How to See Private Account Photos on Instagram: 6 Methods

Are you eager to view what your ex or a crush is posting in their private account? You might also get curious about a very private celebrity or your child who has refused to accept your follow request. It is difficult to bypass the privacy policy of Instagram and view photos of a private profile. Therefore, I have included some of the most reliable methods in this article after testing them firsthand. It is necessary to use reputable tools and well-researched methods for this purpose. That’s because a random app or a search process may lead you nowhere, provide false positives, or compromise user data.

Hence, I spent almost 115 hours testing 30+ tools and over 20 methods to create this article. Following these tricks precisely will help you access private Instagram account photos. However, you must always respect user privacy and maintain ethical boundaries while trying these methods.

Disclaimer: Guru99 does not support stalking or harassment of any kind. This article is only for educational purposes, and you must practice these methods with caution. The user is solely responsible for their consequences if they use these methods unethically.

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Method 1: How to View Instagram Private Account Photos Using Third-Party Tools

Here are the top three shortlisted tools that I have tested firsthand:

1) Spokeo

Spokeo is a people search site that can offer detailed information on social media accounts. It is not a direct private IG account photo viewer, but it can provide information on the username. During the research, I came across a few images of my target person and other valuable information, such as their background details.

If you are curious about someone’s lifestyle and want to understand them via what they post on their private Insta account, then you can use Spokeo. I looked up my colleague, but Spokeo didn’t give me access to their posts. However, I could find their profile picture and a few photos. I also received multiple other useful information about them, such as their hobbies, interests, addresses, email ID, marital status, etc. One of the issues with Spokeo is that, at times, you may receive incomplete information. However, I was notified via email whenever any updates or changes occurred on my existing report.

How to use Spokeo to view Instagram Private Account Photos:

Step 1) To view private Instagram account photos, I am using its Username search. (If you don’t know their username, you can also use other search parameters such as full name, email ID, phone number, etc.) Now, enter the username in the search bar and tap on Search Now.

Step 2) Allow the tool to scan the databases, and once it completes the search, you can tap on Unlock Full Results for the full report.

Step 3) Open the report and tap on Social Profiles and Profile Photos to access the pictures.

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7-Day Trial for $0.95

2) Peekviewer

PeekViewer is excellent for people wondering how to see private account photos on Instagram without following them. If you are romantically interested in someone or if your ex has blocked you, then I’d recommend using this tool. It lets you access both private and public accounts and enables you to see all the posts and stories. I was also able to view likes, comments, follows, and followers of the account.

However, at times, you may not be able to find the profile any longer as they might have deactivated their account. I have also made mistakes in the username spellings in the past, which hindered my access. In case your browser doesn’t respond due to compatibility issues, then try switching to another for a better experience.

Here’s how to see Instagram private account photos:

Step 1) Visit https://peekviewer.com/, tap on Watch Now, and choose the type of account you want to view, between Private or Public.

Step 2) Then, enter the URL or the username of the person whose pictures you want to see.

Step 3) You can then tap on Watch and view the pictures and stories.

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3) xMobi

xMobi is a tool that you can use if you are a parent of a teenager or you suspect your spouse of having a secret IG account. It is a phone monitoring app that lets you view images and messages on Instagram. Unfortunately, it doesn’t display the posts uploaded on someone’s profile, so you can check their Gallery instead. That’s because some users set “save stories and posts to the phone”, which automatically stores all the IG uploads to their device. Although, I could also check some profile details of the sender and receiver of their chats.

However, you must respect user privacy and never install it on random strangers or your friend’s device. Additionally, extensive use can lead to device heating and battery drainage. Be considerate and avoid monitoring continuously, as it could affect their daily routine or put them in trouble if their battery dies.

Here’s how to see private account photos on Instagram without follow them using xMobi:

Step 1) Download the xMobi app on your kid’s/spouse’s device if they are using an Android phone. If they have an iPhone, use their Apple ID to add it to your xMobi dashboard.

Step 2) Once it’s installed, set it up and wait for the data to sync. After you add the Apple ID, do the same.

Step 3) Now, come to your dashboard once the data has synched completely to monitor the device in real time. It will show you messages and media sent to them in DM.

