Instagram gives you two separate paths: deactivate temporarily or delete permanently
Deleting an Instagram account is permanent and irreversible. Once you confirm deletion, Instagram removes your profile, photos, comments, and likes within 30 days. After that window closes, the account cannot be recovered. If you want to step away but might return, deactivation hides your account for up to 30 days while keeping everything intact—you can reactivate by logging back in.
The deletion process itself takes about two minutes on a phone or computer. You'll need your password and access to the email or phone number tied to your account. Instagram will ask you to confirm your choice twice before the deletion becomes final.
Key Takeaways
- Permanent deletion cannot be undone after 30 days, so read your photos first if you want to keep them.
- You must use Instagram's official deletion tool on their website or app—there is no other way to delete an account.
- Deactivation is reversible and hides your account for up to 30 days; deletion is permanent after 30 days.
- If you forget your password, you can reset it using your email or phone number before starting the deletion process.
How to delete your account on a computer
Go to instagram.com and log in if you are not already signed in. Click your profile icon in the bottom left corner, then select Settings. On the left side menu, click Help, then scroll down and click Delete Account.
Instagram will show you a page explaining that deletion is permanent. Read through the options: you can choose a reason for leaving from a dropdown menu (this is optional but helps Instagram understand user feedback). Enter your password to confirm your identity. Click the red Permanently Delete Account button at the bottom.
A final confirmation screen will appear. Instagram will remind you that all your data will be gone. Click Delete [Your Username] to finish. Your account will begin the 30-day deletion process when ready.
How to delete your account on iPhone or Android
Open the Instagram app and tap your profile icon at the bottom right. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings and Privacy, then tap Help. Tap Delete Account.
The same confirmation screens will appear as on a computer. Select a reason if you want to, enter your password, and tap the red delete button. Confirm one more time, and the deletion process starts. You can close the app after confirmation—you do not need to stay logged in.
What happens during the 30-day deletion window
For the first 30 days after you request deletion, your account is hidden but not yet erased. Your username becomes available for someone else to claim. Your photos, comments, and messages are not visible to other users. However, Instagram is still processing the deletion in the background.
If you change your mind during these 30 days, log back into your account with your username and password. Your account will reactivate when ready, and all your content will return. After 30 days pass, reactivation is no longer possible—the data is permanently removed from Instagram's servers.
read your photos and data before deletion
Instagram lets you read a copy of your photos, videos, and other account information before deletion. On a computer, go to Settings, click read Your Information, and follow the prompts. Instagram will email you a file containing your photos and metadata within a few days.
On a phone, tap the menu icon, go to Settings and Privacy, tap Account, then tap read Your Information. You will receive an email with a link to read your data. This step is not required to delete your account, but it is the only way to keep copies of your content after deletion.
If you forgot your password before deleting
You cannot delete an account without entering the correct password. If you do not remember it, go to the Instagram login page and click Forgot Password? Enter your username or the email address or phone number tied to your account. Instagram will send you a reset link via email or text message.
Click the link in the email or text, create a new password, and log in. Once you are logged in, follow the deletion steps above. If you no longer have access to the email or phone number on file, you will need to contact Instagram through their help center to regain access to your account before you can delete it.
Deactivation as an alternative to deletion
If you are unsure about permanent deletion, deactivate your account instead. Deactivation hides your profile, photos, and comments from other users for up to 30 days. Your username becomes unavailable, but your data stays on Instagram's servers. You can reactivate by logging back in anytime within 30 days.
To deactivate on a computer, go to Settings, click Account, then click Deactivate Account. Choose a reason and enter your password. On a phone, tap the menu icon, go to Settings and Privacy, tap Account, then tap Deactivate Account. The process is the same: select a reason and confirm with your password.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else claim my username after I delete my account?
Yes. After you request deletion, your username becomes available when ready, even though your account is still in the 30-day deletion window. If someone else claims it during those 30 days and you change your mind and reactivate, Instagram will assign you a different username. Choose a new one when you log back in.
Will deleting my Instagram account delete my Facebook account too?
No. Instagram and Facebook are separate accounts, even if they are linked. Deleting your Instagram account does not affect your Facebook profile. If you want to remove the connection between them, go to Instagram Settings, tap Accounts Center, and unlink your Facebook account before deletion.
What if I delete my account but want to use the same email address for a new Instagram account later?
You can create a new account with the same email address after the 30-day deletion period ends. During the 30-day window, that email is still tied to your deleted account and cannot be used. Wait until day 31 to sign up for a new account with the same email.
Does Instagram delete my account if I do not log in for a long time?
No. Instagram does not automatically delete inactive accounts. Your account will remain on Instagram's servers indefinitely unless you manually request deletion. Inactivity alone will not remove your profile or data.
Can I delete my account if I have a business or creator account?
Yes. The deletion process is the same for business, creator, and personal accounts. All account types follow the same 30-day deletion window and password confirmation steps. Your business information, insights, and branded content will all be removed along with your account.