How to Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account

How to Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account

Thinking about deleting your Instagram account permanently? Maybe you’re tired of endless scrolling. Or you’ re worried about your online privacy. You might just want to step away from the platform. Whatever the case, you’re not alone. More and more users are choosing to remove their Instagram profiles for good.

But if you’ve tried to find the delete option in the app, you already know, it’s kind of hidden. This guide shows you how to delete your Instagram account for good. No confusion. No tech skills needed.

Hold on. Do you want to delete or deactivate?

Let’s get that clear first. Instagram gives you two options:

• Deactivate. You’re just hiding your profile for a while.
• Delete. You’re gone. Forever. No coming back.

If you think you’ll want to check it later, that’s okay. Maybe just to read old DMs or see your saved posts. In that case, it’s better to deactivate it instead. This will allow you to save everything, but just keep i t hidden.

But if you’re 100% sure you’re done, that’s different. You don’t want your account hanging out there anymore . Then deleting it is the better choice. That way, there’s no temptation to come back later, and you can mov e on with a clean break.

Delete Account

Before you begin, here’s what the deletion process actually looks like. Let’s walk through it step by step.

1. Where to find the “Delete Account” option

Instagram does have a dedicated section for deleting your account, but it’s not always easy to find. In some versions of the app, you can locate it by going to:

1. Settings → Accounts Center

2. Personal Details

3. Account Ownership and Control

4. Deactivation or Deletion

From there, select the account you want to delete, then choose “Delete account.” But most of the time, when you tap that option, Instagram just opens a browser page. So the easiest way? Just go directly to this link: https://www.instagram.com/accounts/remove/request/permanent You may be asked to log in first. Tip: You can also Google “Instagram delete account”, it’s usually the first result.

2. Select your reason

Instagram will ask you why you are leaving. An option will be presented from a dropdown menu that consists o f options like:

• Want to remove something.
• Can’t find people to follow.
• Privacy concerns.
• Created a second account.
• Too many ads.
• Trouble getting started.
• Concerned about my data.
• Too busy / too distracting.
• Something else.

Just choose the option that works for you best. They mainly ask for internal feedback. You can delete your account regardless of what you select.

3. Re-enter your password

This is to prove that it is actually you. Enter your Instagram password again. If you’ve forgotten your pass word, you will need to reset it before you can proceed.

4. Click “Delete”

You are finally going to see the last option: “Permanently delete my account.” Click that. And just like tha t, it is done. Mostly.

But wait… is it deleted immediately? Not immediately. Most often Instagram will put your account into a “pending deletion” state. Then you have 30 days to back ou t of the deletion. While your account is waiting to be deleted, it won’t be visible. Your profile and data w ill be hidden. But they’re not gone yet.

If you log in during those thirty days, the deletion will be canceled, and everything will come back. If you stay logged out, the 30-day countdown keeps going. After that time passes, your account is deleted fo r good. You won’t be able to get it back.

What will happen with your posts, messages, and followers?

After 30 days, it’s over for real.

• Your posts
• Stories
• Highlights
• DMs
• Comments
• Likes
• Saved content
• Your followers and who you followed

It’s a total wipe. Nothing will stay. So if there is anything you want to keep, photos, videos, or anything personal, make sure to download it ahead of time. Instagram has an option for that, and it’s easy to use.

Want to download your data before you delete?

Perfectly acceptable. This is how you can get a copy of everything.

From the app:

1. Go to your profile and click on the three lines in the top right.
2. Click on Settings and Privacy.
3. Scroll down to Your information and permissions.

4. Click on Download your information.

5. Enter the email address you want the data sent to.
6. Enter your password and finish it.

Instagram sends you a file with everything: photos, videos, messages, comments, and more. It may take a few hours to a couple of days, depending on your activity level.

Extra tip: What if you change your mind?

Let’s say you deleted your account. But now you’re not so sure. Maybe it was too quick. Or maybe you forgot to download something important. Can you get it back?

Yes, but only if you log in again within 30 days. Instagram gives you a short window. During those 30 days, your account is hidden but not deleted yet. If you open the app and log in, you’ll see a note. It will say your account is set to be deleted. Just log in, and your account will be back.

But after those 30 days? It’s gone forever. You can’t get it back. That’s why it helps to set a reminder on your phone or calendar. So you don’t forget.

Before you press that final “Delete” button, take a moment. Make sure you’re ready.

So…

Deleting an Instagram account is not difficult, but it is undeniably a big step. Whether you’re done for goo d, need a break, or just want to clean up your digital life, it’s your choice.

And if you ever decide to come back, the account will still be there, unless of course those 30 days pass. But once it’s gone, it’s gone. So think twice, take your time, and delete only if you’re sure.