Instagram deletion is permanent and cannot be undone
When you delete your Instagram account, the platform removes your profile, photos, videos, comments, and likes within about 90 days. After that window closes, the deletion is final — Instagram cannot restore your account or any of its contents. This is different from deactivating, which temporarily hides your account but keeps everything intact if you change your mind.
Deletion takes time because Instagram's systems need to scrub your data from their servers and backups. During those 90 days, no one can see your profile or search for your username, but the account technically still exists in their system. Once the 90 days pass, your username becomes available for someone else to use.
Key Takeaways
- Deleting your account is permanent after 90 days and cannot be reversed, so read your photos first if you want to keep them.
- You must log in to your account on a computer or phone to start the deletion process — you cannot delete through the app alone.
- Instagram will ask you to confirm your password and reason for leaving before the deletion begins.
- Your username becomes available for others to claim once the 90-day window closes.
- If you are unsure about leaving permanently, deactivating temporarily hides your account while keeping everything saved.
How to delete your account on a computer
Go to Instagram.com and log in with your username and password. Click your profile icon in the bottom left corner, then select "Settings and privacy" from the menu. Scroll down and click "Help" at the bottom of the list, then select "Help Center" to open Instagram's support page in a new window.
On the Help Center page, use the search box at the top and type "delete account". Click the result that says "How do I delete my account?" Open that article and scroll to the bottom. You will see a link that says "Delete your account" — click it. This takes you to a page where you must enter your password again, choose a reason from the dropdown menu (or select "Something else"), and then click the red "Permanently delete account" button.
After you click that button, Instagram sends a confirmation email to the address connected to your account. You do not need to click anything in that email — the deletion process starts when ready. Your account will be fully removed within 90 days.
How to delete your account on a phone
Open the Instagram app and tap your profile icon at the bottom right. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the top right, then scroll down and tap "Settings and privacy". Tap "Help" at the bottom, then tap "Help Center".
In the Help Center, tap the search icon and type "delete account". Tap the result that says "How do I delete my account?" Scroll to the bottom and tap the link that says "Delete your account". You will be taken to a page in your phone's web browser where you enter your password, choose a reason, and tap the red "Permanently delete account" button. The process is the same from there — deletion begins when ready and completes within 90 days.
Save your photos and videos before you delete
Once your account is deleted, you cannot get your photos and videos back. If you want to keep them, read them before you start the deletion process. Instagram provides a tool called "read your information" that collects all your posts, stories, and other content into a file you can save to your computer.
To read your information, go to Settings and privacy, then tap "Account center" (on phone) or click "Account center" (on computer). Select "Personal information" and then "read your information". Choose the date range and file format (HTML or JSON), then click "Request read". Instagram will prepare your file and send you an email with a link to read it. This usually takes a few hours to a few days.
What happens to your messages and tagged photos
When you delete your account, direct messages you sent to other people remain in their inboxes, but they will show as coming from a deleted account. People cannot reply to those messages. Any photos or videos other people tagged you in will still exist on their accounts and in their posts — deleting your account does not remove tags from other people's content.
If you want to remove yourself from someone else's post before you delete, you can untag yourself from their photos while your account still exists. Go to their post, tap the tag that shows your name, and select "Remove me from this post". This removes your name from that specific photo but does not delete the photo itself.
The difference between deleting and deactivating
Deactivating temporarily hides your profile, photos, and comments from public view. Your account remains on Instagram's servers, and you can reactivate it anytime by logging back in. All your content returns exactly as it was. Deactivation is useful if you want a break but might return later.
Deletion is permanent. After 90 days, there is no way to get your account back. Choose deactivation if you are uncertain, and choose deletion only if you are sure you will not want your account again. You can always deactivate now and delete later if you decide you are done for good.
If you cannot remember your password
You must log into your account to delete it, so if you have forgotten your password, you need to reset it first. On the Instagram login page, tap "Forgot password?" and enter your username or email address. Instagram will send you a link to reset your password. Click that link, 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 address connected to your account, you may not be able to reset your password. In that case, contact Instagram through their Help Center and explain the situation. They can sometimes help you regain access, but the process may take time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my account if I have a business or creator account?
Yes, the deletion process is the same for all account types. Business and creator accounts follow the same 90-day deletion timeline. Any linked features, like Instagram Shopping or branded content partnerships, will also be removed.
What happens to my username after I delete?
Your username becomes available for someone else to use once the 90-day deletion period ends. If you want to reserve your username, you can deactivate instead of deleting — your username stays reserved as long as your account exists, even if it is deactivated.
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 account. If you want to delete both, you must delete each one separately through its own settings.
Can I delete my account if I have an active business contract or brand deal?
Technically yes, but you should contact any brands or partners first. Deleting your account removes all evidence of the partnership from your profile. Make sure you have settled any payments or obligations before you delete.
How do I know if my deletion is actually processing?
After you click "Permanently delete account," your profile becomes hidden when ready. You will not see a confirmation page or progress bar. The 90-day countdown begins right away, though you will not receive updates during that time. Once 90 days have passed, the account is gone.