How to Download Your Data From Instagram, With Photos

Instagram collects your data and uses it for personalized ads. While you might be uncomfortable with this happening while tapping at cooking videos, it’s the reality of the Internet age. Thankfully, the company allows users to manage the data on file. For Instagram, the process is pretty simple, although it is a bit buried in the settings. Below we walk you through the steps of downloading personal data on Instagram.

Options for Downloading Personal Data

Instagram allows users to download data on mobile phones or in their browsers. The process is quite similar. Once you have formally “requested” the data file be sent to you, Instagram claims it can sometimes take up to 14 days to send you an official download link.

Method One: Download Instagram Data on a Mobile

Step 1: Open the app and tap on your profile icon

*Instagram profile typically features a photo inside the icon circle.*

As you can probably guess, you need to open the app on your phone before we move forward. Once the app is open, tap on the profile icon in the bottom right of the screen.

Step 2: Select the hamburger menu

*Hamburger menu comprises three horizontal lines and allows you to access your personal information.*

Once on your profile page, look to the top right for a hamburger menu.

Step 3: Acess the Your Activity option

*Look for “Your Activity” next to an icon with a clock and a dotted border.*

Step 4: Tap Download your Information

*At the bottom is the option to Download your information.*

Almost done! From the activity menu, scroll to the very bottom of the screen.

Step 5: Follow the prompts

*It could take up to 14 days for Instagram to process your request and send the link to access your data.*

After tapping that, follow the email prompts on the screen. This will allow you to send the download link for the file to an email address since you can’t access it directly within the application.

Method 2: Download Instagram data on a PC

The computer is a bit simpler, but the process is similar to the mobile option.

Step 1: Click more

*Look to the bottom left of the screen for a hamburger menu titled “More.”*

Log in to your Instagram account in a web browser by going to instagram.com.

Step 2: Select Settings

*Profile settings is easily accessible on your web browser.*

After clicking “More,” look for the option labeled Settings.

Step 3: Privacy and Security and Download Data

*The privacy and Security option is under the menu options listed on your Edit Profile area.*

Step 4: Follow Prompts and Select Next

*Click the blue “request download” option to initiate the file prep.*

From here, scroll down a bit and look for the Data Download option. Again, this could take up to 14 days as Instagram gathers your data and puts it into something readable.

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