Are you ready to take a break from social media or permanently step away from Instagram? Whether you’re concerned about privacy, finding yourself spending too much time scrolling, or simply want a fresh start, deleting your Instagram account is a straightforward process once you know the steps. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to delete your Instagram account permanently or temporarily, whether you’re using a phone, computer, or tablet. I’ll cover every scenario, including how to delete an Instagram account without a password and the differences between deleting from Android, iPhone, or desktop.
Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world. With its endless scroll of photos, stories, reels, and messages, it can be an entertaining and sometimes overwhelming space. While some people love sharing their lives online, others eventually feel the need to take a break—or step away for good.
Whether you’re tired of the platform, concerned about privacy, or just ready to reclaim your time, you might be thinking of deleting your Instagram account. But how do you actually do that? Can you delete it from the app? What happens to your data?
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about deleting or deactivating your Instagram account—with clear steps for both mobile and desktop. We’ll also cover the differences between permanently deleting and temporarily disabling, so you can choose what’s best for you.
Table of Contents
Should You Delete or Deactivate?
Before you click the delete button, ask yourself: Do I really want to delete my account forever, or do I just need a break?
Instagram offers two options:
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Deactivate (Temporarily Disable): This hides your account, photos, and comments. You can reactivate it anytime by logging back in.
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Delete (Permanently Remove): This erases your entire profile, followers, posts, likes, and messages—forever.
If you’re unsure, disabling is a safe first step.
What Happens When You Delete Your Instagram Account?
Here’s what gets removed when you permanently delete your account:
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Your profile, username, and bio
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All your photos and videos
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Likes, comments, and messages
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Followers and the people you follow
⚠️ Once your account is deleted, there’s no way to get it back or restore anything you’ve shared.
Instagram gives you 30 days after your deletion request before your account is permanently erased. During this time, your account is deactivated and hidden.
How to Delete Instagram Account Permanently
Here’s a step-by-step guide to delete your Instagram account permanently in 2025.
✅ Step 1: Visit the Delete Your Account Page
Instagram doesn’t allow permanent deletion directly through the app (except in some cases on iPhones). The best way is to use a browser.
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Go to this link: https://www.instagram.com/accounts/remove/request/permanent/
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Log in to your Instagram account if you’re not already.
✅ Step 2: Select a Reason
Instagram will ask, “Why are you deleting your account?”
Choose from options like:
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I want to take a break
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Privacy concerns
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Too busy/too distracting
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Something else
You must select a reason to proceed.
✅ Step 3: Re-enter Your Password
Instagram will ask for your password again to confirm it’s really you.
✅ Step 4: Click “Delete [Your Username]”
Once you confirm, your account enters the 30-day pending deletion period.
📅 If you change your mind during that time, simply log back in and cancel the deletion request.
How to Temporarily Disable Your Instagram Account
Not ready to say goodbye forever? Temporarily disabling your account might be the better choice.
✅ Step 1: Log In Through a Web Browser
This can’t be done from the app—only from a browser on your phone or computer.
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Go to Instagram.com and log in.
✅ Step 2: Go to Profile > Edit Profile
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Click your profile picture in the top right.
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Select Edit Profile.
✅ Step 3: Choose “Temporarily Disable My Account”
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Scroll down and click Temporarily disable my account in the bottom right.
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Choose a reason (required) and re-enter your password.
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Click Temporarily Disable Account.
Your profile is now hidden, and nothing is deleted. You can come back anytime just by logging in.
Can You Delete Your Account From the Instagram App?
Yes—but only on iPhone/iOS devices (for now).
Here’s how:
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Open the Instagram app.
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Tap your profile icon.
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Tap the three-line menu > Settings and Privacy.
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Go to Accounts Center > Personal details > Account ownership and control.
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Select Deactivation or deletion.
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Tap the account you want to delete.
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Choose Delete account, and follow the steps.
🔐 On Android, you’ll be directed to a browser for the final step.
How to Download Your Instagram Data Before Deleting
Before deleting your account, you might want to download a copy of your:
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Photos and videos
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Messages
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Profile information
Here’s how:
On the App:
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Go to your profile > Menu (☰) > Your activity > Download your information.
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Enter your email address.
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Instagram will send you a file with all your data.
On Desktop:
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Enter your email and password.
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You’ll get a download link in 48 hours.
What Happens After You Delete Your Account?
