How to Delete Instagram Account? Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Thinking about quitting Instagram? Whether you want to take a break from social media, protect your privacy, or simply start fresh, delete Instagram account can help you regain control of your online presence.
But with so many options—temporary deactivation, permanent deletion, and removal from specific devices—it can get confusing to know where to begin.
This complete guide explains how to delete your Instagram account permanently or temporarily using iPhone, Android, and web browsers. You’ll also learn how to back up your data, what happens after deletion, and privacy tips for cleaning up your digital footprint.
Why Delete Your Instagram Account?
Instagram is one of the most influential platforms in the world—but it’s not for everyone. Many users decide to leave for one or more of these reasons:
- Privacy concerns: Meta’s data sharing policies may not align with your comfort level.
- Digital detox: Reduce distractions, anxiety, or social comparison.
- Professional reasons: Simplify your online presence or focus on LinkedIn, YouTube, or other platforms.
- Multiple accounts: Delete inactive or duplicate profiles.
Whatever your reason, it’s essential to choose the right method—temporary deactivation or permanent deletion.
Temporary Deactivation vs. Permanent Deletion
Before you delete your Instagram account, understand the key difference between these two options.
Temporary Deactivation
When you temporarily disable your account, Instagram hides your profile, photos, and comments until you log in again.
✅ You can come back anytime and restore your data.
Permanent Deletion
When you permanently delete your Instagram, everything is gone—photos, messages, followers, and likes.
❌ Once deleted, it cannot be recovered.
👉 If you just want a short break, check this guide: [Link: How to Delete Instagram Account Temporarily]
Things to Do Before Deleting Your Instagram Account
Once your account is deleted, there’s no going back. Make sure to prepare before you take the final step.
- Download your data
Instagram lets you download all your photos, videos, and messages. Go to Settings → Privacy and Security → Data Download and request a file. - Inform your followers
If your Instagram is for business or networking, let people know you’re leaving or moving to another platform. - Review connected apps
Disconnect any third-party tools that use your Instagram login—especially analytics or scheduling tools. - Save your work
Back up creative projects, captions, or DMs that you might want later.
How to Delete Instagram Account on iPhone?
If you’re an iPhone user, Instagram provides an in-app way to delete your account.
Steps:
- Open the Instagram app on your iPhone.
- Go to your profile (bottom-right icon).
- Tap the menu (☰) in the top-right corner.
- Select Settings and Privacy.
- Tap Accounts Center → Personal Details → Account Ownership and Control.
- Choose Deactivation or Deletion.
- Select the account you want to remove.
- Tap Delete Account and confirm.
Once you confirm, your account enters a 30-day grace period. You can cancel deletion by logging in again within those 30 days.
👉 Related: [Link: How to Delete Instagram Account on iPhone]
How to Delete Instagram Account on Android?
Deleting your Instagram account on Android is almost the same as on iPhone, with slight menu differences.
Steps:
- Open the Instagram app.
- Tap your profile picture in the bottom-right.
- Open the menu (☰) and go to Settings and Privacy.
- Tap Accounts Center → Personal Details → Account Ownership and Control.
- Select Deactivation or Deletion.
- Choose your account and tap Delete Account.
- Confirm to finalize.
👉 Related: [Link: How to Delete Instagram Account on Android]
How to Delete Instagram Account Using a Web Browser?
If you prefer using a desktop or laptop, follow these steps.
- Visit the official Instagram deletion page:
https://www.instagram.com/accounts/remove/request/permanent/ - Log in if prompted.
- Select a reason for deletion.
- Re-enter your password.
- Click Delete [username] to confirm.
Instagram will schedule deletion after 30 days. During that time, you can log back in to cancel.
👉 Related: [Link: How to Delete Instagram Account from Web Browser]
How to Delete Instagram Account Without Password?
Forgot your password? You can still delete your account by resetting it.
- Go to the Instagram Password Reset page.
- Enter your email, phone number, or username.
- Tap Send Login Link.
- Use the link to reset your password.
- Then follow the regular deletion steps.
👉 Also read: [Link: How to Delete Instagram Account Without Password]
How Long Does It Take to Delete an Instagram Account?
After confirming deletion, Instagram gives you a 30-day grace period. During this time, your account is invisible, but still recoverable if you log in again.
After those 30 days, your account and data are permanently deleted. Complete data removal from Meta’s servers may take up to 90 days.
What Happens When You Delete Your Instagram Account?
Here’s what to expect once your deletion request is processed:
- All photos, reels, and videos are permanently erased.
- Your followers and messages are deleted.
- Your username may become available for others.
- Linked apps and websites lose access.
- You cannot reactivate your account later.
👉 Related: [Link: What Happens When You Delete Instagram Account]
Alternatives to Deleting Instagram
If you’re unsure about deleting your account permanently, try one of these options instead:
- Temporarily deactivate your account to take a break.
- Delete specific content — like posts, comments, or reels.
(See: [Link: How to Delete Instagram Posts]) - Clear your search history or cache to improve privacy.
These methods let you control your data without losing everything.
Privacy Tips After Deleting Instagram
Even after deletion, managing your digital privacy is important. Follow these tips:
- Review and remove connected Meta accounts (like Facebook or Threads).
- Clear Instagram’s cached data from your device.
(Guide: [Link: How to Delete Instagram Cache]) - Use privacy-focused browsers such as Brave or Firefox.
- Periodically delete cookies and browsing history.
(See: [Link: How to Delete Internet History])
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I recover my Instagram account after deletion?
No. Once the 30-day period passes, your account and data are gone permanently.
Can I delete Instagram without logging in?
No. You must log in to verify ownership before deletion.
Does uninstalling the app delete my account?
No. Deleting the app only removes it from your device—it does not delete your profile.
👉 Related: [Link: How to Delete Instagram App]
Can I use my email or phone number again later?
Yes, once deletion is complete, you can reuse the same details to create a new account.
How can I delete multiple Instagram accounts?
You’ll need to delete each account separately via the Accounts Center.
👉 Related: [Link: How to Delete Instagram Accounts]
Conclusion
Deleting your Instagram account is straightforward, but it’s also a permanent choice. Whether you want to leave for privacy reasons, mental health, or just a social media detox, make sure to back up your data and review all connected apps first.
Remember, you can always temporarily deactivate your account if you only need a break. But if you’re sure about starting fresh, follow the steps above to delete your Instagram account permanently.
