How to Delete Instagram Account (Permanent & Temporary)

How to Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account

You cannot delete your account from the Instagram app. You must use a web browser.

Steps to Delete (Desktop or Mobile Browser):

1. Go to instagram.com/accounts/remove/request/permanent/ or:

   • Log in → Menu (☰) → Settings
   • Accounts Center → Personal details
   • Account ownership and control → Deactivation or deletion

2. Select the account you want to delete

3. Choose Delete account → Continue

4. Pick a reason from the dropdown menu

5. Re-enter your password

6. Click Permanently delete my account

Important: According to Instagram's Help Center, once deleted:

• Your profile, photos, videos, comments, likes, and followers are permanently removed
• Your username becomes available for others to claim
• You cannot sign up again with the same username
• Instagram cannot reactivate deleted accounts

The 30-Day Grace Period

Your account isn't deleted immediately. Here's what happens:

• Day 1-30: Account is hidden (invisible to everyone)
• Day 30: Permanent deletion begins
• Before Day 30: Log in with your password to cancel deletion

If you log in during the 30-day window, your deletion request is automatically canceled and everything is restored.

How to Temporarily Deactivate Instead

Deactivation is reversible. Your account is hidden but nothing is deleted.

Steps to Deactivate:

1. Log in to Instagram via browser (desktop or mobile)

   • Note: You cannot deactivate from the Instagram app

2. Go to your profile → Edit Profile

3. Scroll down → Click Temporarily disable my account (bottom right)

4. Select a reason from the dropdown

5. Re-enter your password

6. Click Temporarily Disable Account

What Happens When Deactivated:

• ✅ Profile is hidden from searches
• ✅ Posts, comments, likes are hidden (but saved)
• ✅ You can reactivate anytime by logging back in
• ❌ DMs still visible to recipients (your name shows as "Instagram User")

Limitation: You can only deactivate once every 7 days. If you reactivate, you must wait a week before deactivating again.

Delete vs Deactivate: Quick Comparison

Before You Delete: Download Your Data

Instagram lets you save everything before deletion:

1. Go to Settings → Your Activity
2. Click Download or transfer information
3. Select Download to device
4. Choose All available information or specific data
5. Instagram emails you a ZIP file (can take up to 14 days)

This includes:

• All photos and videos
• Stories and highlights
• Direct messages
• Comments and captions
• Profile information

Tip: If you're downloading your data because you want to start fresh with a new strategy, consider reviewing our guide on optimal posting frequency before making a final decision to delete.

Common Questions

Can I delete my account from the Instagram app? No. Instagram requires you to use a web browser (desktop or mobile) to delete or deactivate accounts.

What happens to my username after deletion? After the 30-day period ends, your username becomes available. Anyone can claim it.

Can I recover a deleted account? Only within the 30-day grace period by logging back in. After 30 days, it's gone permanently and cannot be recovered.

Do my DMs get deleted immediately? No. During the 30-day grace period, your DMs remain visible to recipients (your name shows as "Instagram User"). After 30 days, they're permanently deleted from your account, but recipients may still see past messages.

Can I delete a Business or Creator account? Yes, but the process is the same as Personal accounts. Before deleting:

• Download your business insights (you'll lose them permanently)
• Unlink from Facebook, Shopify, or other connected platforms
• Remove payment methods
• All ad campaigns and performance data will be deleted

How long does Instagram keep my data after deletion? Instagram removes most data from active servers after 30 days, but some copies may remain in backups for technical or legal reasons temporarily (up to 90 days according to Meta's policies).

Can I delete without my password? No. You must log in to delete your account. If you forgot your password:

1. Click Forgot password? on the login page
2. Reset via email or phone number
3. Then proceed with deletion

What if my account was hacked? Recover access first before attempting to delete:

• Use Instagram's account recovery via email, phone, or Facebook login
• Reset your password
• Enable two-factor authentication
• Then delete if needed

Why People Delete Instagram

Common reasons (you'll have to select one during deletion):

• Privacy concerns - Want to control personal data (consider hiding your following list as an alternative)
• Time management - Reduce screen time and social media addiction
• Mental health - Avoid comparison, negativity, or pressure
• Low engagement - Account not meeting business/personal goals
• Platform change - Moving to different social networks
• Account consolidation - Too many accounts to manage

If You're Unsure: Try Deactivation First

Not ready to permanently delete? Deactivate instead.

Deactivation gives you:

• A break from Instagram without losing your data
• Time to see if you actually miss it
• The option to return whenever you want

You can keep your account deactivated for as long as you want - there's no time limit.

If after a few weeks or months you realize you don't need Instagram, you can always come back and delete permanently.

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Thinking about starting fresh instead? Before permanently deleting, consider optimizing your strategy first. If you want to maintain an active presence without the daily grind, Genviral helps you schedule content in advance and stay consistent.