Step 4) Now go to the Gallery option to check their photos and videos.

Visit xMobi >>

14-Days money-back guarantee

Method 2: Using Google to Find Possible Images Online

If you want a completely free solution, since most of the third-party apps are paid, you can try Google. When you look up a username on Google, you will find the Instagram account, but it won’t let you access the posts and stories. To do so, you will have to open an IG account or log in and send a request to the user. However, if your target individual’s account was public in the past, the old images will still be visible.

If you are unable to find them with their username, try the advanced search option. You can type full name and site: Instagram.com or intitle: username and site: Instagram.com. You can use this method if someone has blocked you on Instagram, and it works even if you don’t own an account.

As for open accounts, even if you are blocked on Instagram, you can use a time filter in the Images section on Google. Set it as “Past 24 hours, Past Week”, etc., doing so helped me watch their latest pictures. I noticed that it even showed their newest tagged posts. However, if you click on these pics, you won’t be able to open them as you are still blocked on IG.

Method 3: Use a Fake Account

Creating a dummy account is another direct way to view a private Instagram account’s selfies and other pics. This method is good for people crushing on someone or individuals who have been removed from friend lists. When opening a fake account, the main challenge is to make it look like a real profile. I tried this method and got my person of interest to accept my follow request. It takes some work since your new account will already have the New tag, which raises doubts.

Hence, you can start by choosing an authentic-looking profile pic (you can find some on the web or Pinterest). Then, use a genuine-sounding username, but it must be poles apart from your real name. Post at least 3 to 5 photos and add a small bio, plus mention that your previous account was hacked. For example, I wrote, “Just here to soak up good vibes. The previous acc got hacked, starting over with this one.” Make sure your following and follower ratio is reasonable; for example, at least get above 60 followers and follow no more than 100-120 people. Get your friends to like your posts and leave some genuine comments. However, do not misuse this method to harass anyone, and deactivate it once you finish viewing their snapshots.

Method 4: Using a Friend’s or Family Member’s Account

If you have a reliable best friend or a cousin of your age, you can try using this method. Ask them politely if they can help you view the particular person’s profile, or request them to send a screenshot if you do not live nearby. I wouldn’t suggest asking for their login credentials, as that would be overstepping. However, make sure that they are already following the user, or ask them to send a follow request to the person if they are comfortable with it.

You should be transparent with your friends and relatives about your intentions while using this method. That’s because people usually try this trick after their breakup or divorce, which could lead to a messier situation if the ex-partner finds out. Additionally, ensure that you do not go overboard and respect your friend and relative’s boundaries as well if they are unwilling to do it.

Method 5: Browsing Instagram hashtags without an account

You can try your luck by conducting a hashtag search that you think this particular person uses. Marketers and influencers can use this method to find out what their competitors or brands with private accounts are posting. I wanted to look up a skincare brand that only accepts requests from users who DM about their products after encountering them in ads. However, I didn’t want to go through this hassle, so I looked up a hashtag that I assumed they usually use. Their star ingredient is calendula, so I typed #calendulaskincare and #(thenameofthebrand).

Therefore, there’s a chance that your private profile’s friends with a public account might have posted their picture with a hashtag. Try hashtags that you think will be relatable to this particular person. For example, if they love eating, use #foodie, if they love partying, use #nightout, if they have a favorite restaurant, use #(restaurantname), etc.

You can also use instagram.com/explore/tags/yourhashtag/ if you are wondering how to see private account photos on Instagram without following them. I tried instagram.com/explore/tags/ pastaqueen/ to look up snaps of a certain pasta chef and tapped on the images section to find her photos.

The drawback I recall about this method is that, it was a daunting task. At times, you might end up using a hashtag with thousands or millions of results. It may also bring up only old posts from when the person’s account was public, but something is better than nothing.

Method 6: Try Other Social Media Accounts

A user with a private account on Instagram might have other social media accounts that could be public. Try Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitter, Threads, etc. You can use their full name or username to conduct this snap search on your browser. This method can be helpful for journalists, recruiters, and, obviously, other curious individuals. I tested it to look up my ex-colleague since it concerned me that no one had any idea where she was. Since her IG was private, I checked Facebook and Threads. These platforms showed me her snaps and other details that indicated that she had moved to New Zealand and had a makeover.

