Keep a backup of your Instagram account It's essential whether you manage a personal profile, a professional one, or a business account. The growth of this social network and the value of the content we store on it make it essential to ensure that, in the event of any setback, We will not lose our memories, data, images or important conversationsWhether you want to prevent accidental photo deletion, account closure, or just for peace of mind, here's a comprehensive and up-to-date guide on how to create a complete and secure backup of your Instagram account without resorting to third-party apps and taking advantage of all the options and features the platform offers (and even some extras for added protection).
In addition to the basic steps for downloading information, you will understand what backups include, how to protect your Stories, what to do to open downloaded files, and several recommendations to ensure your content is secure and accessible across different devices.
How to make a full backup of Instagram without third-party apps
Instagram provides an official and secure method to back up your entire account.Below, we'll show you the steps to download your data directly from the platform, without any third-party programs or tools:
- Access your account from the Instagram official website or from the mobile app, entering your username and password.
- Go to your profile and access Configuration (on the web, by clicking your profile picture and selecting “Settings”; in the app, by tapping the three lines and then “Settings”).
- select the section Privacy & Security (or simply “Security” on some devices).
- Find and click on the option Data download or “Download data”.
- Enter the email address where you want to receive the backup. The default address will be the one associated with your account, although you can change it if you wish.
- Select your preferred format for your backup: HTML or JSONThe JSON format is the most complete and suitable for subsequent analysis or migrations.
- Confirm by clicking “Next”; Instagram will ask you to re-enter your password to verify your identity.
- Click on “Request download”The platform will inform you that you will receive an email with the link to download your data within a maximum of 48 hours. This link is valid for four days only.
- When you receive the email, click the link and download it to your device, preferably a computer for security and file management ease.
This process is the most reliable and recommended way to recover absolutely all content, including photos, videos, reels, stories, direct messages, contacts, settings, likes, followers, comments, and even searches performed on the platform.
What files and data does the Instagram backup include?
Once the backup is downloaded, you will find a compressed file in ZIP format that, when unzipped, organize all your information into folders and files, most of which are in JSON format. This backup collects detailed metadata about all your activity, and the content is typically structured like this:
- contacts.json: Your list of contacts associated with the account.
- comments.json: All the comments you have posted on your own and other people's posts.
- connections.json: List of followers, followed accounts, blocked users, follow requests, and followed hashtags.
- media.json: Metadata about all your posts (photos, videos, stories, reels), including the date they were posted and details about each item, as well as your profile photo history and content sent via direct messages.
- messages.json: All private conversations held since the creation of your Instagram.
- likes.json: Record of all the “likes” you have given, both on posts and comments.
- profiles.json: Detailed information about your current profile and previous versions.
- searches.json: History with the most recent searches performed.
- settings. json: Your personalized configuration within the platform.
- Photos and videos: Images, videos, stories, and reels organized into folders, often divided by type and date (monthly/yearly).
- Stories: Includes both exposed and archived stories, even those that are no longer visible on your profile.
- Other filesDepending on your usage, there may be files related to logins, password changes, tracking history, blocking requests, data associated with campaigns if you manage business accounts, and similar items.
It is not possible to select only one type of data to download.; Instagram always generates a full backup with all metadata.
How to unzip and view Instagram backups
After receiving the ZIP file in your email and downloading it to your device, follow these steps to access the content:
- Locate the ZIP file in your downloads folder.
- Create a specific folder on your computer to avoid confusion with other files.
- Use your system's built-in unzip program (or tools like WinRAR, 7-Zip, or similar) to extract the contents inside the created folder.
Inside you will find folders and files in .json that contain all your information. view JSON files you can do it using:
- Desktop applications such as Python, Excel (importing the files as data), or specialized programs such as JSON Genie.
- Online platforms free that act as JSON file viewers, facilitating the structured reading of data.
- Development tools such as advanced text editors (Notepad++, VSCode), or directly from web browsers with JSON viewing plugins.
View .json files with the JSON Genie app
JSON Genie, available for Android, is one of the best options for exploring .json files from your mobile device. To do this:
- Download and install JSON Genie from the official Google Play store.
- Open the app and access the main menu (top left icon).
- Choose “Open JSON File” and find the document you want to view.
- Selecting it will show you the structure and all the stored content. If you have multiple files, repeat the process for each one.
This app is ideal for exploring Instagram backups from your mobile device, allowing you to filter and search for data without any technical complications.
Automatic backups of Stories and their archive
The Instagram stories They are ephemeral (24 hours of visibility), but there is a native function that allows you to automatically save them to your device and account fileIf you're looking for extra security and don't want to lose a story (even if you delete it later), you can enable automatic backup:
- Open Instagram on your phone and swipe left to access the Stories camera.
- Press the gear icon to enter Configuration.
- Select the “History” option.
- Swipe down and locate “Save story to gallery” (or “Save to File”). Turn this switch on.
Hereinafter, All the stories you post will be automatically saved to your phone's gallery and Instagram archive.This system is very useful for preventing accidental deletion or loss due to app errors or account failures.
Advanced tips for securing and restoring your backup
Once you have downloaded your data, Don't forget to create additional copies on cloud storage services (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive), as well as keeping backups on secure external hard drives or USB drives. This will protect you against possible local device failure, loss, or theft. You can also learn how to delete temporary files on Android to optimize your backups.
For critical accounts, such as those of businesses, content creators, or online stores, it is recommended to perform this backup process regularly (weekly or monthly), as Instagram only stores activity up to the time of the request and does not include content deleted since the last download. Additionally, for business accounts, it may be helpful to know how to backup your activity. recover deleted Instagram messages.
Remember that if at any time you lose access to your account due to blocking, hacking or suspension, having this copy will be the only way to Restore your essential material, photos, contacts and information.
What should you do if you manage business accounts or need more comprehensive backups?
The Instagram business or commercial accounts They can follow the same data download process as personal accounts, with no differences in content or options, as the official method is universal. However, if you handle large volumes of data and need analysis, segmentation, or importing into other platforms, the JSON format will be especially useful, allowing you to analyze everything from post statistics to message and campaign performance.
Keep in mind that if you manage multiple accounts, you will have to do the process individually for each user, since backups are exclusive to each profileIt's also advisable to keep your backups organized, labeling folders with the date and account name to avoid losing data.
If you've ever lost your phone, been hacked, had your account disabled by mistake, or just want to transfer your content to another social network or new device, Having an updated backup will be your digital lifeline.Instagram is evolving rapidly, and the data your activity generates can be vital both personally and professionally.
The official Instagram process is simple, safe and 100% efficientSchedule your next backup, keep your files safe, and never worry about losing your memories, connections, or valuable assets on the platform again.