Once the 30-day period ends:
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Your profile, media, and activity are permanently removed.
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Your username becomes available for others to use (eventually).
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Your data can’t be recovered—not even by Instagram.
🚫 You can’t sign up again with the same username if someone else claims it in the meantime.
Common Questions About Deleting Instagram
❓ Can I reactivate a deleted account?
No. Once deleted, it’s gone forever. You can only reactivate a temporarily disabled account.
❓ Will my messages disappear from other people’s inboxes?
Not necessarily. Messages you’ve sent may still appear in their inbox, even after your account is gone.
❓ Can I delete one Instagram account if I have multiple?
Yes. If your accounts are linked through Meta’s Accounts Center, choose the specific account during the deletion process.
❓ Can someone else delete my Instagram?
No—unless they have access to your login credentials. Always enable two-factor authentication to protect your account.
❓ What if I forgot my password?
Use the Forgot password? option on the login screen to reset it. You’ll need access to the email or phone number associated with the account.
Understanding Your Options: Temporary vs. Permanent Deletion
Before diving into the specific steps, it’s important to understand that Instagram offers two options:
- Temporary deactivation: This option hides your profile, photos, comments, and likes, but preserves your data so you can return later.
- Permanent deletion: This completely erases your account and all associated data.
Let’s explore both options in detail.
How to Delete an Instagram Account Temporarily
Temporarily deactivating your account is ideal if you need a break but might want to return later.
Step-by-Step Guide to Temporary Deactivation
- Open Instagram in a web browser (not the app)
- Log in to your account
- Click on your profile picture in the top right
- Select “Profile” then “Edit Profile”
- Scroll down and click “Temporarily disable my account.t”
- Select a reason from the dropdown menu
- Re-enter your password
- Click “Temporarily Disable Accou.nt”
Remember that you can only temporarily deactivate your Instagram account once a week, so be certain about your decision.
How to Delean te Instagram Account Permanently
When you’re sure you want to permanently delete your Instagram account, follow these steps:
- Visit the Instagram “Delete Your Account” page (you’ll need to use a browser)
- Log in if prompted
- Select a reason for deletion from the dropdown menu
- Re-enter your password
- Click “Delete [username]”
After completing these steps, Instagram will permanently delete your account after a 30-day grace period. During this time, your account will be deactivated but not yet deleted, giving you a chance to change your mind.
How to Delete an Instagram Account on a Phone
The process to delete an Instagram account on a phone varies slightly depending on whether you’re using an iPhone or an Android device.
How to Delete an Instagram Account on iPhone
While you can’t delete your account directly through the Instagram app, you can use your iPhone’s browser:
- Open Safari or your preferred browser
- Go to the Instagram deletion page
- Log in with your credentials
- Follow the permanent deletion steps outlined above
How to Delete an Instagram Account on Android
The process for how to delete an Instagram account on Android follows the same principles:
- Open Chrome or your preferred browser
- Navigate to Instagram’s deletion page
- Log in
- Complete the deletion process
Remember that the Instagram app itself doesn’t provide account deletion options – you must use a browser on either platform.
How to Delete an Instagram Account Without a Password
Forgetting your password can complicate the deletion process, but it’s still possible to delete an Instagram account without a password by following these steps:
- Go to the Instagram login page
- Click “Forgot password?”
- Follow the recovery steps using your email, phone number, or Facebook account.
- After resetting your password, proceed with the account deletion steps
If you no longer have access to your registered email or phone number, you may need to contact Instagram support directly.
How to Deletean Instagram Account from the App
Although many users search for how to delete an Instagram account from the app, Instagram doesn’t allow direct account deletion through its mobile application. Instead:
- Open your mobile browser
- Visit Instagram’s deletion page
- Log in
- Complete the deletion process
This limitation is deliberately designed to make users reconsider before permanently deleting their accounts.
How to Delete an Instagram Account on a Computer
Using a computer or laptop offers the most straightforward method for account deletion:
How to Delete an Instagram Account on PC or Laptop
- Open your preferred web browser
- Navigate to Instagram’s account deletion page
- Log in with your credentials
- Select your reason for leaving
- Enter your password to confirm
- Click the delete button
The computer-based method works identically whether you’re trying to figure out how to delete an Instagram account on a laptop or a desktop PC.
