How to View a Private Instagram Account in 2025: 6 Effective Methods

In 2025, more and more Instagram users are setting their accounts to private to protect their privacy. But what if you want to view a private Instagram account without following the person? Is it possible to see a private Instagram profile without an account or without being noticed?

If you're wondering how to access a private Instagram account, you're not alone. Many people look for ways to check private profiles without direct permission. In this article, we’ll explore six methods to view a private Instagram account.

Instagram icon.

Part 1. Understanding Private Instagram Accounts

1.1. What is a private Instagram account?

As the name suggests, a private Instagram account is not visible to the public. Only followers approved by the account owner can access its content.

1.2. The difference between a private and public Instagram account

There is a big difference between a private and a public Instagram account. The main distinction lies in the visibility of posts.

With a private Instagram account:

  • Only approved followers can see the content.
  • The account owner has full control over their posts (photos, videos, stories, etc.).
  • The owner decides who can view their content, making the account more private.

On the other hand, with a public Instagram account:

  • Anyone on Instagram can see the content, even without following the account.
  • The owner has no control over who views their posts.
  • A public account offers less privacy compared to a private one.

1.3. Is it possible to view a private Instagram account without following

In theory, as mentioned earlier, it’s not possible to view a private Instagram account without following it. However, there are a few tricks that might help bypass this restriction and uncover what’s hidden behind a private Instagram account.

Part 2. 6 Methods to View a Private Instagram Account

Now, let’s explore different ways to view a private Instagram account. Here are six tricks to check someone’s Instagram likes, even if they have a private account.

Method 1. Send a follow request

The easiest and most straightforward way to view a private Instagram account is to become a follower. To do this, simply send a follow request.

However, this method only works if the account owner accepts your request. Otherwise, you won’t be able to see their Instagram activity.

Instagram Follow request button.
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Tips to increase your chances of getting accepted
  • If you know the person personally, send them a short message introducing yourself right after sending the request. Keep in mind that you can only send one DM.
  • Use a clear and recognizable profile picture.
  • Add a well-written bio that explains who you are.
  • Be patient—don’t spam them with multiple follow requests.
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How do you know if someone rejected your following request?
  • You can check the status of your request. If the person rejects it, the request disappears from your profile, and you won’t be able to view their private Instagram account.
  • If your request is still pending, you can find it under "Sent Requests" in the "Following" section. This will help you know whether your request is still pending or has been declined.

    Pros

    pros

    Simple and easy.

    pros

    Direct approach.

    pros

    No privacy violation risks.

    Cons

    pros

    The request may be denied.

Method 2. Use an Instagram monitoring app

If you want to view a private Instagram account without the person knowing, Msafely is an excellent choice. This Instagram monitoring app allows you to track activities on Instagram discreetly, without alerting the target user.

With Msafely, you can monitor all Instagram actions without device or platform restrictions. It’s the perfect solution for those who want to secretly access a private Instagram account.

Msafely-Instagram-viewer-homepage-screenshot.

Key features of Msafely for Instagram monitoring

View private Instagram profiles without an account.

✅ Read all Instagram messages, including deleted ones.

✅ See posts and likes from a private account.

✅ Track followers and new followings on Instagram.

✅ Access all links shared via Instagram messages.

✅ View photos from a private Instagram account.

Screenshot of Msafely monitoring Instagram.

How to track a private Instagram account with Msafely

You don’t need to download or install any app to use Msafely. You can access Instagram accounts even without having your own account. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Sign up for a free account

Create a free Msafely account using a valid email address.

Register a free Msafely account.

Step 2. Connect the target device

Select the type of device and link it to the person whose Instagram account you want to monitor.

Choose the target device.

Step 3. Choose the subscription plan

Msafely offers three flexible subscription plans: 1-month, 3-month, and 12-month, all granting access to its full tracking features.

Step 4. Start monitoring the private Instagram account

Once connected, you can begin tracking the private Instagram activities of the target user.


        The Android dashboard of Msafely.

Additional Msafely features

Besides Instagram monitoring, Msafely offers other powerful features:

  • Spy on WhatsApp, Snapchat, Facebook, and other social media apps.
  • Track GPS locations and set up geofencing alerts.
  • Read sent and received messages.
  • Monitor incoming and outgoing calls.

Method 3. Use a private Instagram viewer

Another way to access a private Instagram account is by using a private Instagram viewer. One of the recommended tools is Glassagrm. This tool allows you to see what’s behind a private Instagram account.

With Glassagrm, you can anonymously view an Instagram account’s followers, stories, photos, videos, and likes. However, you can only see content that was posted before the account was set to private.

