Whether you want a break from social media, care about privacy or simply do not use Instagram anymore, you can delete your account permanently. Instagram also offers temporary deactivation if you want a break without losing everything. This guide explains how to delete your Instagram account permanently, how to download your data first, what happens after deletion and how it differs from deactivating.
Delete vs deactivate
| Feature | Deactivate (temporary) | Delete (permanent) |
|---|---|---|
| Profile visible | Hidden | Removed |
| Photos and videos | Kept, hidden | Deleted permanently after the waiting period |
| Followers and likes | Kept | Deleted |
| Can come back | Yes, by logging in | Only during the deletion waiting period |
| Username | Reserved for you | May become available to others later |
| Messages | Hidden | Removed from your side; others may keep copies |
If you are unsure, deactivation is a safer first step.
Step 1: Download your Instagram data
Before deleting, save your photos, videos, messages and other data:
- Open Accounts Center in Instagram settings.
- Tap Your information and permissions.
- Choose Download your information (or Export your information).
- Select your Instagram account and choose what to include.
- Choose format (HTML is easy to browse, JSON is for technical use) and date range.
- Request the download and wait for the email or notification.
- Download the file before deleting your account.
The download may take from minutes to several days depending on account size.
Step 2: Delete your Instagram account (app)
Menu names may change, but the process is typically:
- Go to your profile and tap the menu (three lines).
- Tap Accounts Center.
- Tap Personal details.
- Tap Account ownership and control.
- Tap Deactivation or deletion.
- Select your Instagram account.
- Choose Delete account and tap Continue.
- Select a reason, enter your password and confirm.
Step 2 (alternative): Delete from a computer
- Log in at instagram.com.
- Open Settings and then Accounts Center.
- Go to Personal details, Account ownership and control, Deactivation or deletion.
- Choose your account, select Delete account and follow the prompts.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to delete an Instagram account?
Instagram typically gives about 30 days to cancel, after which the account is permanently deleted. Full removal of data from systems may take longer.
Can I recover a deleted Instagram account?
Only during the waiting period, by logging in. After that, it is gone.
How to deactivate Instagram temporarily
- Go to Accounts Center, Personal details, Account ownership and control.
- Tap Deactivation or deletion.
- Select your account and choose Deactivate account.
- Enter your password and confirm.
Your profile, photos, comments and likes are hidden until you log back in. Instagram may limit how often you can deactivate, such as once per week.
What happens after you delete your account
| Item | What happens |
|---|---|
| Profile, posts and reels | Permanently removed after the waiting period |
| Comments and likes | Removed |
| Followers and following lists | Deleted |
| Direct messages | Removed from your account; recipients may still see copies |
| Username | Released and may later be claimed by someone else |
| Linked Facebook account | Not deleted unless you delete it separately |
| Threads profile | May be affected; check Threads settings since they are linked |
| Business tools and ads | Ad history may remain in Meta systems for legal or business reasons |
| Login with Instagram on other apps | Stops working; update logins first |
Before you delete: checklist
- Download your data
- Save important photos and messages
- Tell close contacts how to reach you
- Update logins for apps that use Login with Instagram
- Cancel any subscriptions or paid features
- Transfer business pages or shops if needed
- Remove the account from Meta Business Suite if used for business
- Check whether deleting affects your Threads profile
Deleting multiple Instagram accounts
If you have several Instagram accounts in Accounts Center, choose the specific account you want to delete. Deleting one account does not delete the others.
Deleting Instagram on behalf of someone else
- Deceased person: Instagram offers memorialization or removal requests for verified family members with documentation.
- Hacked account you cannot access: Use instagram.com/hacked to recover it first; Instagram usually requires account access to delete.
- Underage child: Parents can report accounts of children under 13 through Instagram’s help center.
- Impersonation: Report impersonating accounts to Instagram.
Remove Instagram from your phone
Deleting the app does not delete your account. After deleting or deactivating:
- Uninstall the Instagram app.
- Clear saved passwords in your browser or password manager if you wish.
- Remove the account from other Meta apps.
