How to Delete an Instagram Account: Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to delete an Instagram account permanently or temporarily with ease. Follow our step-by-step guide to take a break or bid farewell to Instagram while preserving your options for the future.

Are you thinking about saying goodbye to Instagram? Maybe you want a break from social media or wish to start fresh. Whatever your reason, deleting an Instagram account is a straightforward process.

If you’ve decided to part ways with Instagram, we’ll guide you through the process of permanently deleting your account.

Keep in mind that this action is irreversible, and all your profile information, photos, videos, comments, likes, and followers will be gone for good.

However, if you’re not ready to say goodbye forever, there’s an option to temporarily deactivate your account instead.

Follow along, and in no time, you’ll be free from the world of filters and hashtags!

How to Delete an Instagram Account

1. Log in and download a copy of your data (optional) such as your photos and posts, from Instagram. This will ensure you have a backup for your personal records.

2. Access the “Delete Your Account” page on Instagram’s website.

3. Select a reason for deletion from the dropdown menu and re-enter your password.

4. Click on “Delete [username]” to initiate the permanent account deletion.

5. (Optional) To delete a different account, log out, and follow the steps again.

6. Access the Accounts Center by clicking the “menu” icon in the bottom left corner and selecting “Settings.”

7. Navigate to “Account Ownership and Control” within Accounts Centre.

8. Click on “Deactivation or deletion” and select the account you want to delete.

9. Confirm the deletion by clicking “Delete account” and follow the on-screen instructions.

Be aware that the account deletion process may take up to 90 days, and some data might still be retained for backup and legal purposes.

If you only need a temporary break, you can choose to deactivate your account instead.

How do I Temporarily Deactivate my Instagram?

1. Log in and access your Instagram profile.

2. Go to “Settings” from the menu (three horizontal lines).

3. Scroll down to “Settings” and select “Account.”

4. Choose “Temporarily Deactivate Account.”

5. Select a reason for deactivation from the dropdown menu.

6. Re-enter your password to confirm the deactivation.

7. Click on “Temporarily Deactivate Account” to proceed.

Important Considerations

1. Keep in mind that you won’t have access to Instagram’s Data Download tool after your account is deleted, so make sure to download your data beforehand if needed.

2. Account deletion requests may take up to 90 days to complete, during which time your content remains subject to Instagram’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

3. Copies of your content may still exist in backup storage for disaster recovery purposes. Instagram may also retain your information for legal issues, term violations, or harm prevention efforts.

Deleting an Instagram account can be a significant decision, so proceed with caution. Make sure to download your data if necessary and carefully follow the steps outlined here.

Whether you’re taking a break or moving on, knowing how to delete an Instagram account empowers you to have control over your online presence.

Remember, if you change your mind, signing up again with the same username is possible, as long as it hasn’t been taken by someone else.

Take the time to consider your decision and happy social media detoxing!