Steps to Delete an Instagram Account Permanently

To delete your Instagram account, go to Accounts Center in settings. Choose Deletion tab, select Delete, enter password, and confirm.

Instagram has around 3 billion active monthly users. Many people now want to leave Instagram. Some want more time, while some just feel tired of social media. If you also plan to delete your Instagram account, follow the steps we mentioned in this blog post.

Things to Know Before You Delete

Before you delete your account, know that Instagram does not remove your account right away. It waits for 30 days. During these 30 days, your account stays hidden. People cannot see your profile, posts, or messages. However, your data still exists.

If you log in during these 30 days, you can cancel the deletion. After 30 days, Instagram deletes your account permanently. Once your Instagram gets deleted permanently, you will lose your:

• Photos
• Videos
• Followers
• Comments
• Messages

You cannot recover them later. If you only want a short break, you can deactivate your account instead of deleting it.

How to Delete Instagram Account on App?

Most users access Instagram on their phones. So, let us start with the mobile method. These steps work for both Android and iPhone.

Step 1: Open Your Profile

First, open the Instagram app and log in to your account. Make sure you use the correct account.

Next, tap your profile picture in the bottom-right corner. Your profile page will open. Then tap the three lines at the top right. This will open the menu.

Step 2: Open Accounts Center

Tap Settings and privacy from the menu. At the top, you will see Accounts Center. Tap on it.

Inside Accounts Center, tap Personal details. Then tap Account ownership and control. Now choose Deactivation or deletion.

Instagram moved the delete option here. So you must follow this exact path.

Step 3: Choose Delete Account

You will now see your account listed. Select it.

After that, choose Delete account. Do not select deactivate if you want permanent removal.

Tap Continue. Instagram will ask why you want to leave. Select any reason from the list.

Step 4: Confirm Your Password

Enter your password to confirm your identity. Then tap Continue again.

Finally, confirm your deletion request. Instagram will now start the 30-day waiting period.

How to Delete Instagram Account on Desktop?

Now, let us look at the desktop method. The steps are almost the same, but the screen layout looks different.

Step 1: Log in to Instagram Website

Open your browser and go to instagram.com. Log in using your username and password. Once you log in, click your profile picture in the top right corner. Then click Settings.

Step 2: Go to Accounts Center

Inside settings, click Accounts Center. Next, click Personal details. Then click Account ownership and control.

Now select Deactivation or deletion.

Step 3: Select Delete Option

Choose your account from the list. Then select Delete account. Click Continue. Choose a reason for leaving. Enter your password when asked. Finally, confirm your request.

Instagram will now schedule your account for deletion.

What Happens After You Delete?

After you submit the request, your profile becomes hidden. People cannot search for you or see your posts. However, Instagram keeps your data for 30 days. During this time, you can log in to stop the deletion.

If you do nothing for 30 days, Instagram deletes your account permanently. For example, your Instagram highlights get deleted. After that, you cannot recover your data. Your username may also become available for others in the future.

How to Download Your Instagram Data?

Before deleting your account, you may want to save your photos and videos.

1. Go to Settings and Privacy. 
2. Tap Your activity. 
3. Select Download your information.
4. Enter your email address. 
5. Instagram will send you a download link. Use the link to save your data.

Final Thoughts

Deleting your Instagram account is simple. Go to Accounts Center, choose deletion, enter your password, and confirm. Once 30 days pass, you lose everything forever. If you only need a break, deactivation may be a better choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Relevant Topics

• Does Instagram Notify When You Delete a Message?
• Does Blocking Someone on Instagram Delete Messages?