How to See Rejected Instagram Follow Requests (2026 Guide)

Many Instagram users wonder how to see rejected Instagram follow requests after sending a follow request to a private account. Unfortunately, Instagram does not make this process clear, which often leads to confusion.

In this detailed 2026 guide, you’ll learn how to see rejected Instagram follow requests, what Instagram officially allows, and how to tell if your follow request was declined — without using unsafe third-party apps.

Can You See Rejected Instagram Follow Requests?

The short answer is no.

Instagram does not provide a direct way to see rejected Instagram follow requests. Once a follow request is declined, it disappears completely. There is no notification, no warning, and no visible history showing that your request was rejected.

Instagram only shows pending follow requests, not rejected ones. This design is intentional and focused on user privacy.

Why Instagram Doesn’t Show Rejected Follow Requests

Instagram prioritizes privacy for private accounts. If users could see rejected follow requests, it could lead to harassment, pressure, or unwanted interactions.

That’s why:

You cannot see a list of rejected Instagram follow requests
You are not notified when someone rejects your request
Instagram removes the request silently

Even in 2026, this policy remains unchanged.

How to See If Your Instagram Follow Request Was Rejected

While you can’t directly see rejected Instagram follow requests, there are clear signs that help you understand what happened.

1. The “Requested” Button Changes Back to “Follow”

This is the most reliable indicator.

If:

You sent a follow request
The profile is private
The button previously said Requested
And now it says Follow

Then your Instagram follow request was most likely rejected.

2. You Still Can’t See Their Posts or Stories

If weeks pass and:

You still can’t view their content
Their profile remains private
The follow button never changes to “Following”

This usually means your request was declined or ignored.

3. Your Request Is Missing from Pending Requests

Instagram allows you to see pending follow requests, but once a request is rejected, it disappears.

To check pending requests:

Go to Settings
Tap Security
Open Access Data
Select Connections
Tap Follow Requests

If the username is not listed, it means the request is no longer pending — likely rejected.

Where to See Pending (Not Rejected) Instagram Follow Requests

It’s important to understand the difference between pending and rejected requests.

Instagram only lets you see pending follow requests.

How to Check Pending Follow Requests:

Settings → Security → Access Data → Connections → Follow Requests

This section does not show rejected Instagram follow requests. It only shows requests that are still waiting for approval.

Does Instagram Notify You When a Follow Request Is Rejected?

No.

Instagram does not send any notification when:

Your follow request is rejected
Your request is removed
Someone ignores your request

The app stays completely silent.

Can You Withdraw a Follow Request Before It’s Rejected?

Yes. If your request is still pending, you can cancel it manually.

How to Cancel a Follow Request:

Open the user’s profile
Tap Requested
Confirm cancellation

This immediately removes your follow request.

Can You Resend a Follow Request After Rejection?

Yes, but be careful.

If you resend follow requests repeatedly:

Instagram may flag your account
You could trigger spam detection
Your account reach may be limited

Best practice:
Wait at least 1–2 weeks before sending another follow request.

Can Third-Party Apps Show Rejected Instagram Follow Requests?

No legitimate app can.

Any app claiming to:

Show rejected Instagram follow requests
Track who declined your follow
Reveal hidden follow data

is unsafe.

These apps often:

Violate Instagram’s terms
Request account passwords
Risk account suspension or hacking

Avoid them completely.

Common Myths About Rejected Instagram Follow Requests

❌ “There’s a hidden Instagram feature to see rejected requests”
→ False

❌ “Business accounts can see rejected requests”
→ False

❌ “Older versions of Instagram show rejected requests”
→ False

Instagram has never allowed users to see rejected follow requests.

Why Follow Requests Sometimes Disappear Without Rejection

Sometimes, a follow request disappears for other reasons:

The user deleted their account
The account was suspended
The user switched to public and back to private
Instagram removed inactive requests

Not every missing request means rejection, but most do.

Before sending a follow request, increasing visibility on your posts with free Instagram views can make your profile look more active and appealing.

Best Practices When Sending Follow Requests on Instagram

To reduce rejection chances:

Complete your bio clearly
Use a real profile photo
Avoid sending mass follow requests
Engage with public posts first
Avoid spam-like usernames

A trustworthy profile increases acceptance rates.

If you’re trying to increase engagement before sending follow requests, using free comments on Instagram can help make your profile look more active and trustworthy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you see rejected Instagram follow requests?

No. Instagram does not allow users to see rejected follow requests.

How do I know if my follow request was rejected?

If the “Requested” button changes back to “Follow,” your request was likely rejected.

Where can I see pending follow requests?

Settings → Security → Access Data → Connections → Follow Requests.

Does Instagram notify you about rejected requests?

No. Instagram never sends notifications for rejected follow requests.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for how to see rejected Instagram follow requests, the reality is simple: Instagram doesn’t show them directly. However, by understanding how follow requests behave and recognizing key signs, you can confidently tell when a request has been rejected.

Always avoid third-party apps, follow Instagram’s rules, and focus on maintaining a genuine profile for better results.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, you can review Instagram’s official Help Center guidance on follow requests to understand how Instagram handles pending and rejected requests.