Alternatives to deleting
| Goal | Option |
|---|---|
| Spend less time on Instagram | Use time limits, daily reminders or quiet mode |
| More privacy | Make the account private, remove followers, limit tags |
| Avoid certain people | Block, restrict or mute accounts |
| Stop notifications | Turn off push notifications |
| Clean up old posts | Archive posts instead of deleting the account |
| Take a break | Deactivate temporarily |
These options let you control your experience without losing your photos and connections.
Real examples
The digital detox. Jordan deactivated Instagram for a month during exams. He logged back in afterward and everything was restored.
The fresh start. Priya downloaded her data, then deleted her old account and started a new private one for close friends.
The business closure. A small shop owner transferred the shop’s catalog and downloaded customer messages before deleting the business account.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Cannot find delete option | Update the app or use instagram.com in a browser |
| Forgot password | Reset it before deleting |
| Account hacked | Recover it at instagram.com/hacked first |
| Download link expired | Request a new data download |
| Account still visible after deletion request | It may take time to disappear; check the waiting period |
| Want to cancel deletion | Log in during the waiting period and choose to keep the account |
Privacy considerations
Deleting your Instagram account removes your content from the platform, but:
- Screenshots or reposts by others may remain
- Messages you sent remain in recipients’ inboxes
- Data may be kept for a limited time for legal, safety or backup reasons according to Meta’s policies
- Information shared with third-party apps may remain with those apps
Review Meta’s privacy policy for details on data retention.
Frequently asked questions
Does deleting Instagram delete Facebook?
No. They are separate accounts, even if linked in Accounts Center.
Can I use the same email for a new Instagram account?
After deletion is complete, you can usually create a new account with the same email.
Can I get my username back?
Not guaranteed. Once released, someone else may claim it.
How many times can I deactivate?
Instagram may limit deactivation frequency, often to once per week.
Deleting other social media accounts
If you are cleaning up your digital footprint, the process is similar on other platforms:
| Platform | Where to delete |
|---|---|
| Accounts Center, Personal details, Account ownership and control | |
| Threads | Threads settings, Account, Deactivate or delete profile |
| TikTok | Settings and privacy, Account, Deactivate or delete account |
| X (Twitter) | Settings, Your account, Deactivate account |
| Snapchat | accounts.snapchat.com, Delete my account |
| YouTube | Google account settings, Data and privacy, Delete a Google service |
Always download your data before deleting, and check whether accounts are linked to other services.
Taking care of your mental health
Many people delete Instagram to reduce stress, comparison or time spent scrolling. If social media affects your mood, deleting or pausing can be a healthy choice. Replacing scrolling time with hobbies, exercise, friends or rest often makes the change easier to maintain. If you are struggling, talking with a friend or professional can help.
Final thoughts
Deleting your Instagram account permanently is straightforward once you know where to look: Accounts Center, Personal details, Account ownership and control, Deactivation or deletion. Download your data first, consider deactivation if you just need a break and remember that you have a limited window to change your mind. For more account management tips, read how to know if your phone is hacked and how to create a strong password.
Step-by-step summary
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Decide whether to deactivate or delete |
| 2 | Download your information from Accounts Center |
| 3 | Save photos and important messages |
| 4 | Update logins on apps that use Instagram |
| 5 | Open Accounts Center, Personal details |
| 6 | Tap Account ownership and control |
| 7 | Choose Deactivation or deletion |
| 8 | Select the account and choose Delete account |
| 9 | Enter your password and confirm |
| 10 | Avoid logging in during the waiting period if you want deletion to complete |
Logging back in during the waiting period cancels the deletion request, so uninstall the app or sign out on all devices to avoid reopening it by accident.
Tell your followers before you leave
If you have friends, family or customers who reach you mainly through Instagram, post a short story or message before deleting with another way to contact you, such as email, a phone number shared privately, or another platform. This keeps relationships intact even after your account is gone.
The bottom line
To delete Instagram permanently, download your data, then go to Accounts Center, Personal details, Account ownership and control, and choose Delete account. Consider deactivating if you only need a break. Also read how to turn on two-factor authentication on Instagram.
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