How to Check Sent Requests on Instagram in 2025

If you’ve sent multiple follow requests to accounts on Instagram, then it’s natural to wonder whether those requests were received. The uncertainty can be even more frustrating when you start thinking, “Did I accidentally send it to the wrong person?”

Fortunately, there is a way to clear up this confusion. In this article, I’ll show you how to check your sent follow requests on Instagram and cancel any you no longer want to keep. After all, you’ve to maintain your New Year’s Resolution of mindful social media use like me.

Understanding Instagram’s Follow Request System

When you attempt to follow a private account on Instagram, your request isn’t automatically approved. Instead, Instagram sends a “follow request” to the account owner. This request remains pending until the owner either accepts or declines it. Unlike public accounts, where clicking “Follow” connects you instantly, private accounts require this extra step.

Pending requests act as a middle ground between connection and rejection, allowing the account owner to make a conscious decision. This can create confusion over time for users, especially those with many pending requests, as Instagram doesn’t notify you about the status unless explicitly accepted or declined.

Over time, especially if you’ve sent out multiple requests, it’s easy to lose track of which requests are still pending. Fortunately, Instagram provides a way to review these requests, although the process isn’t as straightforward as many would like.

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Why Reviewing Sent Follow Requests is Important

Keeping track of your sent follow requests serves several purposes:

Account Management: Helps you monitor which requests are still pending, allowing for better control over your social interactions. Knowing who hasn’t responded can help you make decisions about canceling requests or following up.
Privacy Considerations: Ensures that you’re not sharing personal details with accounts you no longer wish to follow. If you’ve sent requests to accounts you no longer trust or recognise, reviewing these can prevent unwanted connections.
Decluttering: Helps you withdraw requests from inactive or irrelevant accounts, keeping your pending list clean and updated. This is especially useful if you want to maintain an organised and intentional online presence.

How to Check Sent Follow Requests on Instagram in 2025

As of 2025, Instagram doesn’t offer a direct, in-app feature to view sent follow requests. However, you can access this information through the Meta Accounts Center by downloading your account data. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Open the Instagram App

Launch the Instagram app on your mobile device.
Ensure you’re logged into the account from which you want to review the “follow requests” you’ve sent.
Ensure your app is updated to the latest version, as older versions may not support the latest features.

Step 2: Go to Your Profile

Tap on your profile icon at the bottom right corner of the screen.
This section holds all your account-related information, including followers, posts, and settings.

Step 3: Access ‘Your Activity’

Tap the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the top right corner.
Select “Your Activity” from the dropdown menu, where you can see your recent interactions, account activity, and more.

Step 4: Request to Download Your Information

Scroll down and tap on “Download Your Information.”
You will be redirected to the Meta Accounts Center, which manages data across Instagram and other Meta platforms.

Step 5: Select Data to Download

In the Meta Accounts Center, choose “Download or transfer information.”
Select the Instagram account from which you want to download data.

Choose “Some of your information” instead of downloading everything to save time.

Under the “Connections” section, tick the box for “Followers and following.” This filters the data to focus on relevant information.

Step 6: Submit Your Request

After selecting the necessary data, tap “Next.”
Confirm your request by tapping “Submit.” You might be asked to verify your identity for security reasons.

Step 7: Wait for Instagram’s Email

Instagram will process your request, which may take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the volume of your account data.
You will receive an email with a download link once the data is ready. Check your spam folder if you don’t see it within an hour.

Step 8: Download and Review Your Data

Click the link in the email to download a ZIP file containing your account data.
Extract the contents of the ZIP file using a file manager or decompression software.
Locate the “followers_and_following” folder.
Open the file named “pending_follow_requests.html” in any web browser.

This file will display a list of all accounts to which you’ve sent “follow requests” that are still pending, including usernames and profile links for easy access.

Also Read: Can Someone See If You Unsend a Message on Instagram?

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue 1: Didn’t Receive the Email?

Check your spam or junk folder.
Ensure the email associated with your Instagram account is active and verified.
Resend the request if you don’t receive the email within an hour.

Issue 2: Unable to Open the File?

Make sure you’re using an updated browser like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
If the file doesn’t open, try another device or browser.

Issue 3: Data Missing or Incomplete?

Request the data download again after a few hours.
Ensure you selected the correct data sections during the request process.
Contact Instagram support if issues persist.

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Alternative Methods to Check Sent Follow Requests

While the data download method is the most reliable, some users may prefer quicker, alternative approaches:

Method 1: Using Instagram Web

Log in to Instagram.com via a desktop browser.
Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Account Data.
Click “View Account Data” and scroll down to “Connections”.
Click “View All” under “Current Follow Requests.”

(Note: This option may not be available for all accounts depending on updates or regional differences.)

Method 2: Third-Party Apps (With Caution)

Some third-party apps claim to help manage Instagram follow requests. However, be cautious:

Only use apps with strong reviews and verified security measures.
Never share your Instagram password with third-party apps.
Be aware that using unauthorized apps can violate Instagram’s terms of service and compromise your privacy.

Also Read: WYF Meaning Explained: Insights Into Social Media Lingo

How to Cancel Sent Follow Requests

If you decide to withdraw a follow request after reviewing your list, here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Search for the User

Use Instagram’s search bar to find the user to whom you sent the request.
Type their username accurately to avoid confusion with similar accounts.

Step 2: Visit Their Profile

Go to their profile page to view their account details.
If the request is pending, you won’t see their content unless they’ve accepted your request.

Step 3: Cancel the Request

If your request is pending, the button will say “Requested.”
Tap on “Requested” to cancel the follow request.
The button will revert to “Follow,” indicating that your request has been successfully withdrawn.

Canceling a request won’t notify the person, and you can resend the request later if you change your mind.

Benefits of Managing Sent Follow Requests

Enhances Privacy: Regularly checking your requests ensures you’re not unintentionally connected to outdated or irrelevant accounts.
Improves Account Security: Cancelling requests to unfamiliar accounts reduces potential risks.
Keeps Connections Relevant: Helps maintain a list of active and meaningful connections, improving your overall Instagram experience.

Also Read: What Does YNS Mean on TikTok? A Guide to This Popular Slang

FAQ

1. Will the person know if I cancel my follow request?

No, Instagram doesn’t send notifications when you cancel a follow request.

2. How long do follow requests stay pending?

They remain pending until the user accepts or declines them. There’s no automatic expiration date.

3. Can I see who declined my follow request?

No, Instagram doesn’t notify you if someone declines your follow request. If your request disappears, it’s either been declined or the account was deleted.

4. Can I resend a follow request?

Yes. If your request was declined or canceled, simply tap “Follow” again on their profile.

Conclusion

While Instagram doesn’t provide a one-click feature to view sent follow requests, the data download process through the Meta Accounts Center is a comprehensive solution. Regularly reviewing your pending requests helps maintain privacy, manage social connections, and declutter your digital space.

Staying informed about Instagram’s latest updates ensures that you can adapt to new features as they roll out. Keep an eye on the app’s settings, as Instagram frequently updates its interface to improve user experience.