The most popular social media platform, Instagram does not allow users to download profile pictures directly. There are times when you will want to save the profile picture, for whatever reason such as to see someone better or have yourself a copy for reference. Don’t worry!
So here is a simple step by step guide on how to download Instagram profile pictures very easily.
Why Would You Want to Download an Instagram Profile Picture?
Before we deep dive into the steps, first let’s look at the reason for downloading someone’s Instagram profile picture.
- To See a Larger Version: Instagram profile pictures are small and you can’t click on them either to enlarge.
- For Identification: If you don’t know who someone is from their username a clear profile picture can tell you who they are.
- For Reference: You are in need of a profile picture for a project perhaps inspiration or just for your personal use.
Now, we are going to get into how we actually do these things.
Methods to to Downloading Instagram Profile Pictures
Method 1: Using a Web-Based Instagram Photo Downloader
Instagram profile pictures can be downloaded in one of the simplest ways, that is through the use of a photo downloader. The types of these are online tools which help you to save images without any difficulty. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Copy the Instagram Username
- Open Instagram on your mobile app or web browser.
- Go to the user whose picture you want to download.
- Copy their username (the @handle). You can view the top of their profile to find this.
Step 2: Click on any Photo Downloader website of your choice
- Go to your web browser and search an Instagram profile picture downloader.
- Choose a valid website which has free downloading services.
Step 3: Paste the User Name and Search
- Paste the copied Instagram username on the website in the search bar available on the website.
- Click on the search/download button.
Step 4: Download the Profile Picture
- As the tool fetches the image, you’ll be able to see the full sized version of the profile picture.
- To save the image to your device, click the download button.
- One of the easiest ways is to make use of this method which is compatible with mobile as well as desktop devices.
Method 2: Using a Browser Trick (Without Any Tools)
If you prefer not to use an external tool, you can try with this simple browser trick.
Step 1: Launch Instagram on a Web Browser
- Open Chrome, Firefox, or Edge and visit Instagram.com.
- Log in if necessary.
Step 2: Get to the User’s Profile
- Find the person to whose profile picture you want to download.
- To do this, click on their profile and open the same.
Step 3: Inspect the Profile Picture
- Select the profile picture and press right click (for mobile, long press and open in a new tab).
- Press the right click (Chrome and Firefox user) and choose “Inspect”.
Step 4: Find the Image URL
- The code will be on a side panel.
- Check to see if the image URL ends with .jpg or .png and find a section where the image is located.
Step 5: Finally, the Image should be Opened and Downloaded
- Paste the image link to a new tab.
- The profile picture will be shown and it will be the full sized one.
- Click the image to save the image to your computing device.
This method works, if you don’t want to use third party websites to achieve the same.
Method 3: Using a Mobile App (For Android & iPhone)
If you will have to do this type of download frequently, an app can do the trick.
Step 1: Download an Instagram Profile Picture Downloader App
- Open the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Type ‘Instagram profile picture downloader.’
- Install an app that has a very good rating.
Step 2: Copy the Instagram Username
- Open Instagram and copy the username of the profile, just as before.
Step 3: Open the App then Enter the Username
- Launch the downloader app.
- Type the username into the search bar and paste the copy.
Step 4: Download the Profile Picture
- The exception of this one, the app will fetch the profile picture in full size.
- To save the image in your gallery, tap the download button.
If you download a lot of profile pictures, this method is really good since people make the process very easy to do through apps.
Tips for Downloading Instagram Profile Pictures Safely
- Respect Privacy: Never download images for commercial use. Never misuse someone’s profile picture.
- Avoid Suspicious Websites: Do only use well reviewed photo downloader tools to not get malware or scam.
- Don’t Share Without Permission: Always ask for someone’s consent to use their profile picture in public.
Final Thoughts
It’s simple to download an Instagram profile picture if you know what to do. Projecting it onto your TV is simple using a photo downloader, a simple browser trick, or, if you have an iPad or iPhone, a mobile app. The process takes only a few minutes. Only keep in mind that make sure to use downloaded images responsibly and follow privacy rules.
You can now use it and see how comfortable it actually is. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with your friends who need it.
FAQs
How do I download someone’s Instagram profile photo?
According to the steps in this guide, you can download someone’s Instagram profile photo using an online photo downloader, a browser trick, or a mobile app.
How to download an Instagram locked profile picture?
Profile picture downloaders may not show in case of a private account. However you can try the browser trick to see the larger version of the profile picture.
How do you download a picture from Instagram?
If you are looking to download regular Instagram posts images, you can use a third party app or even website or simply take the screenshot.
How do I download Instagram step by step?
If you mean downloading the Instagram app itself, go to the App Store for iPhone or Play Store for Android, search “Instagram,” and click “install.”
