Instagram gives you two separate paths: temporarily hide your account or permanently delete it

Deleting your Instagram account is permanent and cannot be undone. Once you start the deletion process, Instagram gives you 30 days to change your mind — after that, your account, photos, videos, comments, and likes are gone forever. If you just want to step away temporarily without losing your content, deactivation is the reversible option instead.

The deletion process itself takes about two minutes on the app or website. You'll need your password, and Instagram will ask you to confirm your choice twice before the 30-day countdown begins.

Key Takeaways

  • Permanent deletion erases your account, photos, videos, comments, and likes after 30 days — deactivation hides everything but keeps it recoverable.
  • You must use the Instagram app or website to request deletion; you cannot delete through a third-party tool or by asking Meta support.
  • The 30-day waiting period gives you time to change your mind and reactivate, but after it ends, nothing can be recovered.
  • If you share login access with others or use Instagram for business, read your data before starting deletion.

How to delete your account on the app

Open Instagram and go to your profile. Tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top right corner, then scroll down and tap Settings and privacy. From there, select Help, then Delete account.

Instagram will show you a page explaining that deletion is permanent. Read through the options — you'll see a dropdown menu asking why you're leaving. Select a reason (or skip it), then tap Delete account at the bottom. Instagram will ask for your password to confirm. Enter it, then tap Delete [your username] on the final confirmation screen.

Once you tap that final button, the 30-day countdown starts. Your profile becomes invisible to other users when ready, but you can still log back in during those 30 days to cancel the deletion.

How to delete your account on a computer

Go to Instagram.com and log in. Click your profile picture in the top right, then select Settings. On the left sidebar, click Help, then Delete account.

The same confirmation screens appear as on the app. Select a reason for leaving (optional), then click Delete account. Enter your password when prompted, then click the final Delete [your username] button. The 30-day waiting period begins when ready.

What happens during the 30-day waiting period

Your account is hidden from Instagram — no one can find your profile, see your photos, or message you. Your username becomes available for someone else to claim. You cannot post, comment, or like anything during this time.

If you change your mind, log back into Instagram with your username and password before the 30 days end. You'll see an option to cancel the deletion. Click it, and your account returns to normal with all content intact. After the 30 days pass, cancellation is no longer possible.

Downloading your data before deletion

If you want to keep copies of your photos, videos, or other information, read your data before you request deletion. Go to Settings and privacy (on app) or Settings (on computer), then find read your information. Instagram will prepare a file containing your photos, videos, captions, and messages — this usually takes a few days to generate.

You can read your data even after you've requested deletion, as long as you're still within the 30-day window. After deletion is final, this option disappears.

Deactivation as an alternative to deletion

If you're not sure about permanent deletion, deactivation hides your account temporarily. Your profile, photos, and comments disappear from Instagram, but everything is saved. You can reactivate anytime by logging back in — there's no time limit.

To deactivate instead of delete, go to Settings and privacy > Account > Deactivate or delete account. Choose Deactivate account instead of delete. You'll see the same reason dropdown, then confirm with your password. Your account goes dark when ready, but you keep the option to return.

What you should know before you delete

Deletion is truly permanent — Instagram does not restore accounts after the 30 days end, even if you contact them. If you use Instagram for business, a brand, or a community, consider whether deactivation might work instead, since you can always come back.

If other people have your login information, change your password before requesting deletion to prevent someone from canceling it during the 30-day window. If you've linked Instagram to other apps or services (like Facebook, Spotify, or dating apps), those connections will break once deletion is final.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my account if I forgot my password?

No — Instagram requires your password to confirm deletion. Use the "Forgot password?" link on the login screen to reset it first, then proceed with deletion. You'll need access to the email or phone number tied to your account.

What happens to my direct messages when I delete?

Your messages disappear from your inbox, but the people you messaged still see the conversation on their end — their copy of the chat remains. Once your account is fully deleted after 30 days, they cannot reply to you or see your profile.

Can I delete my account if I'm under 18?

Yes. The deletion process is the same regardless of age. If a parent or guardian set up parental controls on your account, you may need their permission or password to proceed.

Will deleting Instagram also delete my Facebook account?

No. Instagram and Facebook are separate accounts, even if you linked them. Deleting Instagram does not affect Facebook, and vice versa. The link between them straightforward breaks.

What if I delete my account but want to use the same username later?

Your username becomes available for someone else to claim during the 30-day waiting period. If you reactivate before those 30 days end, you keep your username. After deletion is final, you can create a new account with that username, but you'll be starting from scratch with no followers or history.