How to Delete Your Instagram Account Permanently

Before You Delete: Download Your Data

Before deleting your account, download a backup of all your photos, videos, and data. You won't be able to recover anything after permanent deletion.

How to Download Your Instagram Data

1. Open Instagram and go to your Profile
2. Tap the menu (three lines) → Your activity
3. Select Download your information
4. Tap Request a download
5. Choose what data to include and select a format
6. Enter your email and tap Request download

Instagram will email you a download link within 48 hours. Save this before deleting your account.

How to Delete Instagram on iPhone or Android

Step 1: Open Account Settings

1. Open the Instagram app
2. Go to your Profile (bottom right)
3. Tap the menu (three lines in top right)
4. Select Settings and privacy

Step 2: Access Accounts Center

1. Tap Accounts Center at the top
2. Select Personal details
3. Tap Account ownership and control

Step 3: Delete Your Account

1. Tap Deactivation or deletion
2. Select the account you want to delete
3. Choose Delete account and tap Continue
4. Select a reason for leaving
5. Enter your password to confirm
6. Tap Delete account

Your account is now scheduled for deletion. It will be permanently removed after 30 days.

How to Delete Instagram on Desktop

Step 1: Go to Settings

1. Open instagram.com in your browser
2. Log into your account
3. Click your profile picture (top right)
4. Select Settings

Step 2: Go to Account Deletion

1. Click Accounts Center in the left sidebar
2. Select Personal details
3. Click Account ownership and control
4. Choose Deactivation or deletion

Step 3: Confirm Deletion

1. Select the account to delete
2. Click Delete account → Continue
3. Choose a reason for leaving
4. Enter your password
5. Click Delete account

What Happens After You Delete Instagram

During the 30-Day Grace Period

• Your profile, photos, and comments become hidden immediately
• Your account still exists but is invisible to others
• You can cancel deletion by logging back in
• Your username is reserved during this period

After 30 Days

• Your account is permanently deleted
• All photos, videos, and stories are gone forever
• Comments you made on other accounts are deleted
• Your username becomes available for others to use
• There is no way to recover your account

How to Cancel Account Deletion

Changed your mind? You can recover your account within 30 days:

1. Open Instagram and log in with your username and password
2. A prompt will appear asking if you want to keep your account
3. Tap Keep Account
4. Your deletion request is canceled

After 30 days, recovery is impossible.

Delete vs Deactivate: Which Should You Choose?

Delete Your Account If:

• You're done with Instagram permanently
• You want all your data removed from Instagram's servers
• You don't plan to return to the platform
• You're concerned about privacy and want a clean break

Deactivate Your Account If:

• You need a temporary break from Instagram
• You might want to return later
• You want to keep your photos and followers
• You're testing life without social media

How to Temporarily Deactivate Instagram

Deactivation hides your account without deleting anything. You can reactivate anytime by logging back in.

Deactivate on Mobile

1. Go to Profile → Menu → Settings and privacy
2. Tap Accounts Center → Personal details
3. Select Account ownership and control
4. Tap Deactivation or deletion
5. Choose Deactivate account instead of Delete
6. Select a reason and confirm

Deactivate on Desktop

1. Go to instagram.com → Settings
2. Go to Accounts Center → Personal details
3. Click Account ownership and control → Deactivation or deletion
4. Select Deactivate account
5. Choose a reason and confirm with your password

To reactivate, simply log back in. Your profile, photos, and followers will be restored.

What Gets Deleted vs What Stays

Permanently Deleted

• Your profile and bio
• All photos and videos you posted
• All stories and highlights
• Your follower and following lists
• Direct messages (your side only)
• Comments you made on posts
• Your saved posts collection

What May Remain

• Messages you sent to others (visible on their end)
• Comments others made on your posts (deleted with posts)
• Photos others posted of you (on their accounts)
• Data Instagram retains for legal compliance

Common Questions About Deleting Instagram

Can I delete Instagram without the password?

No, you need your password to delete your account. If you forgot it:

1. Tap Forgot password? on the login screen
2. Enter your email or phone number
3. Follow the reset instructions
4. Then proceed with deletion

Can I delete Instagram from someone else's device?

Yes, you can delete your account from any device. Just log in and follow the deletion steps. For security, also:

1. Change your password first
2. Remove any saved login info from other devices
3. Turn on two-factor authentication temporarily

Will deleting Instagram delete my Facebook?

No. Instagram and Facebook are separate accounts even if linked. Deleting Instagram only removes your Instagram account.

Can I use the same email for a new Instagram account?

Yes. After your account is permanently deleted (30+ days), you can create a new account using the same email address. However, you cannot use the same username if someone else has claimed it.

What happens to my Instagram business account?

The same deletion process applies. All business insights, promoted posts history, and business connections will be deleted. Download your data first if you need records for accounting or analytics.

How to Delete Instagram Without Waiting 30 Days

There is no way to skip the 30-day waiting period. Instagram implemented this to:

• Prevent accidental deletions
• Give users time to change their mind
• Allow recovery if your account was hacked

The 30-day countdown starts when you submit your deletion request.

Deleting Multiple Instagram Accounts

If you have multiple accounts, you must delete each one separately:

1. Log into the account you want to delete
2. Follow the deletion steps
3. Log out and into the next account
4. Repeat the process

Each account has its own 30-day deletion period.

After Deleting: What to Do

Update Your Other Platforms

• Remove Instagram links from your website
• Update your email signature
• Change social links on other profiles
• Inform your audience on other platforms

Consider Privacy Steps

• Review connected apps that had Instagram access
• Update any services that used Instagram login
• Check for any third-party apps with your data

Summary

Pro Tip: For a temporary break, choose Deactivate instead to hide your account while keeping your data safe. You can come back anytime by just logging in.

Need help managing your social media presence? Check out our Instagram tools for growth and engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I permanently delete my Instagram account?

Go to Settings → Accounts Center → Personal details → Account ownership and control → Deactivation or deletion → Delete account. Enter your password to confirm. Your account will be permanently deleted after 30 days.

Can I recover my Instagram account after deleting it?

You can recover your account within 30 days by logging back in and selecting 'Keep Account.' After 30 days, your account is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.

What's the difference between deleting and deactivating Instagram?

Deleting permanently removes your account, photos, and data after 30 days. Deactivating temporarily hides your profile while keeping all data safe. You can reactivate a deactivated account anytime by logging in.

How do I download my Instagram data before deleting?

Go to Profile → Menu → Your activity → Download your information → Request a download. Choose your data format and enter your email. Instagram will send a download link within 48 hours.

Will deleting Instagram delete my Facebook account?

No, Instagram and Facebook are separate accounts even if linked. Deleting Instagram only removes your Instagram account. Your Facebook account remains active and unaffected.

Can I skip the 30-day waiting period to delete Instagram?

No, there is no way to skip the 30-day waiting period. Instagram implemented this to prevent accidental deletions and give users time to change their mind or recover hacked accounts.