Unsafe Instagram Unfollower Apps Are Still Costing People Their Accounts
AUSTIN, TX, UNITED STATES, August 13, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Every month, thousands of Instagram users download apps claiming to reveal who unfollowed them. At first glance, these tools look safe — many have thousands of reviews and high star ratings in the App Store and Google Play. But behind the polished icons and glowing ratings, most of these apps are using risky methods that violate Instagram’s rules, putting users’ accounts in serious danger.
The problem comes down to how these apps get their information. Many require people to enter their Instagram username and password, granting full access to their accounts. Others scrape data directly from Instagram, an automated process that Instagram’s terms strictly prohibit. Both approaches can result in account lockouts, shadowbans, or permanent suspension.
What’s more, app store ratings often hide the truth. “A quick scroll through written reviews reveals a very different story,” said Ben Leavitt, founder of FollowBuddy. “One-star reviews are full of people saying they lost their accounts, got locked out, or paid for features that didn’t work.” Fake positive ratings push these apps to the top of search results, making it easy for unsuspecting users to download them without realising the risks.
Why Instagram Penalises the User, Not Just the App
Instagram has limited power to remove every unsafe app, so enforcement often falls on the user. If an account is linked to an unapproved third-party tool, Instagram’s systems may flag it within hours. In some cases, accounts are restricted immediately; in others, users receive a warning before losing access entirely. Either way, the damage can be irreversible — especially for people who use the same password across multiple platforms.
Red Flags to Watch For
Cybersecurity experts recommend avoiding any unfollower tracker that:
Asks for your Instagram password or login
Automatically displays unfollower data without a manual upload
Promises “instant” tracking with no explanation of how it works
Has mostly positive star ratings but written reviews full of complaints
Lacks a clear website, contact information, or support team
If an app checks even one of these boxes, it’s worth reconsidering before downloading.
A Safer Way to Track Unfollowers
For users who still want this information, there is a safe alternative. FollowBuddy is one of the only tools built to work entirely within Instagram’s approved systems. It never asks for a password and doesn’t scrape data. Instead, it walks users through Instagram’s own official data export process — the same one built into the platform for privacy compliance — and uses that information to display unfollower changes.
This process is slightly different from the instant, automated methods used by risky apps, but it’s the only approach that ensures full compliance with Instagram’s terms and keeps accounts safe.
What to Do If You’ve Used a Risky App
If you’ve already connected your account to an unsafe unfollower tracker, take immediate steps to protect yourself:
Delete the app from your device.
Change your Instagram password.
Log out of all active sessions in your Instagram account settings.
If you reuse that password elsewhere, update it on all accounts.
These actions won’t guarantee your account is safe — but they greatly reduce the risk of hacks or future restrictions.
The Bottom Line
Unfollower apps have been around for years, but Instagram’s detection systems are now far more advanced. That means the risks of using unapproved tools are higher than ever. If you want to track unfollowers, your best option is to choose a method that stays within Instagram’s rules.
FollowBuddy is available on iOS, Android, and the web, and offers a free trial for new users who want to see their unfollower data without putting their accounts at risk.
About FollowBuddy
FollowBuddy is a privacy-safe Instagram unfollower tracker designed to give users clear follower insights without compromising account security. Built entirely within Instagram’s terms of service, it never requires passwords or unapproved data access, ensuring accounts stay safe while users stay informed.
The problem comes down to how these apps get their information. Many require people to enter their Instagram username and password, granting full access to their accounts. Others scrape data directly from Instagram, an automated process that Instagram’s terms strictly prohibit. Both approaches can result in account lockouts, shadowbans, or permanent suspension.
What’s more, app store ratings often hide the truth. “A quick scroll through written reviews reveals a very different story,” said Ben Leavitt, founder of FollowBuddy. “One-star reviews are full of people saying they lost their accounts, got locked out, or paid for features that didn’t work.” Fake positive ratings push these apps to the top of search results, making it easy for unsuspecting users to download them without realising the risks.
Why Instagram Penalises the User, Not Just the App
Instagram has limited power to remove every unsafe app, so enforcement often falls on the user. If an account is linked to an unapproved third-party tool, Instagram’s systems may flag it within hours. In some cases, accounts are restricted immediately; in others, users receive a warning before losing access entirely. Either way, the damage can be irreversible — especially for people who use the same password across multiple platforms.
Red Flags to Watch For
Cybersecurity experts recommend avoiding any unfollower tracker that:
Asks for your Instagram password or login
Automatically displays unfollower data without a manual upload
Promises “instant” tracking with no explanation of how it works
Has mostly positive star ratings but written reviews full of complaints
Lacks a clear website, contact information, or support team
If an app checks even one of these boxes, it’s worth reconsidering before downloading.
A Safer Way to Track Unfollowers
For users who still want this information, there is a safe alternative. FollowBuddy is one of the only tools built to work entirely within Instagram’s approved systems. It never asks for a password and doesn’t scrape data. Instead, it walks users through Instagram’s own official data export process — the same one built into the platform for privacy compliance — and uses that information to display unfollower changes.
This process is slightly different from the instant, automated methods used by risky apps, but it’s the only approach that ensures full compliance with Instagram’s terms and keeps accounts safe.
What to Do If You’ve Used a Risky App
If you’ve already connected your account to an unsafe unfollower tracker, take immediate steps to protect yourself:
Delete the app from your device.
Change your Instagram password.
Log out of all active sessions in your Instagram account settings.
If you reuse that password elsewhere, update it on all accounts.
These actions won’t guarantee your account is safe — but they greatly reduce the risk of hacks or future restrictions.
The Bottom Line
Unfollower apps have been around for years, but Instagram’s detection systems are now far more advanced. That means the risks of using unapproved tools are higher than ever. If you want to track unfollowers, your best option is to choose a method that stays within Instagram’s rules.
FollowBuddy is available on iOS, Android, and the web, and offers a free trial for new users who want to see their unfollower data without putting their accounts at risk.
About FollowBuddy
FollowBuddy is a privacy-safe Instagram unfollower tracker designed to give users clear follower insights without compromising account security. Built entirely within Instagram’s terms of service, it never requires passwords or unapproved data access, ensuring accounts stay safe while users stay informed.
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