How to delete an Instagram account: 
Don’t want to stay connected to Instagram anymore? Many users are choosing to step away from social media for privacy reasons, digital detox, or to reduce distractions. This complete guide explains how to delete your Instagram account permanently or deactivate it temporarily — so you can take control of your digital life.
If you no longer want to use your Instagram account, deletion is the best option. Before doing so, ensure that you back up your data, such as videos and photos, as you will lose everything after deleting the account. You’ll be able to delete or deactivate your IG account via IG’s official request page on a desktop browser or handset.
On this page, we will tell you how to delete your Instagram account permanently or deactivate it to stay away from social media for a while. Here is a step-by-step guide to deleting Instagram using an iPhone, a computer, an iPad, and an Android device.
How to Delete Instagram Using Your Phone (iPhone or Android)
To permanently delete your Instagram account, log in and submit a request via your privacy settings. Instagram provides a 30-day deletion period, during which your profile won’t be visible. If you log back in before that date, the deletion request will be canceled automatically.
After you request deletion, Instagram will notify you of the scheduled removal date, set for 30 days later. If you do not sign in during the given period, your Instagram account will be temporarily deactivated and eventually deleted permanently.
Well, whether you’re deleting your old Instagram account, eliminating the amount of information you share on your account, or quitting the number of social media apps you have available, deactivating or deleting your IG account is a straightforward process.
Follow these simple steps to delete Instagram from your mobile app:
1: To begin, open your Instagram app on your phone.
2: Open your Account Profile, then click on ‘Menu’, and then Open, “Settings and Privacy”.
3: Next, tap on “Accounts Centre”, and then open “Personal Details”.
4: Now Open, the “Account Ownership and Control option”, and tap “Deactivation/Deletion”.
5: Pick the Instagram account you want to remove, tap – “Delete Account” and click ‘Continue’.
6: Re-enter your IG account password, and tell why you’re leaving. Lastly, click on ‘Continue’. Your IG account will now be placed for deletion in 30 days. Register again to verify you want to delete your Instagram account permanently.
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How to deactivate Instagram on an Android device or iOS?
If you just want to take a break from Instagram, you can deactivate your account temporarily. When you deactivate, your profile and content are hidden — but nothing is deleted.
Here are a few steps to follow if you want to learn how to deactivate your Instagram account on mobile:
1 Start by opening your Account Profile. Click on the “Menu” option, then tap “Settings and Privacy”.
2 Tap ‘Accounts Centre’; Open the ‘Personal Details’ option; Click on ‘Account Ownership and Control’.
3 Choose Deactivation or Deletion. Then, click on the account you wish to delete.
4 Select ‘Deactivate Account’ and continue. Re-enter your account password, and mention the reason for deactivating your IG account. Your IG account will now be deactivated.
How to Delete Instagram on a PC or Mac
You can delete your Instagram account using a web browser in two ways: through a direct link or by going to Settings.
Option 1: Delete Instagram via Direct Link
1. Sign in to Instagram and visit the account deletion request page.
2. Select a reason for deleting your account.
Click Delete to confirm.
Option 2: Delete Instagram via Settings
1.Log in to Instagram on your computer.
2. Go to More > Settings > Accounts Center.
3. Select Personal details > Account ownership and control > Deactivation or deletion.
4. Choose the account, click Delete account > Continue, and re-enter your password.
5. Select your reason and confirm deletion.
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How to Deactivate an Instagram Account on a Computer
1 Log in to the Instagram account you want to delete
2 Open ‘More’; Tap ‘Settings’; Click on ‘Accounts Centre’
3 Tap ‘Personal Details’; then click ‘Account Ownership & Control’
4 Tap ‘Deactivation or Deletion’
5 Choose your account, then click on the button next to ‘Delete Account’, and then ‘Continue’.
6 Enter your account password. Select a reason why you’re leaving your IG account.
7 Finally, click on ‘Continue’; then click ‘Delete Account’.
Should You Deactivate or Delete Instagram?
If you’re not sure whether to take a permanent or temporary break, here’s a simple difference:
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Delete your Instagram account if you’re done with the platform for good — your photos, followers, and comments will be permanently erased.
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Deactivate Instagram if you plan to return later — your data will be safely stored and hidden until you log back in.
Deleting is irreversible, while deactivation lets you return anytime.
How to deactivate your IG Account on your PC?
The IG account deactivation process on a PC follows similar steps to the phone app. Instead, do it through a web browser.
