Want to permanently delete your Instagram account? This guide shows you how to delete it completely, including the difference between deleting and deactivating.
Important: Delete vs Deactivate
Before proceeding, understand the difference:
Deactivate (Temporary):
- Your profile is hidden
- Can reactivate anytime by logging back in
- Photos, comments, and likes are saved
- Reversible
Delete (Permanent):
- Account is gone forever
- Cannot be recovered
- All photos, videos, comments, likes deleted
- Username becomes available to others
- Irreversible after 30 days
Example: If you’re taking a break, choose deactivate. If you’re leaving Instagram forever, choose delete.
What Happens When You Delete?
Once you delete your account:
- Your profile, photos, videos, and comments disappear
- Your followers lose access to your content
- Direct messages you sent remain visible to recipients
- You cannot create new account with same username for 30 days
- After 30 days, everything is permanently erased
Example: If your username was @john_kamau, it becomes available to others after 30 days.
What You Need
Before deleting:
- Instagram login credentials (username/email and password)
- Web browser (cannot delete from mobile app)
- Option to download your data first
- 5-10 minutes
Example: You can delete from phone browser or computer - just not the Instagram app.
Step 1: Download Your Data (Optional but Recommended)
Before deleting, save your photos and videos.
Download Your Instagram Data:
- Open Instagram app or website
- Go to your profile
- Tap Settings (gear icon)
- Tap Security
- Tap Download Data
- Enter your email address
- Tap Request Download
- Wait for email (can take 48 hours)
- Download the ZIP file from email
Example: The ZIP file contains all your photos, videos, comments, and profile information.
Step 2: Open Instagram Deletion Page
You cannot delete account from the app. Use a browser.
On Phone:
- Open Chrome, Safari, or any browser
- Go to:
www.instagram.com/accounts/remove/request/permanent/
On Computer:
- Open any browser
- Go to:
www.instagram.com/accounts/remove/request/permanent/
Important: This is the direct deletion link. Save it if needed.
Example: The URL must say “remove/request/permanent” - this is the deletion page, not deactivation.
Step 3: Log In to Your Account
If not already logged in:
- Enter your username or email
- Enter your password
- Click Log In
Example: Username: john_kamau or Email: john@gmail.com
Step 4: Select Reason for Deleting
Instagram asks why you’re leaving:
Dropdown Options:
- Too busy / Too distracting
- Can’t find people to follow
- Created second account
- Privacy concerns
- Want to remove something
- Trouble getting started
- Something else
Select any reason from dropdown.
Example: Choose “Privacy concerns” if that’s your reason. Instagram doesn’t prevent deletion based on reason.
Step 5: Re-enter Your Password
For security, confirm it’s really you:
- In the password field, type your Instagram password again
- Make sure it’s correct
Example: If your password is SecurePass123, type it exactly.
Step 6: Click “Permanently Delete My Account”
Final step:
- Click the red button: Permanently delete my account
- Confirm if prompted again
Warning: After clicking, your account enters a 30-day grace period. After 30 days, it’s permanently deleted.
Example: If you delete on January 1st, you have until January 31st to cancel and recover your account.
Step 7: Confirmation
After deletion:
- You’re logged out immediately
- Account is deactivated during 30-day period
- Others cannot see your profile
- You receive confirmation email
Example: Email: “We received your request to delete your Instagram account. You have 30 days to cancel this request.”
How to Cancel Deletion (Within 30 Days)
Changed your mind? You can cancel:
To Cancel:
- Log into Instagram (app or website)
- Enter your username and password
- Click Cancel Deletion
Your account is restored with all content intact.
Example: If you deleted on January 1st and log in on January 15th, you can cancel deletion and keep your account.
Alternative: Deactivate Instead of Delete
If you might come back, deactivate temporarily:
To Deactivate:
- Log into Instagram on browser (not app)
- Go to your profile
- Click Edit Profile
- Scroll down
- Click Temporarily disable my account
- Select reason
- Enter password
- Click Temporarily Disable Account
To Reactivate: Simply log in again - everything returns.
Example: Many people deactivate for social media breaks during exams or holidays, then reactivate later.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem: “Delete Account” button not showing Solution: You must use web browser, not the Instagram app. Go to the direct deletion URL.
Problem: Forgot password Solution: Click “Forgot Password” on login page. Reset via email or phone number before deleting.
Problem: Can’t access email to download data Solution: Update email first: Settings → Account → Email → Change email. Then request data download.
Problem: Account still visible after deletion Solution: Instagram caches take 24-48 hours to clear. Your account is deleted but may temporarily appear in searches.
