More often than not, social media is the ground where scammers and offenders wait to prey on their target. So for privacy and security reasons, Instagram has a feature that allows people to set their accounts to private.
This means you can’t view private Instagram accounts unless the owners allow you to follow them and probably follow you back. Fortunately or unfortunately, it is not entirely impossible to view or even hack into a private account. If you want to know how, keep reading.
Is there a legit way to view private Instagram accounts?
Yes. There is one legit way to view a private Instagram account, and that is through “follow requests”.
The point of having a private account is so that you can control who follows you and view your content.
Unlike public accounts where anyone can follow you or even check out your profile without following you, the people you allow to follow you are strictly the only ones who can see what you post.
How to View Private Instagram Profiles
From the app itself, it is not possible to view a private account if the owner hasn’t accepted your follow request. But thanks to technology, there are third-party apps and software that lets you view Instagram content even if the accounts are private. All you need to do is simply go to these software or download these apps and check out the Instagram accounts.
But before we discuss these apps, if the person whose content you want to see knows you and you know they can’t accept your profile, here are some sneaky ways to have them let you in on their private accounts;
1. Create a New Identity on the Instagram
You’ve probably already thought about this. If they won’t accept for you to follow them because of some personal issues you have, create a new Instagram account with a new identity. This may be unethical but it works.
Also, you may need to be patient, and create content for some days before sending them a follow request. Some people are smart and won’t just accept any requests to increase their followership. A new account may be suspicious to them.
So if you tried this trick before and didn’t work, it is probably because you tried to follow them on the very day you created your new account. Now try doing it again, only this time, post some content and wait for at least three to seven days before you send that request.
2. Use a Friend’s Instagram Profile
If the above methods seem too taxing or time-consuming, you might consider using a friend’s Instagram profile. This approach can be less conspicuous and may not arouse suspicion. If you’re interested in viewing posts and pictures, your friend can assist by sending you screenshots of the content.
However, remember that this method should be used responsibly. Also, it’s crucial to ensure that your friend is comfortable with helping you in this way and understands the potential implications.
3. Try Google Search
Search engines like Google can sometimes provide more information than you might expect. While Instagram doesn’t allow search engines to index private profiles, if the person you’re interested in previously had a public account, you might be able to find some information from that public account via a Google search.
However, this method may require some patience and persistence. You might need to try various username combinations to ensure you find the correct account. Remember, the internet is vast, and information can sometimes be hidden in the most unexpected places. But, as with all these methods, it’s important to respect privacy and use this information responsibly.
5 Best Instagram Private Profile Viewer
If any of the above-discussed methods are not eligible, there are still more options. There are many third-party software at your service.
Here are the best-rated ones you can check out;
1. InstaLooker
InstaLooker is a free private Instagram account viewer that not only allows you to view but also download Instagram pictures and videos from private accounts. And you don’t need to go through the trouble of creating accounts or worrying about downloading software with malware that will corrupt your system.
All you need to do is;
- Go to instalooker.com
- Hit the huge “Spy Now” button on the homepage
- Enter a username in the next window
- You will then get a link to the profile Click on it to “Check and Confirm” it is the account you want and boom! That simple!
Once you check, go back and confirm. You will then be asked to complete any tasks given in the next window after which you can get access and view the account. Now, this part may be annoying but it is the only way, and it works so it is most definitely worth it.
2. PrivateInsta
From scamadvisor and Trustpilot reviews, PrivateInsta is a legit and safe service to use. The website has been around for a long time and there have been no serious issues with users that haven’t been addressed.
Using it is also fast and easy;
- Go to privateinsta.com
- Enter a username in the search box at the homepage
- Click “View Private Profile”
- Verify you are not a robot in the next window
- And confirm that this is the private profile you want to view
Follow the next prompts and just like that you get access to all the content.
3. InstaRipper
You can already guess what to expect from service with search a name right?
Well, it rips down those private walls and lets you access all the photos, videos, and posts, and helps you view private Instagram accounts, with ease.
Unlike InstaLooker and PrivateInsta where you don’t have to download anything, you can only use InstaRipper if you download it. The good news is that there are apps for all devices including Windows, iOS, Android, and Apple.
Once you download and install the app, you are pretty much done. Just open it, input the username, and let the app do the rest for you.
4. uMobix
uMobix isn’t just made to view private Instagram accounts. The creators had parents in mind who wanted to track their kids’ activities, or anyone at that, who wants to keep track of the posts in their private accounts.
Using it is pleasantly easy, and there is a free demo to show you what you are supposed to do to access the accounts.
Because of its nature and its multiple benefits and features, uMobix is a subscription-based service that requires you to pay a monthly fee. However, there is a free trial you can take advantage of and decide if you like the results and wish to subscribe to keep track of your loved ones’ online activities.
5. HoverWatch
With a HoverWatch account, you can view private Instagram accounts’ posts, comments, likes, and even private messages. In addition, it is also a location and video tracker.
This is scary and cool at the same time but as long as you use it legally, and don’t get caught committing crimes, you are good to go. With all these features, you wouldn’t expect the app to be free.
But the trial version works just as well as the membership version and gives you the opportunity to decide if you would like to use it or not before you commit. And even if you realize you don’t like it after you pay for a membership, cancellation is quite fast and easy, So, either way, you have nothing to lose.
The Verdict
Whether you are a parent looking to keep track of your kids’ online activities, or you just want to follow and view private Instagram accounts whose owner has denied you access, the methods above make it easy.
Also, keep in mind that invading someone’s privacy could be an offense. So whatever you do, stay out of trouble.
People Also Asked About Instagram
Yes you can. The easiest way to view a private Instagram account is by sending a follow request. If the user accepts, then you will view all content on their timeline. If they don’t want you to follow them, there are different ways to check out their posts without following them. Check out this article to know how.
People set their profiles to private for privacy reasons and to have full control of their accounts and who follows them and views their content. This means viewing their content without their knowledge is an offense. However, as long as you don’t have ill intentions, you should be good to go.