How to delete your Instagram account, step by step

Introduction

Are you thinking about deleting your Instagram account? In this article we explain step by step how to permanently delete your Instagram account or temporarily deactivate it.

Permanently deleting vs. temporarily deactivating

Permanently deleting

• Your account, photos, videos, comments and followers are deleted for good
• Your account can no longer be restored
• Your username is no longer available

Temporarily deactivating

• Your profile is hidden
• All your data is kept
• You can reactivate at any time by logging in

Download your data

1. Open Instagram in your browser
2. Go to your profile > Settings
3. Click Download your information
4. Enter your email address
5. Click Request download

You'll receive an email with a download link within 48 hours.

Permanently deleting your account

Note: This can only be done through a web browser, not through the app.

1. Open your web browser and go to www.instagram.com
2. Log in to your account
3. Go to www.instagram.com/accounts/remove/request/permanent/
4. Select a reason why you want to delete it
5. Enter your password
6. Click Permanently delete account

After you confirm, you have a 30-day grace period.

Temporarily deactivating your account

1. Open www.instagram.com in your browser
2. Log in and go to your profile
3. Click Edit profile
4. Scroll down and click Temporarily deactivate my account
5. Select a reason and enter your password
6. Click Temporarily deactivate account

What happens to your content?

When you permanently delete

• Photos and videos are permanently deleted
• Comments and likes disappear
• Direct Messages remain visible to recipients as 'Instagram User'
• You are removed from tags on other people's photos

When you temporarily deactivate

All your content is kept and becomes visible again when you log in.

Frequently asked questions

Can I delete my account through the app?

No, this has to be done through a web browser. It isn't possible through the Instagram app.

How long does it take before my account is fully deleted?

After the 30-day grace period the deletion process begins, which can take another 90 days.

Can I reuse my username later?

When you permanently delete your account, your username is released, but someone else can claim it.

Are my messages to others deleted too?

No, messages you have sent remain visible to the recipient as 'Instagram User'.