Problem: Want to delete but keep username Solution: Not possible. After 30 days, username becomes available to anyone. Consider deactivating instead.
Important Tips
- Think carefully - deletion is permanent after 30 days
- Download your data first - you’ll lose all photos/videos
- You can cancel within 30 days by logging in
- Cannot create new account with same username immediately
- Backup important photos to Google Photos or iCloud first
- Your messages to others remain visible to them
- Tagged photos of you on others’ posts remain visible
- If hacked, secure account first before deleting
- Consider deactivating as a trial before permanent deletion
What Happens to Your Content?
Your Posts:
- Deleted permanently after 30 days
- No longer visible to anyone
Your Comments:
- Deleted from posts
Your Likes:
- Removed from posts you liked
Your Direct Messages:
- Remain visible to recipients
- They keep their copy of conversations
Tags:
- Photos others tagged you in remain on their accounts
- But your profile link disappears
Example: If you commented “Nice photo!” on a friend’s post, that comment disappears after deletion.
Privacy Note
Instagram (owned by Facebook/Meta) keeps some data:
Retained Information:
- IP addresses (for legal compliance)
- Transaction records (if you made purchases)
- Data shared with law enforcement (if applicable)
Most personal content is deleted, but business records may remain.
Before You Delete: Alternatives
Consider these options:
Option 1: Take a Break
- Deactivate temporarily
- Delete app from phone
- Come back when ready
Option 2: Private Account
- Make account private
- Remove followers you don’t want
- Post less frequently
Option 3: Unfollow People
- Unfollow accounts that stress you
- Follow only close friends
- Turn off notifications
Option 4: New Account
- Create fresh private account
- Only add close friends
- Keep old account deactivated
Example: Many users find making their account private and unfollowing toxic accounts solves their concerns without deletion.
After Deletion: What’s Next?
If you deleted due to social media stress:
Alternatives:
- Focus on real-life connections
- Join hobby groups or classes
- Read books instead of scrolling
- Try other platforms with less pressure
- Use time for exercise or learning
Example: Use the 1-2 hours you spent daily on Instagram for a new skill like coding, art, or fitness.
Deleting Other Meta Accounts
If leaving Meta ecosystem:
Facebook:
- Go to Settings → Your Facebook Information → Deactivation and Deletion
WhatsApp:
- Settings → Account → Delete My Account
Messenger:
- Tied to Facebook - delete Facebook account
Contact Information
Instagram Help Center:
- Visit: help.instagram.com
- Report problem: In-app → Settings → Help → Report a Problem
Before Deletion:
- No customer support for deletion decisions
- Process is automated
- Cannot contact Instagram to reverse after 30 days
If Hacked:
- Visit: instagram.com/hacked
- Secure account before considering deletion
Reactivation After Deletion
Within 30 days:
- Log in with username and password
- Click “Cancel Deletion”
- Everything restored
After 30 days:
- Cannot recover
- Account permanently deleted
- Must create new account
- Start from zero followers
Example: On day 31, your account is gone forever. No exceptions.
Creating New Account After Deletion
If you delete and want to return:
Timeline:
- Wait 30 days for deletion to complete
- Old username becomes available
- Can create new account anytime
- Will start with 0 followers
Cannot:
- Recover old photos or followers
- Use same username until it’s released
- Restore messages or comments
Example: If you deleted @john_kamau, you can create @john_kamau_2 immediately, but must wait 30+ days to reclaim @john_kamau.
For Businesses and Creators
If you have business account:
Before Deleting:
- Export customer contacts
- Save insights/analytics manually
- Download all content
- Notify followers on other platforms
- Update website/business cards
Alternative:
- Convert to personal account
- Delete business info but keep account
- Use account just for customers
Example: If you run online shop, notify customers via email about alternative contact methods before deleting Instagram.
Mental Health Considerations
Many delete Instagram for wellbeing:
Benefits of Leaving:
- Less comparison to others
- More time for real life
- Better sleep (less late-night scrolling)
- Improved focus
- Reduced anxiety
Example: Studies show social media breaks improve mood and productivity.
If social media affects your mental health negatively, deletion is a valid choice.
Final Checklist Before Deleting
- Downloaded all photos and videos
- Saved important messages
- Notified close friends
- Tried deactivating first
- Certain you won’t regret it
- Understand it’s permanent after 30 days
- Have backup contacts for people you follow
- Removed payment methods (if any)
- Checked for linked accounts
Only proceed if you checked all items and are sure about deletion.
Remember: You have 30 days to change your mind. If you’re uncertain, try deactivating first to see how you feel without Instagram!