Where does Instagram keep my pending requests?

In your data export — the “pending follow requests” file, included when you download “Followers and following”. There is no complete in-app screen, which is exactly why they accumulate unseen.

Do I need to log in or give my password?

No. The tool only reads the export file you downloaded from Instagram, entirely on your device. There is nothing to log into, so there is nothing that can get your account banned.

Will cancelling a request notify the person?

No. Instagram does not notify someone when you cancel a pending follow request.

How current is the list?

It reflects the moment Instagram generated your export. If a private account accepts your request afterwards, it will update the next time you download your data.

All tools

Free tool

See your pending Instagram follow requests

When you ask to follow a private account, the request stays “pending” until they accept — and if they never do, it sits there indefinitely. Instagram gives you no clean list of these, so over the years they quietly pile up. This free tool shows your complete pending list from your own data.

Upload the data export Instagram gives you and your browser reads the pending-requests file on the spot. No login, no password, nothing uploaded — open your network tab and watch it stay empty. You get every outgoing request still waiting, so you can cancel the stale ones, plus who doesn’t follow you back, your fans and your mutuals in the same view.

Upload your export below — we’ll open your pending requests right away.

This file is analyzed in your browser. It is never uploaded anywhere.

Don’t have your file yet?

1. Request your data from Instagram
Takes 2 minutes — follow the step-by-step guide. Select only “Followers and following” and the JSON format.
2. Wait for Meta’s email
Usually 5–30 minutes for a followers-only export. Download the ZIP from the email.
3. Drop the file above
Your results appear instantly — everything stays on your device.

Already bought an unlock code?

How to get your data (about 2 minutes)

1In Instagram: Accounts Center → Your information and permissions → Download your information.
2Select only “Followers and following”, and choose the JSON format (not HTML).
3Instagram emails you a small file, usually within 5–30 minutes.
4Drop it in the box above — results are instant and stay on your device.

See the full step-by-step guide

Questions

Where does Instagram keep my pending requests?: In your data export — the “pending follow requests” file, included when you download “Followers and following”. There is no complete in-app screen, which is exactly why they accumulate unseen.
Do I need to log in or give my password?: No. The tool only reads the export file you downloaded from Instagram, entirely on your device. There is nothing to log into, so there is nothing that can get your account banned.
Will cancelling a request notify the person?: No. Instagram does not notify someone when you cancel a pending follow request.
How current is the list?: It reflects the moment Instagram generated your export. If a private account accepts your request afterwards, it will update the next time you download your data.

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