How long does the Instagram download take?

How long it usually takes

Small requests — for example only Followers and following — are often ready in minutes. A full download with messages, photos and videos can take hours or a few days. Asking only for what you need is the fastest way.

Where to find it

• Instagram e-mails you when it’s ready.
• You can also check Accounts Center → Your information and permissions → Download your information.
• The download link expires after a few days. If it did, simply request it again.

When something goes wrong

• The file has no followers in it: it was requested as HTML or PDF, or with only media. Request again in JSON format.
• Several ZIP parts: that’s normal for large downloads — keep them all and open them together.
• Can’t pick the file on your phone: you’re probably inside the Instagram browser. Tap ⋯ and choose Open in browser.
• On iPhone, the ZIP is in the Files app → Downloads. Don’t unzip it.

The fastest request for unfollowers

1. Choose Some of your information → Followers and following.
2. Format JSON, date range All time.
3. Drop the ZIP into Unwrapped as soon as it arrives — it’s read on your device, nothing is uploaded.

Step by step with screenshots: how to download your Instagram data.

FAQ