Answer first
Diagnose format, missing-file, corruption, size, encryption, and browser-support errors in a safe order.
Most failures come from the wrong export scope, HTML format, an incomplete download, or an archive with no relationship JSON.
File requirements
Check the filename and size, confirm JSON was selected, redownload the ZIP, then try a current browser.
- JSON format
- Followers records
- Following records
- Consistent account and scope
- Original ZIP or both JSON files
Worked check
Read the relationship state correctly
The check compares two present-tense sets. “Outgoing only” says where the username appears now; it says nothing by itself about intent or history.
Create a fresh, focused relationship export when validation fails.
Choose the next step
Review the relevant group and leave intentional one-way relationships alone.
Common questions
Is “not following back” the same as “unfollowed”?
Most failures come from the wrong export scope, HTML format, an incomplete download, or an archive with no relationship JSON.
Will this tool unfollow anyone?
No. CheckFollowBack produces a review list and never performs an Instagram action.
Do I need to sign in?
No. Use the relationship JSON from an official export; never enter an Instagram password into this site.