If you’re looking to delete your Instagram account or just temporarily deactivate it, this guide walks you through every step, including direct links to Instagram’s official pages and important things to consider before you remove your profile.

# 1. Delete vs. Deactivate Instagram: What’s the Difference?

Before you do anything, decide whether you want to:

# Permanently delete your Instagram account

  • Your profile, photos, videos, comments, likes, and followers are permanently removed.
  • You cannot recover your account once it’s fully deleted.
  • Your username may become available for others to use later.
  • Best if you are sure you will not want the account again.

# Temporarily deactivate (disable) your Instagram account

  • Your profile, photos, comments, and likes are hidden, not deleted.
  • You can log back in anytime to reactivate your account.
  • Ideal for a social media break without losing your data.

If you’re unsure, start with deactivation first.

# 2. How to Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account

You cannot fully delete your Instagram account from inside the regular app settings alone. You must use Instagram’s dedicated account removal page.

Official Instagram help article:
https://help.instagram.com/139886812848894

# 2.1. Direct link to delete your Instagram account

Use Instagram’s official Delete Your Account page:

If one link redirects or changes, Instagram will typically point you to the correct page from here:
https://help.instagram.com/ → search for “Delete your account”.

# 2.2. Step-by-step: Delete Instagram using a browser (phone or computer)

  1. Open a web browser
    Use Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, etc. on your phone or computer.

  2. Go to the delete page
    Visit:
    https://www.instagram.com/accounts/remove/request/permanent/

  3. Log in to Instagram

    • Enter your username, email, or phone and password.
    • If you have two-factor authentication, complete the security step.

  4. Choose a reason for deleting your account
    Instagram will ask: “Why are you deleting your account?”
    Select an option from the dropdown list (for example, “Too busy/too distracting”, “Concerned about my data”, etc.).

  5. Re-enter your password
    This confirms that it’s really you requesting the deletion.

  6. Click “Delete [username]”

    • Confirm you want to permanently delete your account.
    • Instagram may show a date until which your account is only deactivated. After that date, it’s permanently deleted.

  7. Wait for final deletion

    • Instagram usually disables your account right away but may take up to 30 days or more to fully remove your data from their systems.
    • During this time, your profile is not visible to others.

# 3. How to Delete Instagram from Inside the App (if available)

Instagram has been rolling out an in-app deletion flow in some regions and versions.

  1. Open the Instagram app and log in.
  2. Tap your profile picture in the bottom right.
  3. Tap the three lines (☰) in the top right.
  4. Go to Settings and privacy.
  5. Look for Accounts Center → Personal details → Account ownership and control.
  6. Tap Deactivation or deletion.
  7. Choose the account you want to remove.
  8. Select Delete account → Continue and follow the on-screen steps.

If you do not see the delete option, use the web method described above.

# 4. How to Temporarily Deactivate Your Instagram Account

If you’re just taking a break, deactivation is safer. Your content will be hidden but not erased.

Official instructions from Instagram:
https://help.instagram.com/728869160569983

# 4.1. Deactivate Instagram from a browser

  1. Open a browser and go to:
    https://www.instagram.com/

  2. Log in to your account.

  3. Click your profile picture (top right on desktop) → Profile.

  4. Click Edit profile.

  5. Scroll down and click Temporarily deactivate my account (bottom right of the page).

  6. Pick a reason from the dropdown menu, such as:

    • Just need a break
    • Too busy/too distracting
    • Privacy concerns, etc.

  7. Re-enter your password when asked.

  8. Click Temporarily Deactivate Account.

Your profile and content will be hidden until you log back in.

# 4.2. Reactivate your deactivated Instagram account

To get your account back:

  1. Open the Instagram app or website.
  2. Log in with the same username and password.
  3. Your account should automatically be restored.

# 5. What Happens to Your Data When You Delete Instagram?

When you permanently delete your account:

  • Your profile, photos, videos, comments, likes, messages, highlights, and followers are scheduled for deletion.
  • Some data may remain in Instagram backups for a limited period for:
    • Security
    • Fraud detection
    • Legal reasons
  • Content you sent to others (for example, messages in someone else’s inbox) may still be stored on their side.