Here are a few steps to log in and deactivate your account on your PC:
1 Log into your Instagram account.
2 Open, “More”; Go to Settings; visit Accounts Centre; Tap personal details
3 Once you follow the step above, you will be redirected to the ownership and control option.
4 Tap ‘Deactivation or Deletion’ and select your Instagram account to deactivate.
5 Choose ‘Deactivate Account’; tap ‘Continue’
6 Next, re-enter your account password to confirm
7 Select a reason to deactivate your IG account
8 Press ‘Continue,’ then confirm by selecting ‘Deactivate Account.’
Download Instagram Data (Photos & Videos) – Simple Step-by-Step Guide
If you want to download your Instagram data, the platform makes it easy. You can quickly get all your Instagram photos, videos, and account details in one file. This helps you keep a backup of your Instagram content safely in your email.
How to Download Instagram Data on Mobile
1 Open Instagram on your smartphone
2 Open the profile page
3 Tap the “Three-line option” given on the right upper side to open a menu
4 Tap the “Your Activity” option
5 Scroll down and press on the “Download Your Information” option
6 Next, you will be asked to offer an email ID you haven’t already associated with one
7 Tap the “Request Download” button
8 Lastly, re-enter your IG account password and follow the guidelines to download the data.
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How to Download Instagram Data on Desktop
1. Open Instagram.com in your browser.
2. Click your profile icon → Settings.
3. Go to Privacy & Security.
4. Scroll to Data Download.
5. Click Request Download.
6. Enter your email ID and choose the format – JSON or HTML.
7. Enter your password and confirm to get your Instagram data file.
Deleting an Instagram Account Vs Deactivating an Instagram Account: Major Difference
There is a significant difference between deleting an IG account and simply deactivating it. Once your Instagram account is deleted, it means the account is gone forever.
Deactivating Instagram is like disabling it – simply put, your friends won’t be able to see it, and it will be removed from search results entirely. In deactivation, it is easy to reactivate the account at any time, and no data will be lost.
Let’s break out the differences between deleting and deactivating Instagram. Doing so will help you make an informed decision:
| Deactivating an Instagram Account
|
Deleting an Instagram Account |
| Temporarily disable: your IG account is not viewable by your followers or anyone else who might search for you.
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Permanently gone: Your IG account will be deleted permanently, along with all of its information and data. |
| Recoverable: One can reactivate their IG account at any time when they sign in.
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Irreversible: your IG account and data, such as pictures, followers, likes, videos, etc, can’t be recovered once deleted.
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| Data protection: your pictures, followers, videos, likes, videos, and profiles are all protected
|
Should I delete the Instagram account or deactivate it?
If you want to cut down from the platform for a good reason, deleting your IG account is a good choice. But, if you’re not sure if you want to take a break forever, deactivate your IG account for 30 days. Make sure that deleting your account is permanent, as explained above. In that case, your profile followers, photos, videos, likes, and comments will vanish forever.
When you deactivate your Instagram account, it’s only temporary, and you have the option to reactivate it whenever you want to start using the platform again. The decision to delete or deactivate an IG account depends on your goals and individual circumstances for media use.
Perhaps you want more privacy, a digital detox, or fewer unwanted distractions, or perhaps you’re concerned about children’s safety, user-data protection, the risk of scams, mental health, or social media hackers. If you need a brief pause from Instagram, deactivating your account will hide it until you’re ready to return.
How to Reactivate an Instagram Account?
How to Reactivate Your Instagram Account
To reactivate your Instagram account, just log in again using your username and password. You’ll regain full access instantly, and your profile will be visible again. If Instagram updates its terms, you may need to accept them before continuing.
Conclusion | How to delete an Instagram account
I hope you learn now the solutions on how to delete your Instagram account permanently or disable it temporarily. Deleting Instagram can be done from a phone or computer. After you delete your account, all your information will be permanently removed and cannot be recovered.
However, you can choose to deactivate, and there are two methods for that as well. Deactivating your Instagram account will keep your pictures, photos, and other data safe, and you can easily reactivate it by signing in. Also, it would be a good option to back up and restore your Instagram data before deleting it. Doing so will have a backup of all your information in case you change your mind or want to join the platform in the future.
FAQs
1. Why can’t I delete my Instagram account?
You must log in and request deletion yourself; Instagram can’t do it for you.
2. How long does it take to delete an account?
It stays deactivated for 30 days before permanent deletion.
3. How can I back up my data?
Go to Your Activity > Download Your Information > Request a Download to get your photos, videos, and stories.
4. Will followers know if I delete my account?
No. Once deleted or deactivated, your profile becomes invisible.
5. Can I delete without a password or login?
No. You must log in with your password or reset it using “Forgot Password”.
