Under normal circumstances, Instagram asks you to log in to view posts, especially ones on private accounts. But there are ways to view content without your account, allowing you to remain anonymous. Here’s how to do it and what the limitations are.
Using Instagram without an account
Instagram only works in a web browser without registration. On the official iPhone or Android app, you’ll be forced to sign up right away. If you try using a mobile browser, you won’t get very far because Instagram will redirect you to the app.
The following functions are available in the web browser without an Instagram account:
- Access public profiles: You can directly access Instagram pages of celebrities, companies, or influencers as long as they’re not set to private. To do this, enter
https://www.instagram.com/[profile name]in the address bar. - View posts and comments: Open a post by right clicking “Open in new tab.” Initially, a login window will appear, but you can close it by clicking on the small X at the top. The prompt will then disappear, allowing you to read the post and comments as normal.
- Retrieve stories (with a diversion): Instagram blocks Stories if you don’t have an account, but you can view them anonymously through third-party websites or specialized viewers.
Not possible without an account:
- Upload your own content
- Like or comment on content
- Search for hashtags
- Send direct messages
- Follow private profiles
View Instagram Stories anonymously
Picuki
Instagram Stories cannot be viewed directly without an account. If you wish to remain anonymous, you’ll have to switch to Instagram Story Viewers. These websites access public profiles via the Instagram interface and display story content–usually free, without registration, and right in your browser.
The best-known services include Dumpor, Picuki, and StoriesDown.
Important: The tools only work with public profiles. Stories from private accounts remain inaccessible, even through external viewers. Additionally, the copyrights always remain with the respective accounts.
You need an Instagram account to use features like posting, liking, or messaging. However, this doesn’t mean you have to reveal your identity. You can still remain anonymous with the following measures:
- Set your account to private: Only confirmed followers will see your posts and stories. This gives you full control over who gets access.
- Do not upload your own photos: Avoid pictures in which you or those around you are recognizable. Use symbols, landscapes, or neutral motifs instead.
- Choose a neutral user name: No real names, no initials, no date of birth. An inconspicuous nickname protects against inferences.
- Use an anonymous e-mail address: It’s best to create a new address for registration that’s not linked to private or professional data.
- No links to other accounts: Don’t link the Instagram account to Facebook, WhatsApp, or other platforms. Otherwise, cross-connections will immediately become visible.
- Deactivate all synchronizations: Don’t grant access to contacts or an address book when setting up. This keeps the account separate from your personal network.
With these steps, you can use a full Instagram account without others immediately knowing who’s behind it.
This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC-WELT and was translated and localized from German.
