Social mediaPractical guide · updated for 2026
How to Download Your Instagram Data
Use the account's own data download request and choose the full history if you need messages and comments. It arrives as a download link by email, and it expires, so store it somewhere permanent.
Have this ready
- Access to the Instagram account
- An email address you control
- Storage space for the archive
Step by step
- 1Open the account's privacy or account settings and find the download your information option.
- 2Choose the full history rather than the last year if you need old posts and messages.
- 3Select the format, and pick JSON if you want to process the data later.
- 4Enter a secure email address you control and submit the request.
- 5Wait for the email with the download link, which can take hours to days.
- 6Download every part and store it somewhere you own, then confirm the files open.
- 7If you plan to delete the account, keep the archive before you start deletion.
Want it done with you?
I can walk you through it in a Magic Box, show you the exact clicks, or do it with you and keep the recording. You log in yourself; I never see your password.
Common questions
Does the archive include messages?+
Yes if you select messages, though some media may arrive as separate files with references.
Why is my archive empty?+
Usually the wrong date range or format was selected. Request again with the full history.
Will requesting data alert anyone?+
No, unless the account settings send security notifications to other sessions, which only you see.