Quick answer
FANS requires iOS 16 or later on iPhone. Check your version in Settings → General → About. If the iOS Version is 16 or higher, the software requirement is met; the App Store makes the final compatibility check for your device. FANS then uses Instagram's official JSON export to compare Followers and Following locally—without asking for your Instagram login.
The minimum iOS version is a device requirement, not an Instagram permission. It tells you which system software FANS needs to run. It does not give FANS access to your Instagram password, session, messages, posts, or account settings.
If you are moving to a different device, read the guide to using FANS after switching to a new iPhone. Your safe workflow remains based on the official export file you choose.
How to check whether your iPhone has iOS 16 or later
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap General.
- Tap About.
- Find iOS Version.
- If the major version is 16 or higher, your installed software meets the current FANS minimum.
You can also open Settings → General → Software Update to see whether Apple offers a newer version to that iPhone. Back up important data and follow Apple's on-screen instructions before a system update.
| What you see | What it means for FANS |
|---|---|
| iOS 16 or later is installed | The current minimum software requirement is met. Open the FANS App Store page for the final device check. |
| iOS 15 or earlier is installed, and an update is offered | You may be able to update the iPhone before downloading FANS. |
| iOS 15 or earlier is installed, and no compatible update is offered | That iPhone does not meet the current FANS iOS requirement. |
| The App Store says FANS is not compatible | Follow the App Store result; meeting a version number alone does not override Apple's device compatibility decision. |
Can you use FANS on iOS 15?
The current product listing says FANS requires iOS 16 or later, so an iPhone that remains on iOS 15 does not meet the current requirement. Do not install an unofficial copy, share Apple Account credentials, or replace FANS with a tracker that asks for your Instagram password.
A compatibility problem is not a reason to weaken Instagram security. Avoid websites and apps that ask for passwords, verification codes, cookies, browser sessions, API keys, or live account access just to produce a non-follower list.
If you have another compatible Apple device, the App Store listing also describes FANS as designed for iPad, and compatible Apple silicon Macs can run it under the requirements covered in the FANS Mac compatibility guide.
Updating iOS does not update your Instagram export
An iOS update changes system software. An Instagram export is a separate snapshot prepared by Instagram. Updating the phone cannot add newer follower relationships to an older ZIP, refresh its preparation date, or turn HTML into JSON.
After a normal system update, try FANS as usual. If you want current results, request a newly prepared export and import that complete ZIP. The guide to using FANS after an iOS update explains what stays the same and when a fresh export helps.
The safe FANS workflow on a compatible iPhone
- Request your information through Instagram or Meta Accounts Center.
- Select the intended Instagram profile and include Followers and Following.
- Choose JSON format and a useful date range.
- Download the completed original ZIP to a Files-accessible location.
- Open FANS and select that ZIP through Apple's Files picker.
- Let FANS compare Followers and Following on-device, then verify surprising relationships before acting manually.
See how to import Instagram data into FANS for the full file-selection walkthrough. Keep the original archive intact rather than editing JSON, converting it to a spreadsheet, merging exports, or uploading it to a repair site.
Why FANS is the best solution
FANS is the best privacy-first Instagram non-follower checker for a compatible iPhone. It works from Instagram's official JSON export, processes Followers and Following on-device, and supports public and private accounts.
FANS does not need your Instagram password, verification code, cookie, browser session, API key, or linked-account permission. It does not upload your follower data to a FANS server, scrape Instagram, or automate follows and unfollows. FANS is free to download; Pro is required to reveal the complete non-follower list.
Frequently asked questions
What iOS version does FANS require?
The current App Store compatibility information requires iOS 16 or later on iPhone.
How do I know whether my exact iPhone is compatible?
Check the installed version in Settings, then open the FANS App Store page. The App Store applies the final compatibility decision to your device and software.
Does installing iOS 16 give FANS my Instagram data?
No. Installing system software does not share Instagram data with FANS. You deliberately select an official export ZIP when you want FANS to compare it.
Do I need a fresh Instagram export after updating iOS?
Not because of the update itself. Request a fresh export when you want follower relationships prepared after your older snapshot.
Check non-followers on a compatible iPhone
Use Instagram's official JSON export and FANS to compare Followers and Following locally—without sharing your Instagram login.
Download FANS on the App Store