How to Delete an Instagram Account: Definitive Guide 2026

Want to delete your Instagram account for good, or just take a temporary break? Whether it's for privacy, digital detox, or you simply don't use the platform anymore — here's how to do it properly while saving your data first.

Quick fix (TL;DR)

• Permanent deletion: Settings > Account > Delete account > follow the steps
• Temporary deactivation: Settings > Account > Deactivate account
• Before deleting: download your data (photos, stories, messages)
• After deletion you have 30 days to change your mind
• Messages you sent remain in other users' chats

Before you delete: what you need to know

Deleting your Instagram account is irreversible after 30 days. You'll lose:

• All published photos and videos
• Followers and followed accounts
• Comments and likes you've given
• Story highlights and archive
• Direct messages (from your side)

It's essential to download a copy of your data before proceeding.

Step-by-step guide

Step 1 — Download a copy of your data

Before deleting anything:

1. Open Instagram and go to Settings and privacy
2. Tap Accounts Center (or "Your account")
3. Select Your information and permissions
4. Tap Download your information
5. Choose All information or select specific categories
6. Select format (HTML for readability or JSON for portability)
7. Tap Create file

You'll receive an email with a download link (may take up to 48 hours).

Step 2 — Permanently delete the account

From app (Android/iPhone):

1. Go to Settings and privacy
2. Tap Accounts Center
3. Select Personal details
4. Tap Account ownership and control
5. Select Deactivation or deletion
6. Choose the Instagram account to delete
7. Select Delete account
8. Enter your password to confirm
9. Tap Continue then Delete account

From browser:

1. Go to instagram.com and log in
2. Click profile icon > Settings
3. Go to Accounts Center > Personal details > Account ownership and control
4. Follow the same steps as the app

Step 3 — What happens after deletion

• Your profile becomes immediately invisible to others
• You have 30 days to cancel: just log in again
• After 30 days: permanent and unrecoverable deletion
• Content may persist in Instagram's backups for up to 90 days

Step 4 — Temporarily deactivate (alternative)

If you're not sure about permanent deletion:

1. Go to Settings and privacy > Accounts Center
2. Tap Account ownership and control > Deactivation or deletion
3. Select Deactivate account
4. Choose a reason
5. Enter your password and confirm

With deactivation:

• Your profile disappears from searches
• Your content becomes invisible
• To reactivate, just log in again
• You can only deactivate once per week

Step 5 — Revoke access for connected apps

After deleting your account, revoke permissions:

1. Go to Settings > Security > Apps and websites
2. Remove all connected apps
3. If you used "Log in with Instagram" on other sites, create alternative logins

Common mistakes to avoid

• ❌ Deleting without downloading your data first — photos will be lost forever
• ❌ Confusing deactivation with deletion — they're different procedures with different consequences
• ❌ Forgetting to disconnect third-party apps using Instagram login
• ❌ Deleting in a moment of anger — wait 24 hours, then decide calmly
• ❌ Not removing your payment method before deletion

Post-deletion tips

• Delete the app from your phone to avoid temptation
• If you linked Instagram to Facebook, verify the connection is removed
• Inform close contacts of your alternative channels
• Consider unsubscribing from Instagram promotional emails

If Instagram was crashing before your decision, you might be interested in our guide on Instagram crashes to see if the issue was fixable.