How to Safely Find Who Unfollowed You on Instagram: Free and Easy Methods

Jun 28, 2024

Ever wondered who's unfollowed you on Instagram or who never followed you back? Today, I'll teach you how to safely track this information using only Instagram-approved data. No sketchy apps, no risk to your account—completely safe and free. Let's jump in!

Step One: Sourcing the Data

First, we'll source the data directly from your Instagram account. This method is tried and true—we've been doing this for years, and it's completely safe. Here's how to get started:

  1. Go to Your Instagram Account: Click the three bars in the top right corner of your profile.

  1. Navigate to 'Your Activity': Scroll down and select 'Download Your Information.'

  1. Download Your Information: This will open up the Meta Account Center. Click 'Download or Transfer Information.'

  1. Select Your Account: Choose the Instagram account you want the information for and click 'Next.'

  2. Choose Specific Data: We only need some of your information, so select ‘Some of your information’ then scroll down and click 'Followers and Following.'


  3. Choose Download Destination: Choose where you want your files downloaded to

  1. Date Range: Select ‘Date Range’ and change the date range from last year to 'All Time' and click 'Save.'

  1. File Format: Leave it in JSON for this strategy and click 'Create File.'

This will send an email with the download link to your registered email address. It may take a few minutes to receive the email.

Step Two: Downloading and Extracting the Data

Once you receive the email:

  1. Download the Data: Click the link in the email to download your information. It will download as a zip file to your computer.

  2. Extract the Zip File: Open the zip file, navigate to the 'Connections' folder, and find 'Followers' and 'Following.'

Step Three: Comparing the Lists

To compare the two lists of data:

  1. Visit Compare Two Lists: Go to comparetwolists.com.

  2. Prepare Your Lists: Open the 'Followers' and 'Following' HTML files.

  3. Copy and Paste Data: Copy all the followers' data and paste it into List A on Compare Two Lists. Do the same for the following data and paste it into List B. (Tip: To automatically highlight to the end of the site, use Left Click + CMD + Shift + Down on a Mac or Left Click + End on a PC.)

  4. Compare: Click to compare the lists. The results will show who isn't following you back or who has unfollowed you.

Step Four: Cleaning Up Your Account

Now, with the compared list:

  1. Identify Non-Followers: The list will show users who aren't following you back in List B.

  2. Manually Unfollow: Go to Instagram, search for these users, and manually unfollow them.

Save Time with FollowBuddy

While the method we mentioned above is free and safe, it can be time-consuming. To save time, we created a tool called FollowBuddy. FollowBuddy automates this entire process for you, and here's how it works:

FollowBuddy Benefits:

  1. No Account Access Needed: No need to share your Instagram password, ensuring your account's safety.

  2. Easy Tracking: Easily keep track of the accounts you visited.

  3. Ease of Use: Simple setup—just upload your data files.

How to Use FollowBuddy:

  1. Sign Up: Go to FollowBuddy and create an account.

  2. Upload Your Files: Download your Instagram files in JSON format for FollowBuddy.

  3. Automated Comparison: FollowBuddy will automatically compare the lists and show who has unfollowed you.

  4. Direct Actions: Easily access accounts directly from FollowBuddy to manage your followers efficiently.

FollowBuddy saves you hours of manual work, making it a great investment for managing your Instagram followers effectively.

Wrapping Up

Tracking who unfollows you on Instagram doesn't have to be a hassle. Use this free method for a safe, manual approach or try FollowBuddy for a more efficient, automated solution. Whichever method you choose, keeping your follower list clean and engaged has never been easier.

FAQs:

Q: Is it safe to use these methods to track unfollowers?

A: Yes, both the manual method and FollowBuddy use Instagram-approved data, ensuring your account's safety.

Q: How long does it take to receive the data from Instagram?

A: Typically, it takes a few minutes to receive the email with your data download link.

Q: Can FollowBuddy help me understand why people unfollow?

A: While FollowBuddy tracks who unfollows you, analyzing the data to understand the reasons behind unfollows is up to you.

© 2025 FollowBuddy, Inc. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer: FollowBuddy is not affiliated with Instagram™ or Meta Platforms Inc.

© 2025 FollowBuddy, Inc. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer: FollowBuddy is not affiliated with Instagram™ or Meta Platforms Inc.

© 2025 FollowBuddy, Inc. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer: FollowBuddy is not affiliated with Instagram™ or Meta Platforms Inc.