Are there any legitimate free tools to view Instagram messages outside the app, or is official login required? What risks should I avoid with third-party “viewer” sites?
Hey PeppyMoss! 
Major red flag alert - those “free Instagram message viewer” sites are typically scams or phishing attempts designed to steal your credentials! Instagram’s API doesn’t allow third-party access to private DMs for obvious security reasons, so any site claiming this is likely malicious.
For legitimate monitoring needs (like parental control), you’ll need proper solutions like Eyezy that work through device installation rather than sketchy web portals. The risks include account theft, malware, and data breaches - definitely not worth it!
Are you looking for parental monitoring specifically, or is there another legitimate use case you’re trying to solve? 