How to Delete Your Instagram Account

Introduction

Deleting your Instagram account permanently removes your profile, photos, comments, and followers. Unlike temporary disabling (which hides your account), deletion is irreversible once the grace period passes. This guide covers everything you need to know to delete or disable your account and retain any data you wish to keep.

Deactivation vs. Deletion

Deactivating temporarily hides your profile, photos, and comments — reactivate anytime by logging in. Deleting schedules permanent removal of all your data after 30 days. Choose deactivation if you may return, or deletion for complete account removal.

Backup Your Data

Before deleting, download a copy of your Instagram data:

1. Go to your profile and tap the menu (), then Settings.
2. Tap Security > Download Data.
3. Enter the email address where you want to receive a link.
4. Tap Request Download, enter your password, and confirm.
5. Check your email for a link to download your information (up to 48 hours).

Deleting Your Account on Desktop

1. Visit the Delete Your Account page (must be logged in).
2. Select a reason from the dropdown menu for why you're deleting your account.
3. Re-enter your password when prompted.
4. Click Permanently delete my account.
5. Once confirmed, your account enters a 30-day grace period before permanent removal.

Deleting Your Account on Mobile

1. Open the Instagram app, go to your profile, and tap the menu ().
2. Tap Settings > Account > Delete Account.
3. Select Delete Account, then tap Delete Your Account.
4. Choose a reason, enter your password, and tap Delete.

Post-Deletion Timeline

After initiating deletion, Instagram delays permanent removal for 30 days. During this period your account is hidden but can be restored by logging in. After 30 days, your data is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.

Canceling Account Deletion

Within 30 days, you can cancel deletion:

1. Log back into Instagram using your credentials.
2. Tap Keep Account on the confirmation prompt.
3. Your account and data will be fully restored.

Common Pitfalls & Troubleshooting

• Deleting the app does not delete your account—use the web or app settings.
• Ensure you backup data before deletion—afterward it's inaccessible.
• If you use Facebook Login for Instagram, you'll lose access after deletion.
• Shared content on other platforms (hashtags, embeds) remains unless removed manually.

FAQs & Troubleshooting

Detailed answers to common concerns:

• Does deleting Instagram remove saved messages and chats?
  A: Yes. All direct messages, group chats, and message requests are permanently deleted along with your account.
• What happens to tagged photos and mentions?
  A: Your username is unlinked from any posts you were tagged in; the photos remain but no longer link to your profile.
• Can I recover my username after deletion?
  A: Usernames on Instagram are permanently reserved for 30 days after deletion. After that window, they may become available to others.
• Why can't I find the delete option on mobile?
  A: Mobile deletion must be done through the in-app settings under Account > Delete Account; if not visible, update your app or use a mobile browser to access the delete page directly.
• I used Facebook Login—will deleting Instagram log me out of Facebook?
  A: No. Deleting your Instagram account does not affect your Facebook account, even if they were linked for login.
• Will my business account analytics persist?
  A: No. All insights, analytics history, and advertising data tied to the account are removed permanently.
• Why is my account still visible after deletion?
  A: Instagram servers process deletion after 30 days. During this time, the account is deactivated but not fully purged; it should disappear completely after the grace period.
• How do I ensure third-party apps lose access?
  A: Before deletion, review and revoke permissions for apps under Settings > Security > Apps and Websites to prevent lingering data access.