How to download your Instagram messages
Updated 16 October 2026
Instagram lets you download your direct messages through Accounts Center. Pick JSON so the file can be opened as real conversations.
Request the download
Menu names change from time to time, but the path has been stable.
- 1In Instagram open Settings and activity, then Accounts Center.
- 2Choose Your information and permissions, then Download your information.
- 3Pick Some of your information and select Messages.
- 4Choose Download to device, set Format to JSON and pick the date range.
- 5Submit. Instagram emails you when the file is ready, usually within a day.
Why the emoji look broken
Instagram writes text in the JSON file in a way that turns emoji and accented letters into strange characters, so 'ç' shows up as 'ç'. chatview repairs this automatically when it opens the file.
Read your threads
Drop the .zip into chatview and pick a conversation. Every thread in the download is listed with its message count.
Questions
Does it include deleted messages?
Only what Instagram includes in the download. Messages you unsent show as unsent.
Ready when you are
Open your export in seconds. Free, private, no account.