Do you need my Instagram password?

No. SecureFollow works only with the official export ZIP.

Can I upload the HTML export?

No. SecureFollow needs the JSON export files.

Where are followers_*.json and following_*.json?

Typically under connections/followers_and_following/. If you don't see followers.json, look for followers_1.json (new format).

What is recent_follow_requests.json?

It's a Connections file that can contain follow-request entries (usernames and timestamps). It's not required for the main follower lists (Snapshot/Diff), but it can power the Pending Requests list when available.

Why do I see extra JSON files in followers_and_following?

Instagram exports can include optional connection files (requests, blocked, close friends, etc.). Not every account has them and names may vary. SecureFollow tries to read what it recognizes.

Does SecureFollow store my data?

File processing is local. If you choose to save history, snapshots stay in browser storage on your device; you can delete them in the app.

What is inside the Instagram export ZIP?

Instagram’s official export is a ZIP full of JSON files. SecureFollow reads a small subset locally, without asking for your password or uploading anything.

Open app Download the ZIP guide

What the official ZIP is

Instagram gives you a ZIP archive that contains many folders and JSON files (plus media). You can request it from Accounts Center.

The important parts for SecureFollow are JSON files (not HTML).
You can open the ZIP locally in SecureFollow without logging in.
Everything is processed in your browser, not on a server.

Not every account includes the same files. If SecureFollow recognizes extra JSON, it shows it; otherwise it ignores it.

Which files matter for SecureFollow

SecureFollow uses the followers and following lists (often split into followers_*.json and following_*.json).

followers_1.json accounts that follow you
following_1.json accounts you follow

If you don't see followers.json, look for followers_1.json (new format). Exports can be split into followers_2.json / following_2.json and often use string_list_data.

Other connection files you may see (optional)

recent_follow_requests.json (or similar): follow-request entries (usernames + timestamps).
pending_follow_requests.json / pending_follow_requests_sent.json: requests you may see in some exports.
close_friends.json: your Close Friends list (if present).
blocked_users.json / blocked_accounts.json: blocked accounts (if present).
restricted_profiles.json / restricted_accounts.json: restricted accounts (if present).
recently_unfollowed_profiles.json / recently_unfollowed_accounts.json: accounts you recently unfollowed (if present).

These files may or may not appear depending on your account and export settings. Instagram can rename files/keys over time. SecureFollow scans the ZIP and tries to detect and parse known variants to show them when available.

Typical folder paths in exports

Instagram can store the files in different folders depending on export version.

connections/followers_and_following/followers_1.json
connections/followers_and_following/following_1.json
connections/followers_and_following/close_friends.json

Common issues and quick fixes

Export is HTML → request JSON format and download again.
Missing followers/following files → re-export and include Connections.
ZIP is corrupt or empty → re-download the export.
No followers_1.json? Search for followers.json and other followers_*.json parts; folder names can vary. Prefer selecting the full ZIP so all parts are considered.
Several candidate lists? Use manual file selection and review the preview before confirming followers and following. Requests or blocked lists are not followers.
JSON not recognized? Check that it came from Instagram's JSON export. If selection still fails, request a fresh export; do not rename an HTML file to .json.

How SecureFollow uses the files (local-only)

One export provides Snapshot: not following back, you don't follow back and mutuals. To detect changes in Diff, compare two exports of the same account obtained at different times.

No file uploads. The ZIP stays on your device.
No Instagram password required.
Results are computed instantly in your browser.

FAQ

Do you need my Instagram password?
No. SecureFollow works only with the official export ZIP.
Can I upload the HTML export?
No. SecureFollow needs the JSON export files.
Where are followers_*.json and following_*.json?
Typically under connections/followers_and_following/. If you don't see followers.json, look for followers_1.json (new format).
What is recent_follow_requests.json?
It's a Connections file that can contain follow-request entries (usernames and timestamps). It's not required for the main follower lists (Snapshot/Diff), but it can power the Pending Requests list when available.
Why do I see extra JSON files in followers_and_following?
Instagram exports can include optional connection files (requests, blocked, close friends, etc.). Not every account has them and names may vary. SecureFollow tries to read what it recognizes.
Does SecureFollow store my data?
File processing is local. If you choose to save history, snapshots stay in browser storage on your device; you can delete them in the app.

Ready to check your followers?

Open the app and drop in your ZIP. If you haven't requested it yet, use the guide.

Open app Download the ZIP guide