How to Delete an Instagram Account Instantly
While Instagram always enforces a 30-day waiting period before permanent deletion, you can effectively deactivate your account instantly. Here’s how to delete an Instagram account instantly in practical terms:
- Follow the permanent deletion steps
- Once confirmed, your profile becomes immediately inaccessible to others
- Don’t log back in during the 30 days
Though your account still exists on Instagram’s servers during this waiting period, it’s completely invisible to other users, effectively deleted from a practical standpoint.
How to Delete Multiple Instagram Accounts
If you manage multiple Instagram accounts, you’ll need to delete each one individually:
- Log in to each account separately
- Follow the permanent deletion process for each account
- Keep track of which accounts you’ve processed
There’s no batch deletion option available, so be prepared to repeat the process for each account.
What Happens After You Delete Your Instagram Account?
Understanding the consequences of deletion helps make an informed decision:
- Your profile, photos, videos, comments, likes, and followers are permanently removed
- You cannot sign up again with the same username
- Your data cannot be recovered once the 30-day grace period ends
- Your direct messages to other users will remain in their inboxes with your username replaced by “Instagram Use.r”
Downloading Your Data Before Deletion
Before you deletyour e Instagram account permanently, consider downloading your data:
- Log in to Instagram on a computer
- Go to your profile and click “Setting.s”
- Select “Privacy and Security.ty”
- Scroll to “Data Download” and click “Request Download”
- Enter your email and password
- Click “Request Down.l
Instagram will email you a link to download your photos, comments, profile information, and more. This process can take up to 48 hours.
Tips to Consider Before Deleting Instagram
Before you proceed with your decision to delete your Instagram account, consider these alternatives:
- Take a break: Use the temporary deactivation option
- Mute accounts: Reduce exposure to content that bothers you
- Limit app usage: Set time limits using your phone’s screen time features
- Unfollow liberally: Create a more positive feed by curating who you follow
Common Issues When Trying to Delete Instagram
Users sometimes encounter problems when attempting to delete their accounts:
- Cannot access deletion page: Try using a different browser or clearing cookies
- Login issues: Reset your password before attempting deletion
- Deletion not processing: Ensure you’re following all steps correctly and try again after 24 hours
How to Delete an Instagram Account for Someone Else
It’s generally not possible to delete an Instagram account for another person unless you have their login credentials. In special circumstances like managing accounts for minors or deceased family members, Instagram has specific procedures that require documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover my Instagram account after permanent deletion?
No, once the 30-day grace period has passed, your Instagram account and all associated data are permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.
How long does it take to delete an Instagram account permanently?
While your account becomes invisible to others immediately after requesting deletion, Instagram retains your data for 30 days before permanent deletion.
If I delete Instagram, will my messages disappear?
Your sent messages will remain in recipients’ inboxes, but your username will be changed to “Instagram User.”
Can I delete an Instagram account from the mobile app?
No, you cannot delete your Instagram account directly from the app. You must use a web browser to access the deletion page.
What happens to tagged photos when I delete my account?
The tags will remain but will no longer link to your profile since it no longer exists.
Can I keep Facebook but delete Instagram?
Yes, deleting your Instagram account does not affect your Facebook account, even if they’re linked.
Will deleting Instagram delete my Facebook?
No, deletingyour Instagramm account does not affect your Facebook account, even if you originally signed up for Instagram using Facebook.
How do I delete a second Instagram account?
Log in to each account separately and follow the deletion process for each one individually.
Can I delete my Instagram account without the 30-day waiting period?
No, Instagram enforces a 30-day grace period for all account deletions.
How do I know if my Instagram is deleted?
During the 30-day waiting period, you can check by attempting to log in. If successful, your deletion request is canceled. After 30 days, the login will fail if the deletion was successful.
Conclusion
Knowing how to delete an Instagram account gives you control over your social media presence and digital footprint. Whether you’re looking to permanently step away from Instagram or just need a temporary break, this guide provides all the information you need to make an informed decision and execute it correctly. The process may seem deliberately complex, but Instagram has designed it this way to ensure users are making a considered choice.
Remember that temporary deactivation is always an option if you’re unsure about permanent deletion, and downloading your data beforehand ensures you don’t lose precious memories. Whether you’re deleting for privacy concerns, time management, or simply starting fresh, understanding exactly how to delete an Instagram account on whatever device you use empowers you to make the right choice for your digital well-being.
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