How to Delete Instagram Account: Complete Step-by-Step Guide 2025

Are you ready to take a break from social media or permanently leave the platform? Learning how to delete Instagram account settings is easier than you think. Whether you’re concerned about privacy, spending too much time scrolling, or simply want a digital detox, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process.

In this article, you’ll discover the difference between temporarily disabling and permanently deleting your profile, what happens to your data, and how to back up your memories before saying goodbye. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to delete Instagram account information safely and effectively.

Understanding the Difference: Deactivate vs Delete

Before you proceed with learning how to delete Instagram account data, it’s crucial to understand your two main options.

Temporary Deactivation

Temporary deactivation is like putting your profile on pause. When you deactivate:

• Your profile, photos, comments, and likes are hidden
• People cannot search for you or view your content
• Your username remains reserved
• You can reactivate anytime by logging back in
• All your data remains stored on Instagram’s servers

This option is perfect if you’re taking a short break, dealing with online harassment, or need time away from social media without losing your content.

Permanent Deletion

Permanent deletion is final. When you permanently delete Instagram account information:

• Your profile is completely removed after 30 days
• All photos, videos, comments, and followers are gone forever
• Your username becomes available for others to use
• You cannot recover your account or data
• Instagram removes all your information from their servers

The deletion process includes a 30-day grace period. During this time, your account is deactivated but not yet deleted. If you log in within 30 days, you can cancel the deletion.

Why People Choose to Delete Instagram Account

Understanding why others decide to delete Instagram account profiles can help you make an informed decision:

Mental Health Concerns

Research shows social media can negatively impact mental wellbeing. Many users report:

• Increased anxiety and depression
• Constant comparison with others
• Fear of missing out (FOMO)
• Addiction to likes and validation
• Sleep disruption from late-night scrolling

Privacy Issues

Instagram collects extensive data about users. Concerns include:

• Data sharing with third-party advertisers
• Location tracking
• Facial recognition technology
• Meta’s access to personal information
• Security breaches and hacks

Time Management

The average person spends 53 minutes daily on Instagram. Users delete Instagram account access to:

• Reclaim productive hours
• Focus on real-world relationships
• Pursue hobbies and personal goals
• Improve work-life balance
• Break doom-scrolling habits

Career or Personal Reasons

Professional considerations that lead people to delete Instagram account data:

• Employer social media policies
• Professional rebranding needs
• Starting fresh with a new identity
• Removing embarrassing old content
• Focusing on other platforms

What Happens When You Delete Instagram Account

Before you delete Instagram account settings, understand the consequences:

Immediate Effects

• Your profile disappears from search results
• Friends cannot tag you or find your username
• All direct messages are removed from your inbox
• Your comments on others’ posts disappear
• Story highlights and IGTV videos vanish

After 30 Days

• Instagram permanently deletes all your data
• Photos and videos cannot be recovered
• Your username becomes available
• Login credentials no longer work
• Connected apps lose access

What Instagram Keeps

Even after you delete Instagram account information, Instagram may retain:

• Log data for legal compliance (90 days)
• Backup copies for technical purposes (90 days)
• Information others shared about you
• Data already shared with law enforcement

How to Back Up Your Instagram Data Before Deletion

Protect your memories before you delete Instagram account content by downloading your information.

Step 1: Request Your Data Download

1. Log into Instagram on a computer or mobile browser
2. Navigate to your profile and click the menu icon
3. Select “Settings and Privacy”
4. Click “Accounts Center”
5. Choose “Your Information and Permissions”
6. Select “Download Your Information”
7. Click “Request a Download”

Step 2: Choose What to Download

Instagram offers two formats:

HTML Format:

• Easy to view in a web browser
• Organized by content type
• Includes photos, videos, messages
• Best for reviewing your history

JSON Format:

• Machine-readable data format
• Useful for developers
• Transfer to other platforms
• Contains metadata

Step 3: Select Date Range and Quality

• Choose “All Time” for complete history
• Select media quality (high recommended)
• Pick specific date ranges if needed
• Include all available information

