UNFOLLOWED

How to Use an Instagram Follow-Back Checker (and Read the Results)

Published

A follow-back checker compares your Instagram followers list with your following list and shows who doesn’t follow you back. With UNFOLLOWED you add the ZIP from Instagram’s data download, and the results appear in seconds, without logging in.

1. Get your Instagram data

Request Followers and following from Instagram’s Accounts Center and download the ZIP. Our download guide walks through every screen.

2. Add the ZIP

On the checker, drag and drop the ZIP or choose it from your device. Also accepted:

  • several ZIP files at once, when Instagram splits your download into parts;
  • the unzipped folder (drag and drop);
  • the followers_1, followers_2… and following files on their own, in JSON or HTML.

The analysis runs in a background thread of your browser. The files aren’t uploaded anywhere, and nothing is kept after you close the tab.

3. Read the results

The summary cards count your followers, following, and each group:

  • Mutual Follows: you follow each other.
  • Not Following You Back: you follow them, they don’t follow you.
  • You Don’t Follow Back: they follow you, you don’t follow them.

Not sure what each group means? See Instagram followers vs. following.

4. Search, sort and export

  • Use the tabs to switch between all results and each group.
  • Search by username to find a specific account.
  • Sort by name, or by follow date when your export includes dates.
  • Select a username to open the profile on Instagram in a new tab.
  • Use Export CSV to save the current list with usernames, profile links and follow dates.

UNFOLLOWED doesn’t unfollow anyone for you. It never connects to your Instagram account, so any changes you make are made by you, in Instagram.

Fixing common problems

“We couldn’t find your followers and following lists”

The export probably didn’t include Followers and following. Request a new one with that option selected. If Instagram split the download into several ZIP files, add all of them together.

“Your followers list is missing” (or following)

The two lists can end up in different ZIP parts. Add every part at once.

The ZIP is damaged or incomplete

Download it from Instagram again; downloads sometimes stop early on mobile networks.

The numbers don’t match my profile

The export is a snapshot from when Instagram created it. Download a fresh one for up-to-date results.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to use a follow-back checker?

It’s safest when the checker never asks for your password. UNFOLLOWED only reads the files Instagram gives you, in your browser, and doesn’t upload them.

Does it work on a phone?

Yes. Download the ZIP on your phone, open the checker in your phone’s browser and choose the file.

Can it track my followers over time?

No. It compares the lists in the export you add and doesn’t save anything. To spot changes over time, keep your CSV exports and compare them, as described in how to see who doesn’t follow you back.

Sources

UNFOLLOWED is not affiliated with Instagram or Meta. Instagram changes its menus from time to time; check the Instagram Help Center if a step looks different.