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If you have a private Instagram account, potential followers will have to request permission to access your photos and videos. This wikiHow teaches you how to approve a follower request on the Instagram app. Currently, you cannot approve a follower using the desktop app or a web browser.

  1. It's the app that has a purple, pink, and orange icon with an image that resembles a camera. Tap the icon to open Instagram on your iPhone, iPad, or Android phone or tablet.
  2. It's at the bottom of the Instagram app and to the right of the plus (+) icon. If your phone is using iOS 13 or later, the heart icon may be at the top left of your screen instead. There may be a pink dot below this icon that indicates there is new activity notifications.
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  3. It's at the top of your Activity page. If you have new follow requests, there will be a blue dot with the number of requests next to it on the right.
  4. This instantly approves the follow request.
    • If you would rather deny the request , tap Delete next to the username you want to deny.
    • If you'd like to follow the person back, tap the Follow button that appears.
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  • Question
    Why won't my Instagram follow requests work?
    Community Answer
    To approve your requests, tap the checkmark. If the issue persists, you should contact Instagram support.
  • Question
    I got a notification that someone requested to follow me, and when I went to confirm, it wasn't there anymore. Why?
    Community Answer
    It means they have cancelled the request originally sent. The notifications are sent immediately so you will still get the notification, even if it was cancelled.
  • Question
    How can I accept and deny followers on Instagram without using the Instagram app?
    Community Answer
    You can accept and deny follow requests on the website using any browser.
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