Don’t Follow Back

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: September 2025

What is Don’t Follow Back?

Don’t Follow Back is a lightweight tool that compares your Instagram Following vs Followers to show who you follow that doesn’t follow you bxack. It uses your official Instagram export files — no logins, no API keys.

Which Instagram files do I need?

Just upload the ZIP Instagram emails you — no need to unzip it yourself. We’ll open it and grab the pieces we need automatically.

Inside that ZIP are files like:

  • following.json
  • followers_*.json (sometimes split into multiple files)

Optional extras (if your export includes them):

  • close_friends.json
  • profiles_you've_favorited.json
  • blocked_profiles.json
  • restricted_profiles.json
  • recently_unfollowed_profiles.json

How do I get my Instagram data export?

Instagram app ➜ Settings & privacy ➜ Accounts Center ➜ Your information and permissions ➜ Export your information ➜ Create export ➜ Export to device.

On the Confirm your export page:

  • Customize information → Deselect everything.
  • Your Instagram activity → Clear all.
  • Personal information → Clear all.
  • Connections → ✅ Check only “Followers and Following” (you can uncheck “Contacts”).
  • Logged information → Clear all.
  • Security and login information → Clear all.
  • Apps & websites off of Instagram → Clear all.
  • Preferences → Clear all.
  • Ads information → Clear all.

⚠️ By default, Instagram preselects nearly everything. You only need Followers and Following.

After confirming, Instagram will prepare your export and email you a download link.

Is this safe?

Yes. We don’t ask for your Instagram password. Your files are processed privately for your session and then discarded.

Why don’t my counts match Instagram?

  • Make sure you uploaded all followers_*.json files (big exports are often split).
  • If your export is a few days old, refresh it for accuracy.
  • Instagram’s in-app numbers can lag or round.

Does it show who recently unfollowed me?

We can’t directly know the exact moment someone unfollowed you unless you compare two exports taken at different times.

  • Not Following Back — always shows who you follow that doesn’t follow you back right now.
  • Recently Unfollowed (from Instagram’s export) — this only lists accounts you chose to unfollow.
  • Unfollowers Since Snapshot — upload a snapshot you saved earlier, and we’ll show who followed you then but isn’t following you now.

Heads-up: A small number of accounts may appear as “unfollowed” when they actually:

  • Changed their username and we couldn’t match it with high confidence, or
  • Deactivated or temporarily hid their account.

We use timestamps and smart matching to catch most username changes, but it’s still an inference based on who is missing between two lists — not a real-time signal from Instagram.

What is a Snapshot and why use it?

A Snapshot is a saved copy of your current follower list (free). It’s your personal “baseline” — your proof of right now.

  • Clarity over time: Upload a new export later, load your Snapshot, and instantly see who dropped you since that date.
  • Noise reduction: Organize accounts into buckets:
    • Ignored — hide profiles you don’t need to check again.
    • Watchlist — keep an eye on specific users you care about.
    • Deactivated — separate temporarily gone or disabled accounts.
  • Control: Snapshots live on your device. Nothing is stored or synced.

Think of Snapshot as your personal receipt — compare anytime, cut the clutter, and focus only on changes that matter.

What about Close Friends, Favorites, or Blocked accounts?

If those files are included, we flag them so you can filter and spot behaviors like:

  • Close Friends that don’t follow back
  • Favorites surfaced: See which of your Favorites don’t follow you back
  • Fans (they follow you; you don’t follow back)

How often should I refresh?

Any time you want the latest picture. Many users check monthly; some creators check weekly.

Pricing

  • Free: Preview up to 50 profiles, basic filters, limited CSV sample.
  • Paid ($3 per report): Full list, advanced filters, behavior surfacing, full CSV export, shareable image.

Will this take action on my Instagram?

No. Don’t Follow Back never performs follow/unfollow actions. It only analyzes your export and shows you the results.

What formats can I export?

  • CSV (complete list with usernames and statuses)
  • Shareable image (summary card you can post or save)

I uploaded my files but got an error

  • Confirm files are JSON (not opened/saved from Notes or Preview).
  • Upload every followers_*.json file.
  • If errors persist, re-download a fresh export from Instagram.

Privacy

  • Files are used only for your session and then deleted.
  • No Instagram logins or credentials are ever requested.
  • Nothing is stored long-term.

Contact

Questions or feedback? Email: support@dontfollowback.com