However, you might not always get this lucky since some people do not use the same username. Certain individuals also use aliases instead of their real names. Moreover, they might keep their other social media private as well, or their public profile could be outdated. In such cases, try to find their mutual friends and see if they have taken any selfies together. I also suggest joining the Instagram and Facebook communities they are in. For example, if they are into marathons, you might find their latest group photos on the community page.

Solutions for Common Issues of Using Third-Party Tools

Here are the best solutions for the common issues of using third-party tools to view private Instagram account photos:

1. Issue: You might come across outdated or inaccurate information on tools like Spokeo
   Solution: To avoid this issue, you can cross-verify the information with reliable sources like Whitepages and even try social media. Additionally, Spokeo offers email alerts whenever any new updates occur in the existing report.
2. Issue: Phone monitoring apps like uMobix might drain the target device’s battery
   Solution: Limit the tracking to social media. You can disable GPS tracking and reduce sync frequency if that’s possible on your app. Additionally, you can avoid tracking their activities continuously to save battery life.
3. Issue: These third-party apps might crash sometimes or offer a poor UI
   Solution: Check if the app is updated and ensure that the target devices are compatible with these tools. You can also opt for a tool that offers easy-to-use UI, such as the ones I mentioned in this article.
4. Issue: The data syncs might be delayed in the apps
   Solution: I suggest making use of a strong internet connection when accessing these apps to get real-time data and clear stills.
5. Issue: The reports or loading of features and images could take time
   Solution: You can either refresh and conduct the search again by checking if you have entered the right name/username. It is also possible that you are using the search site during peak hours. In monitoring apps, it might be an internet issue, or the app needs an update.
6. Issue: Third-party apps usually have ethical and legal concerns
   Solution: Always use apps that have strong privacy policies and are reputable to avoid legal concerns. You must also use them without any intent to cause harm to other individuals.

Circumstances When Instagram Discloses Private Account Content

There are a few circumstances when Instagram might disclose a private account’s photos. One of them is if there are legal requests and law enforcement involved. In case there is an ongoing investigation, and the authorities use a valid legal process, Meta might be compelled to hand over evidence. As Meta’s data policy says, “We may access, preserve, and share your information in response to a legal request (like a search warrant, court order, or subpoena) if we have a good faith belief that the law requires us to do so.”

The other scenario would be when the profile owners themselves request the data in case of account transfer or recovery. An account holder can do so by downloading their Instagram’s archived data.

Tips to Get Your Follow Request Approved

If you do not want to use any of the above tricks and are just eager to get your follow request accepted by the individual, here’s how to do it:

1. Optimize Your Profile: Make sure your bio is filled out and use a clear profile picture. Additionally, have some authentic stills posted on your profile to show that you are a real user.
2. Leverage Mutual Friends: Be subtle in making connections with their mutual friends. You can also engage with the public posts of these mutuals so that the person sees your likes and comments. This will lead them to trust you enough to accept your request.
3. Send a Polite Direct Message (Optional): You may also send a direct polite message requesting them to accept your follow request. This depends on how comfortable you feel in reaching out to the person.
4. Highlight Shared Interests: You can post pictures of similar interests that you might have some idea about. For example, if you see that their bio says, love traveling, you can post snaps of a recent trip that you took. Moreover, posting some of your hobbies and interests can also make you look genuine.
5. Be Patient: They may take time to decide whether to accept your request or not. Therefore, be patient and continue posting and interacting with the mutuals as authentically as possible.

💡 Note: A user might accept your request faster if your profile is open for them to inspect.

FAQs

Conclusion

After testing all the methods for how to view Instagram private account photos, I have come to the conclusion that using Spokeo, PeekViewer, and xMobi is quite helpful. Additionally, Google search and a dummy account can also give access to Instagram photos. However, it is important to respect the privacy of a private Instagram account user. That’s because private account holders wouldn’t want anyone other than their approved followers to view their photos. Hence, never share the images of private accounts publicly, and do not stalk the user with any harmful intent.