a new export every few weeks.
- Use the tool on a desktop for easier file handling. While it works on mobile, managing ZIP files is simpler on a computer.
- Respect privacy. The tool runs locally, so your data stays yours. Avoid sharing your export files with anyone.
When to Use a Mockup or Social Pack Instead
If you're cleaning up your Instagram profile, you might also want to refresh your grid. Use Mockup Generator to preview your posts in a phone frame, or Social Pack Exporter to resize one design for all your social channels. For podcasters, Podcast Artwork Pack turns one square of cover art into every size Apple and Spotify require.
Understanding Instagram's Data Export Format
Instagram's data export comes as a ZIP file containing JSON files. The followers_1.json file contains an array of objects, each with a string_list_data field that includes the username and a link to the profile. The following.json file has a similar structure but under relationships_following. The tool parses these files and compares the usernames. If you're comfortable with code, you could do this manually, but the tool automates it and avoids errors.
How Often Should You Check for Unfollowers?
There's no need to check daily. Most people check every few weeks or after noticing a drop in follower count. Request a new export, run it through the tool, and compare with your previous export to see changes. This keeps you informed without obsessing over every fluctuation.
Privacy and Security Considerations
Your Instagram data export contains sensitive information: usernames of your followers and the accounts you follow. Uploading it to a random website is risky. Alvseike's tool processes everything locally, so your data never leaves your device. That means no one else can access it, and you don't have to trust a third party with your social graph. It's the safest way to check who unfollowed you.
Final Thoughts
Seeing who unfollowed you on Instagram doesn't require a sketchy app or your password. By using Instagram's own data export and a local tool like Instagram Unfollowers, you can get accurate results without compromising your privacy. Remember to export regularly, compare lists, and always keep your data on your own device.