How to View Private Instagram Profiles


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Instagram has become the third most popular social network, after Facebook and Twitter. There are two types of Instagram accounts: public and private. While anyone can view the content posted on public Instagram accounts, private Instagram profiles can only be accessed by approved followers. So, if you are wondering how to view private Instagram profiles, this is the guide for you. We will teach you how to view private Instagram profiles, even without following them on your main account.

How to View Private Instagram Profiles by Sending a Follower Request

The simplest way to view a private Instagram profile is to request that on your profile. To do so, follow the steps below:

  1. Go to Instagram, or open the Instagram app on your mobile device.
  2. Hit the search tab that looks like a magnifying glass.
  3. Enter the username of the person you want to follow.
  4. After you find the user, just hit the Follow button to send them a follower request.
  5. You can also send them a private message to explain why you want to follow them.
  6. If the person approves your request, you will be able to view their private Instagram photos.

How to View Private Instagram Profiles without Following the User (for Windows and Mac)

Method 1: Create a fake account

  1. Go to instagram.com.
  2. Click on “Sign In” or “Switch accounts” if you’ve been logged in before.
  3. If this is your first time using Instagram, go below the login field, and click on Sign Up.
  4. You can click Log in with Facebook, or create a completely new account.
  5. In the first field, enter your phone number or email.
  6. In the second field, enter your name.
  7. In the third field, chose a username.
  8. In the fourth field, pick a password.
  9. Click on Sign up to register.
  10. Now, you could upload some photos you think the user might find attractive (this is not mandatory).
  11. The final step is to request to follow the desired Instagram user and wait for the accept.
  12. If they approve your request, you will be able to view their private Instagram profile.

Method 2: Contact a follower

  1. If you know a friend who is a follower of the account you wish to see, you can ask them to show you the profile.
  2. If you don’t, search if the user owns a similar profile on another social media platform.
  3. Look through the friend list of that account. There is a huge chance to find people who also have accounts on Instagram and are followers of the page.
  4. You can contact them and try to ask nicely for them to show you the profile you wish to see.

How to View Private Instagram Profiles without Following the User (for Android and iOS)

Method 1: Create a fake account

  1. Open the Instagram app on your phone.
  2. Tap on the settings menu (three vertical dots).
  3. Scroll to the bottom.
  4. Select Add account.
  5. At the bottom of the page, tap Sign Up.
  6. Select Sign up with email or phone number.
  7. Tap on the phone field, and enter your phone number.
  8. Tap on the right field, and insert a different email than the one used for your main account.
  9. Tap Next.
  10. You can now add photos (if you wish).
  11. Send a follower request to the user whose profile you want to see.
  12. If the person approves your request, you will be able to view their private Instagram account.

Method 2: Contact a follower

  1. Open any different social media app, and try looking for the page of the Instagram user whose profile you want to see.
  2. Go to their friend list and add some of those people as friends.
  3. If they accept your request, ask if they are following the profile, and try to negotiate access.
  4. In case you know any friends who follow the person, you can ask them to show you the profile directly, or request access for you.

Conclusion

This is how to view private Instagram profiles without following the user. Of course, the best way is to contact the person directly, by sending them a follower request. If you wish to view someone’s private Instagram without sending them a follower request from your main account, you can use the methods presented above.

These methods are the only functional ones, and no website is known to work at this point to view private Instagram profiles. So, be aware not to use any tricky site built for spam. If you have any questions or comments, you can view our how to contact Instagram article, or reach us via the form below!

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