How to Download Your Instagram Data? (2025 Guide)

It’s as clear as day that Meta’s Facebook and Instagram use our data for monetary gain. If you’re as privacy-conscious as I am and want to know what kind of access Instagram has to your data, you can view and download your Instagram data from your iPhone or Mac. Here’s how to do it.

How to View Your Instagram Data

Since Instagram has a history of data breaches, it has implemented measures to give you better control over the information you share. As part of this, Instagram now allows you to review and update your account data.

1. Open Instagram and tap your Profile.
2. Tap the hamburger menu at the top right.
3. Select Your activity.
   
   

On this page, you can access various options such as Time spent, Photos and videos, and more to view all the data you’ve shared with Instagram. Not only will it show your current activity, but also your Recently deleted posts.

Now, let’s look at the steps to download this data.

Step-by-Step Guide to Download Your Instagram Data

Follow these steps to request your Instagram data using the mobile app or desktop site.

For those using Instagram on iPhone or Android:

It’s essential to take necessary precautions before performing irreversible actions.

1. Launch Instagram on your iPhone.
2. Navigate to your profile → Tap the hamburger icon.
3. Select the Your activity option from the menu.
   
   
4. Scroll down and select Download your information under Information you shared with Instagram.
5. Tap Request a download when prompted.
   Some users may need to select the account they wish to proceed with and tap Next.
   
   
6. Based on your preference, select the type of data you wish to download:
   • Complete copy: It will include a complete replica of the information available on your account. It may take longer to download.
   • Select types of information: This option will provide you with only the information you request.
7. For now, let’s request a complete copy.
8. You can tweak the download parameters to your preference.
   • Notify: Choose an email address to receive your Instagram data.
   • Format: Select the type of document, among HTML or JSON.
   • Media quality: Designate the quality of media files in your Instagram profile.
   • Date range: Select a time frame suitable for you.
9. Hit Submit Request to conclude the process.
   
   

Monitor or Cancel the Download Request

Once you’ve submitted a request, you can check the status or cancel it in a few simple steps:

1. Follow steps 1-5, as mentioned above.
2. Now, you can view an overview of requests that are still pending approval.
3. Once approved, you can download the data or access the same through the copy shared in your email account.
4. Alternatively, if you wish to cancel this request, tap Cancel.
5. Select Delete file when prompted.
   
   

That’s it—your download request will be removed.

For those using Instagram on a web browser:

1. Go to Instagram.com using your preferred browser and log in.
2. Click More from the bottom-left corner → Select the Your Activity option.
   
   
3. Access Download Your Information menu.
4. In this instance, enter an Email ID → Choose either HTML or JSON as your desired format.
5. Click Next to proceed.
   
   
6. Enter the password → Select Request Download.
   
   
7. Upon submitting your request, you’ll be notified of when the file will be available.
8. Click Go to feed to conclude the process.
   
   

That’s it!

Since Instagram is frequently in the spotlight for privacy concerns, it’s wise to understand exactly what data the platform collects about you. After seeing how much information Instagram stores, would you still keep your account? Let me know in the comments.

Here are some more tips and tricks about Instagram:

• How to make an Instagram AR filter using Mac or PC
• 36 Best Instagram filters and effects for stories and reels
• How to hide your active status on Instagram