How to Delete Your Instagram Account - step by step process guide
Photo by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash

How to Delete Your Instagram Account

5 steps 15 min Beginner

Instagram has two options: temporary deactivation (hides account, reversible) or permanent deletion (gone after 30 days). Deletion can only be done on the website, not the app.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

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Step 1: Download your data first

Once deleted, photos and DMs are gone. Request data download before. Takes a few hours.

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Settings → Privacy and security → Download your data

Email request, file delivered in 24-48 hours.

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Step 2: Decide: temporary or permanent

Deactivation hides account temporarily — reactivate by logging back in. Deletion is permanent after 30 days.

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Deactivate (reversible)

Account hidden. Login at any time to restore.

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Delete (permanent after 30 days)

30-day grace period. After that, unrecoverable.

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Step 3: Delete via web browser (not app)

Instagram doesn't allow deletion in the app. Open instagram.com on a browser, log in.

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Visit instagram.com/accounts/remove/request/permanent

Direct deletion URL. Logged-in users only.

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Step 4: Pick reason + enter password

Instagram asks why you're leaving. Pick any reason. Enter password to confirm.

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Pick any reason from dropdown

Doesn't matter. Just confirms intent.

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Enter password to confirm

Final security step.

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Step 5: Wait 30 days (do nothing)

Account in 'deleting' state. Don't log in — logging in cancels deletion. After 30 days: gone forever.

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Don't log in during 30-day window

Logins reactivate. Just wait.

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Uninstall app to remove temptation

Reduces accidental logins.

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