Step 4: Receive and Download

• Instagram processes your request (typically 48 hours)
• You’ll receive an email notification
• Download link expires after 4 days
• Files are compressed in ZIP format

How to Delete Instagram Account Permanently: Desktop Method

Ready to take the final step? Here’s exactly how to delete Instagram account using a computer:

Step 1: Access Instagram on Desktop

• Open your web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge)
• Navigate to www.instagram.com
• Log into your account with username and password
• Ensure you’re using the account you want to remove

Important Note: You cannot delete Instagram account profiles using the mobile app. Instagram requires desktop browser access for permanent deletion.

Step 2: Navigate to Delete Account Page

• Go directly to: instagram.com/accounts/remove/request/permanent/
• Or click your profile picture → Settings → Help → Help Center
• Search “delete account” in the help center
• Click the link “How do I delete my Instagram account?”
• Select “Delete Your Account” page link

Step 3: Select Reason for Deletion

Instagram requires you to choose why you want to delete Instagram account data:

• Privacy concerns
• Too distracting
• Trouble getting started
• Created a second account
• Something else
• Too busy/too distracting
• Can’t find people to follow

Select the reason that best applies to your situation.

Step 4: Re-enter Password

• Type your password in the confirmation field
• This security step prevents accidental deletion
• Ensures you’re the account owner
• Required for authentication

Step 5: Confirm Permanent Deletion

• Click the red “Delete [Your Username]” button
• Read the final warning message carefully
• Understand this action cannot be undone
• Your account enters 30-day deletion period

Step 6: Verify Deletion Request

• Instagram shows a confirmation message
• You’re logged out automatically
• Account is immediately deactivated
• 30-day countdown begins

How to Delete Instagram Account Permanently: Mobile Browser Method

While you cannot use the Instagram app, you can delete Instagram account profiles through mobile browsers:

Using Safari (iPhone/iPad)

1. Open Safari browser
2. Go to instagram.com
3. Tap the “AA” icon in the address bar
4. Select “Request Desktop Website”
5. Log into your account
6. Navigate to instagram.com/accounts/remove/request/permanent/
7. Follow the desktop steps above

Using Chrome (Android/iPhone)

1. Open Chrome browser
2. Visit instagram.com
3. Tap the three-dot menu
4. Select “Desktop site” checkbox
5. Sign into your account
6. Go to the deletion page
7. Complete the deletion process

Using Firefox Mobile

1. Launch Firefox browser
2. Navigate to Instagram’s website
3. Tap and hold the refresh button
4. Select “Request Desktop Site”
5. Login with your credentials
6. Access the account deletion page
7. Proceed with deletion

Pro Tip: Mobile browsers may display differently. Ensure desktop mode is enabled to access all options when you delete Instagram account settings.

How to Temporarily Deactivate Instagram Account

If you’re not ready to permanently delete Instagram account data, deactivation offers a reversible alternative:

Desktop Deactivation Steps

1. Log into Instagram on a web browser
2. Click your profile picture in the top right
3. Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu
4. Click “Accounts Center” in the left sidebar
5. Choose “Personal Details”
6. Select “Account Ownership and Control”
7. Click “Deactivation or Deletion”
8. Choose your Instagram account
9. Select “Deactivate Account”
10. Choose a reason from the dropdown
11. Re-enter your password
12. Click “Deactivate Account”

Mobile Browser Deactivation

1. Open mobile browser (not the app)
2. Request desktop site version
3. Log into Instagram
4. Follow desktop steps above
5. Confirm deactivation

What Happens During Deactivation

Unlike when you permanently delete Instagram account profiles:

• Your content is hidden, not deleted
• Profile doesn’t appear in searches
• Friends cannot interact with your posts
• Direct messages remain visible to recipients
• You can reactivate anytime by logging in

How to Reactivate

Simply log back in with your username and password. Your profile, photos, and followers return immediately.