For Instagram’s privacy details, see:
https://privacycenter.instagram.com/policy

# 6. How to Download Your Instagram Data Before Deleting

If you want a copy of your photos, videos, and other info before deleting your account, you can request a data download.

Official data download help:
https://help.instagram.com/181231772500920

# 6.1. Download Instagram data via the app

  1. Open the Instagram app.
  2. Go to your profile.
  3. Tap the ☰ menu (three lines) → Your activity.
  4. Scroll to Download your information.
  5. Enter your email address if needed.
  6. Choose HTML or JSON format (HTML is easier to read).
  7. Tap Request download.
  8. Enter your password and confirm.

You’ll receive an email from Instagram with a download link. This can take up to 48 hours.

# 6.2. Download Instagram data via browser

  1. Go to: https://www.instagram.com and log in.
  2. Click your profile picture → Settings.
  3. Find Privacy and security.
  4. Scroll to Data download → Request download.
  5. Enter your email and choose the format.
  6. Confirm with your password and submit.

Save this backup before you delete your account if you want to keep your memories.

# 7. How to Remove the Instagram App From Your Phone

Deleting your account is different from simply uninstalling the app. If you just want Instagram off your phone:

# 7.1. On Android

  1. Find the Instagram icon on your home screen or app drawer.
  2. Tap and hold the icon.
  3. Tap Uninstall or drag it to Uninstall.
  4. Confirm the removal.

# 7.2. On iPhone (iOS)

  1. Find Instagram on your home screen.
  2. Press and hold the icon until a menu appears.
  3. Tap Remove App → Delete App.
  4. Confirm: Delete.

Uninstalling the app does not delete your account; it only removes the app from your device.

# 8. Common Issues When Trying to Delete Instagram

# 8.1. You forgot your password

Use the “Forgot password?” link:

  • On the login page, tap Forgot password?
  • Request a reset via email, SMS, or Facebook login (if linked).
  • After resetting your password, retry the deletion steps.

Instagram help on logging in:
https://help.instagram.com/374546259294234

# 8.2. You can’t access your email or phone number

In this situation, use Instagram’s login help:

  • Go to the app or website.
  • Tap Get help logging in or Trouble logging in?
  • Follow Instagram’s account recovery instructions, which may include:
    • Confirming previous passwords
    • Confirming via a linked Facebook account
    • Submitting a request with ID (for some cases)

If you can’t regain access, you likely won’t be able to delete the account until you do.

# 8.3. The delete page doesn’t load

# 9. Frequently Asked Questions About Deleting Instagram

Q: Can I recover my Instagram account after deleting it?
A: After the final deletion period, no. Once Instagram fully deletes your account, it’s permanent. You may be able to sign up again with the same email or phone, but your old data won’t return.

Q: How long does it take for Instagram to completely delete my data?
A: Your account is hidden quickly, but Instagram says it can take up to 30 days (sometimes longer) to fully remove your data from their systems.

Q: Can I use the same username after deleting my account?
A: Sometimes the username may become available again later, but it’s not guaranteed. Another person might claim it while it’s free.

Q: Does deactivating Instagram delete my messages?
A: No. Deactivating your account hides your profile, but messages you previously sent may still be visible to other users.

Q: Do I have to delete my Facebook account too?
A: No. Instagram and Facebook are both owned by Meta, but you can delete Instagram independently. However, if your accounts are linked, you may need to manage settings in the Meta Accounts Center:
https://accountscenter.instagram.com/

# 10. Summary: The Fastest Way to Delete Your Instagram Account

If you want to quickly and permanently delete your Instagram:

  1. Go to:
    https://www.instagram.com/accounts/remove/request/permanent/
  2. Log in.
  3. Select a reason for deletion.
  4. Re-enter your password.
  5. Click Delete [username] and confirm.

If you just want a break:

  1. Go to Instagram in a browser.
  2. Visit your Profile → Edit Profile.
  3. Click Temporarily deactivate my account.
  4. Choose a reason, enter your password, and confirm.

This way, you stay in control of your data, your time, and your digital privacy.