01
The short answer
Social Janitor stores imported snapshots locally in your browser and does not keep a server-side backup of them. If that browser data is permanently deleted and you have no backup or original export to rebuild from, Social Janitor cannot recover the lost snapshot for you.
Recovery depends on whether you still have the browser data, a portable Social Janitor backup or the original Instagram export files.
02
Why can snapshots disappear?
Snapshot history can be lost when browser storage is removed or when you move away from the browser environment where the data was stored.
- You used Clear local data.
- You cleared site data in your browser settings.
- You changed browser or device.
- You used private browsing and the session storage was removed.
- A browser cleanup removed IndexedDB or local storage data.
Because snapshots are local, changing devices does not automatically bring that history with you.
03
Why can't Social Janitor restore local snapshots from the server?
Imported Instagram snapshots are stored on your device rather than synchronized to Social Janitor's servers.
This local-storage design means Social Janitor does not have a hidden server copy that support can simply restore after your browser data is gone.
For a detailed breakdown of where each type of data is stored, read where Social Janitor stores your Instagram data.
04
Can you restore a portable Social Janitor backup?
Yes, if you created a portable backup before losing the browser data. Pro users can export a JSON backup containing locally stored snapshots, Keep/Reviewed decisions and private account notes.
A supported backup can be restored and merged in another supported browser while you are signed in to the same Social Janitor account.
Social Janitor does not receive or store the portable backup as part of the export process, so keep the file somewhere secure if you may need it later.
05
What if you still have the original Instagram export?
If the original Instagram JSON files are still available, you may be able to import them again and recreate a snapshot from that export.
Re-importing the original files does not restore every local cleanup choice or note unless those were also included in a portable Social Janitor backup.
If you need help locating the correct files, read where to find Followers and Following in an Instagram data export.
06
How can you prevent future snapshot loss?
Keep your original Instagram exports and create portable Social Janitor backups when your local snapshot history matters to you.
- Keep the original Instagram JSON exports in a secure location.
- Create a portable Social Janitor backup before clearing browser data or changing devices.
- Protect backup files because they contain readable JSON and are not encrypted by Social Janitor.
- Do not rely on browser storage as your only copy of important historical data.
07
When should you contact support?
Contact support if snapshots disappeared unexpectedly and you are not sure whether the issue is local storage, an import problem or something else in the application.
Support cannot recover local-only data that no longer exists, but it can help you understand what likely happened and whether an existing export or backup can still be used.
Use the contact form and describe which browser or device you were using, what changed before the snapshots disappeared and whether you still have the original export or a portable backup.
For deletion controls and retention details, also read how to delete your Social Janitor data.