How to Delete Instagram Account If You Forgot Your Password

Can’t remember your password but still want to delete Instagram account data? Follow these steps:

Password Recovery Process

1. Go to Instagram login page
2. Click “Forgot Password?” link
3. Enter your email, phone, or username
4. Select recovery method (email or SMS)
5. Check for reset link or code
6. Create a new password
7. Log in with new credentials
8. Proceed with deletion steps

Using Email Recovery

• Instagram sends reset link to registered email
• Link expires after 24 hours
• Click link to set new password
• Access your account to delete Instagram account

Using Phone Number Recovery

• Receive 6-digit verification code via SMS
• Enter code on recovery page
• Create new password
• Log in and delete account

Alternative: Contact Instagram Support

If recovery methods fail:

1. Visit Instagram Help Center
2. Report “Hacked Accounts”
3. Fill out account recovery form
4. Provide identification verification
5. Wait for Instagram support response
6. Follow their instructions to regain access

How to Delete Multiple Instagram Accounts

Managing several profiles? Here’s how to delete Instagram account information when you have multiple accounts:

Delete Each Account Separately

Instagram doesn’t offer bulk deletion. You must:

1. Log into first account
2. Complete deletion process
3. Log out completely
4. Log into second account
5. Repeat deletion steps
6. Continue for each profile

Remove Accounts from Multi-Account Setup

Before you delete Instagram account profiles:

1. Open Instagram app
2. Go to your profile
3. Tap your username at the top
4. Select account you want to remove
5. Tap “Log out [username]”
6. Repeat for other accounts
7. Use browser to permanently delete

Business vs Personal Accounts

The deletion process is identical whether you delete Instagram account types for:

• Personal profiles
• Business accounts
• Creator accounts
• Professional accounts

All follow the same steps with 30-day deletion period.

What to Do After You Delete Instagram Account

Once you’ve successfully learned how to delete Instagram account settings and completed the process, take these additional steps:

Disconnect Connected Apps

Many apps link to Instagram for login. After you delete Instagram account access:

1. Review apps using Instagram login
2. Change login methods to email/password
3. Disconnect Instagram from:
   • Spotify
   • Dating apps (Tinder, Bumble)
   • Shopping apps
   • Gaming platforms
4. Update third-party app permissions

Notify Important Contacts

Let people know you’ve decided to delete Instagram account information:

• Share alternative contact methods
• Provide other social media handles
• Give email or phone numbers
• Explain your absence won’t affect friendships

Consider Meta Account Implications

Instagram is part of Meta (formerly Facebook). When you delete Instagram account data:

• Your Facebook remains unaffected
• Messenger continues working
• WhatsApp stays active
• Oculus/VR accounts unchanged

However, Meta’s Accounts Center may need updating:

1. Go to Accounts Center in Facebook
2. Remove disconnected Instagram profile
3. Update login methods
4. Adjust privacy settings

Protect Your Digital Footprint

After you delete Instagram account content:

• Screenshots of your posts may still exist
• Tagged photos on others’ profiles remain
• Shared content in DMs stays visible
• Comments on public posts might persist

Request friends to remove tagged photos or mentions if needed.

Common Mistakes When Trying to Delete Instagram Account

Avoid these errors that prevent successful how to delete Instagram account attempts:

Using the Mobile App

The Instagram app doesn’t have a deletion option. You must:

• Use a web browser on desktop or mobile
• Request desktop site on mobile browsers
• Navigate to the specific deletion URL

Deactivating Instead of Deleting

Many users accidentally deactivate when they meant to permanently delete Instagram account profiles. Remember:

• Deactivation is temporary and reversible
• Deletion is permanent after 30 days
• Different menu paths for each option

Not Backing Up Data First

Once you delete Instagram account information, recovery is impossible:

• Download your data before deletion
• Save photos and videos externally
• Export important messages
• Backup business information

Forgetting Connected Services

Before you delete Instagram account access:

• Check which apps use Instagram login
• Update payment information on shopping apps
• Switch to email login on connected services
• Remove Instagram from third-party integrations

