Instagram Downloader
Privacy Policy
How the Instagram Downloader app handles the information it touches while fetching Instagram media for you.
Effective date: December 5, 2025
This policy applies to the open-source Instagram Downloader application contained in this repository (the "App"). "We", "us" and "our" refer to the independent developer(s) maintaining the project. By installing or using the App you agree to the practices described below.
At a Glance
- No account system, advertising, or analytics are embedded in the App.
- Instagram links you paste are resolved locally; downloaded media and its metadata stay on your device unless you share them.
- Permissions (Photos, Storage, Videos) are requested only to save the files you explicitly download.
- The App talks directly to Instagram's public endpoints to retrieve the media you asked for. We do not operate intermediary servers.
- You control your data by deleting files, clearing the App's storage, or uninstalling it.
1. Who Controls Your Data
The App is distributed by an independent developer located in the United States. All processing described in this document happens on your device. We do not maintain a backend service or cloud database for this project.
2. Data the App Processes
User-provided content
- Instagram links: URLs you type or paste (including from the clipboard when you tap the paste button) are stored only in memory long enough to validate and start a download.
- Download preferences: Toggles such as "Save directly to gallery" are stored locally to remember your last choice.
Automatically obtained data
- Instagram metadata: When you request a download, the App fetches the post's shortcode, caption, media URLs, and thumbnails from Instagram to assemble the files. This metadata is stored locally alongside the download entry so the in-app library can display it.
- Device context: The App reads your OS version and storage permission status (via DeviceInfoPlus and permission_handler) solely to decide which permission prompt to show. This information never leaves the device.
- Clipboard content: Clipboard text is read only when you ask the App to paste. The value is not logged or transmitted.
Data the App does not collect
- No account credentials, Instagram cookies, or tokens belonging to you are stored. The bundled request headers use an empty session and do not authenticate as you.
- No background analytics, crash reporters, ad networks, or profiling services are integrated.
3. How the App Uses Your Data
| Purpose | Details |
|---|---|
| Download requested media | The App resolves the shortcode from your link, fetches the media URLs from Instagram, downloads the files with the http client, and saves them inside the App's Documents/downloads directory. Optionally, it invokes ImageGallerySaverPlus to copy the files into your system gallery. |
| Show your library | Download entries (shortcode, source URL, caption, timestamp, and file locations) are stored via the local Hive box named downloads_box so the gallery and preview screens can render thumbnails, timestamps, and sharing actions. |
| Share content when you ask | When you tap Share, the App passes the selected file to the OS share sheet using share_plus. The receiving app (e.g., Messages, Mail) handles the file under its own privacy policy. |
4. Storage & Retention
- Files and metadata reside only on your device: in the App sandbox (Documents/downloads) and, if you enabled the toggle, in the system photo/video library.
- The App currently keeps every download entry so you can revisit it later. To remove entries, delete the files manually, clear the App's storage through your OS settings, or uninstall the App.
- No remote backups or sync take place, so if you remove the App or clear data, the local library disappears permanently.
5. Device Permissions & System Integrations
- Photos / Videos / Storage: Needed to save downloaded media and to let you browse them inside the App. If you deny access, downloads cannot be written to the gallery but remain in the App sandbox.
- Clipboard: Accessed on-demand when you request a paste. Revoking clipboard access simply means you must paste manually.
- Local notifications: Not used.
- Network: Required to reach Instagram CDN and GraphQL endpoints. Requests go directly from your device to
instagram.com; we do not proxy them.
6. How Data Is Shared
- We do not sell or rent your information.
- We do not send your data to any analytics provider, advertiser, or other commercial partner.
- Files leave your device only when you explicitly share them through another app or move them using your operating system.
- Instagram receives the same information it would receive if you viewed the post in a browser (user-agent, doc_id, optional referrer). Their processing is governed by Meta's policies.
7. Third-Party Libraries & Services
The App bundles several open-source packages that run entirely on your device:
- http to make HTTPS requests to Instagram.
- device_info_plus to learn your OS version for permission handling.
- permission_handler to request photo/video storage access.
- image_gallery_saver_plus to copy files into the gallery when you toggle that option on.
- hive_ce to persist your download history locally.
- share_plus to invoke the native share sheet.
- chewie and video_player to preview videos locally.
These libraries do not transmit your personal data to their authors; they operate within the App process.
8. Your Choices & Rights
- Control downloads: Delete any file directly from your gallery/file manager or clear the App's storage to remove it from the in-app library.
- Permissions: You can revoke Photos/Videos access anytime in your device settings; the App will continue to function but will store files only inside its sandbox.
- GDPR (EEA/UK) requests: You may exercise access, correction, deletion, or portability rights by contacting us (see Section 11). Because processing happens on your device, you may also self-serve by removing or exporting the files.
- CCPA/CPRA (California) requests: We do not sell or share personal information as defined by California law. You can request disclosure or deletion using the contact methods below.
9. Children's Privacy
The App is not directed to children under 13 and should not be used by them without parental supervision. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child provided information through the App, remove the App from the device and contact us.
10. Security
Because all media and metadata stay on your device, the primary security controls are the protections offered by your operating system (device encryption, lock screen, etc.). We recommend keeping your OS up to date and limiting access to unlocked devices.
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this document to reflect new features, dependencies, or legal requirements. When we do, we will revise the "Effective date" above and include the updated file in the repository. Material changes will be summarized in the project README.
12. Contact
For privacy questions, use the contact method provided in the App Store listing. Please include "Instagram Downloader Privacy" in the subject so we can respond promptly.
Instagram Downloader is an independent project and is not affiliated with Instagram or Meta Platforms, Inc. Respect Instagram's Terms of Use and copyright rules when downloading content.