Glassagrm homepage screenshot.

How to view a private Instagram account’s posts

Step 1. Go to the Glassagrm website.

Step 2. Enter the username of the private Instagram account you want to view.

Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions to access the private content.

Method 4. Create a fake Instagram account

If you want to see what someone posts, follows, and likes on their private Instagram account without revealing your own profile, you can try creating a fake Instagram account.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to successfully creating a fake Instagram account.

Step 1. Start by creating a new account with a different email address

Choose an email address and phone number that cannot be traced back to you.

Step 2. Upload a credible profile picture

Add a photo that looks authentic and doesn’t give the impression of being fake.

Step 3. Write a simple and convincing bio

Your bio should be clear, simple, and neutral. Don’t include too many details that could raise suspicion.

Step 4. Gain enough followers, follow some people, and interact

Your new account should have enough followers and follow other accounts. Engage with a variety of people, especially well-known users who share similar interests. Make sure to post regularly, publish stories, and comment on others' posts to make your fake account appear legitimate.

Step 5. Send the follow request

Once your fake account looks credible, send a follow request to the target person to view their private Instagram account.

    Pros

    pros

    Increased chances of acceptance if the account looks genuine.

    pros

    More attractive profile to the target person.

    Cons

    pros

    Risk of being reported for identity theft.

    pros

    This method violates Instagram’s policies.

Method 5. Search online

Another method to view a private Instagram account is to search for information online. This includes searching for images through Google or exploring the person's other social media profiles, such as TikTok or Facebook.

Sometimes, users share images or information on their public profiles that can give you a glimpse into their Instagram activities. However, this method can be time-consuming and doesn’t guarantee results.

Search via Google images

Step 1. Go to Google Images. 

Step 2. Enter the person's name followed by "site.com". 

Step 3. Analyze the results to check for any public photos or related content.

Find the person on TikTok/Facebook

Step 1. Search by name on TikTok or Facebook. 

Step 2. Ensure their account is public on these platforms. 

Step 3. Check out their posts on these platforms.

    Pros

    pros

    Legal method.

    pros

    Convenient and easy to execute.

    Cons

    pros

    Time-consuming.

    pros

    Requires a significant amount of searching.

    pros

    No certainty of results.

Method 6. View through mutual friends' accounts

If you have mutual friends with someone who has a private Instagram account, you can ask them to show you the person's posts (videos, photos, stories, likes, followers).

This method works best if you're on good terms with a friend who is already following the private account. However, for this to work, trust between you and your friend is key.

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Tips for using this method:
  • Be respectful: Politely ask your friend to share the posts with you.
  • Explain your reasons: Clearly state why you want to view the private account.
  • Don’t be too pushy or intrusive: Being overly insistent may come across as suspicious. Even with close friends, pushing too hard could make them uncomfortable.

    Pros

    pros

    Very simple method.

    Cons

    pros

    Success depends on the willingness of your friends.

    pros

    Risk of appearing too intrusive.

Part 3. Why Some People Make Their Instagram Account Private

Users choose to make their Instagram account private for various reasons:

  • Privacy: To protect their personal life on Instagram.
  • Control: To choose who can view and interact with their content.
  • Avoid unwanted interactions or online harassment.

How to create a private account on Instagram

Creating a private Instagram account is simple. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Go to the "Settings" section of your account.

Step 2. Tap on "Account privacy."

Step 3. Click on the "Private Account" button.

Tap on

Part 4. Conclusion

You now have six methods to view a private Instagram account. Whether you want to secretly view someone's private Instagram account or ask a mutual friend for help, this article has provided all the necessary tips. If you still want to view someone's Instagram messages, Msafely can assist you.

Part 5. FAQs

Q1. How to see someone's Instagram likes?

If a person's Instagram account is private, there's no direct way to view their likes. However, you can do so by following them or using a private Instagram viewer.

Q2. How to see likes on Instagram?

To see likes on Instagram, the account must be public. Under each post, you can see the number of likes, and by clicking on it, you can access the list of users who liked the photo or video. For a private account, you need to be a follower to see the likes.

Q3. How to find someone on Instagram?

To find someone on Instagram, you can try these options: enter their username or real name in the Instagram search bar, or use the contact search if you have their phone number saved.

Q4. How to see if someone is online on Instagram?

To check if someone is active on Instagram, look for the green dot next to their profile picture in the direct messages section.

Q5. How to see someone's new followers on Instagram?

To see someone's new followers on Instagram, you need to be following their account. If the account is public, you can simply check their follower list. If the account is private, it is recommended to use Msafely monitoring software, which can help you see new followers on a private Instagram account.