Ignoring the 30-Day Window

Understanding the grace period when you delete Instagram account data:

• Logging in cancels deletion
• Period starts immediately after deletion request
• Account reactivates if accessed
• Set calendar reminder to avoid accidental login

Alternatives to Deleting Instagram Account

Not ready to permanently delete Instagram account profiles? Consider these options:

Take a Temporary Break

Deactivate instead of delete:

• Hide your profile temporarily
• Take a week, month, or year off
• Return when you’re ready
• All content remains saved

Limit Your Usage

Use Instagram’s built-in tools:

• Set daily time limits
• Enable “Take a Break” reminders
• Mute notifications
• Schedule “Quiet Mode”
• Unfollow accounts that cause stress

Make Your Account Private

Protect your privacy without deletion:

• Switch to private account
• Approve followers manually
• Remove unwanted followers
• Control who sees your content
• Limit comment access

Curate Your Feed Carefully

Improve your experience:

• Unfollow negative accounts
• Follow inspiring, positive content
• Use “Not Interested” feature
• Mute accounts temporarily
• Create Close Friends lists

Start Fresh with New Account

Instead of learning how to delete Instagram account settings:

• Create a new profile
• Use a different email
• Choose new username
• Keep old account deactivated
• Transfer followers gradually

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Delete Instagram Account

Can I delete Instagram account without password?

No, Instagram requires password verification to delete Instagram account profiles. You must reset your password first through email or phone recovery before proceeding with deletion.

How long does it take to delete Instagram account?

When you delete Instagram account data, it enters a 30-day grace period. After 30 days without logging in, Instagram permanently removes all your information. The actual deletion is immediate after this period.

Will my messages be deleted too?

Yes, all your sent messages disappear from your inbox when you delete Instagram account settings. However, recipients may still see messages you sent them unless they also delete the conversation.

Can I use my username again after deletion?

After the 30-day period when you delete Instagram account information, your username becomes available. Anyone, including you with a new account, can claim it. If you want to keep your username, consider deactivation instead.

What if I change my mind during the 30 days?

Simply log back into your account within 30 days. This cancels the deletion request and reactivates your profile. All your content returns immediately. After 30 days, recovery becomes impossible when you delete Instagram account data.

Will deleting Instagram delete my Facebook?

No, these are separate accounts. When you delete Instagram account profiles, your Facebook remains active. However, if you use Accounts Center, you’ll need to disconnect the accounts.

Can someone else delete my account?

No, only you can delete Instagram account information using your password. If someone else has access to your login credentials, change your password immediately and enable two-factor authentication.

Does Instagram really delete all my data?

Instagram states they permanently remove your data after 30 days when you delete Instagram account settings. However, they may retain some information for legal compliance and backup purposes for up to 90 days.

Conclusion: Making the Right Decision

Learning how to delete Instagram account permanently is a significant decision in today’s digital age. Whether you’re concerned about privacy, mental health, time management, or simply ready for a change, you now have all the information needed to make an informed choice.

Remember the key points:

• Understand the difference between deactivation and permanent deletion
• Back up your data before you delete Instagram account content
• Use a desktop browser or mobile browser in desktop mode
• Complete the process carefully to avoid mistakes
• Remember the 30-day grace period for changing your mind

If you’re absolutely certain about your decision, follow the step-by-step instructions provided in this guide. The process to delete Instagram account profiles takes just a few minutes but has permanent consequences after 30 days.

Consider starting with temporary deactivation if you’re unsure. This gives you breathing room to evaluate how life feels without Instagram while keeping the option to return.

Whatever you decide, prioritize your wellbeing, privacy, and personal goals. Social media should enhance your life, not control it. You now have the knowledge and tools to take control of your digital presence.

Ready to proceed? Visit instagram.com/accounts/remove/request/permanent/ on a desktop browser and follow the steps outlined in this guide. Your digital detox journey starts now.

Did this guide help you learn how to delete Instagram account settings? Share your experience and reasons for leaving the platform in the comments below. Your story might help others make their decision.