Are you considering saying goodbye to Instagram? Whether you’re aiming to reduce your social media presence, concerned about privacy, or simply need a digital detox, deleting your Instagram account is a straightforward process. This guide will walk you through exactly How Do You Delete An Instagram Account permanently, as well as explain the option to temporarily deactivate it.
Deleting your Instagram account is not immediate. Once you submit a deletion request, Instagram sets a 30-day waiting period. During this time, your account is deactivated and hidden. If you don’t log back in within those 30 days, your account will be permanently deleted.
This article provides comprehensive instructions for deleting your Instagram account using both the mobile app and a computer, ensuring you can confidently remove your profile from the platform.
Deleting Your Instagram Account Using the Mobile App: A Detailed Guide
For many users, the Instagram mobile app is the primary way they access the platform. Here’s how to permanently delete your Instagram account directly from your phone:
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Navigate to Your Profile and Settings. Begin by tapping your Profile icon, usually located in the bottom right corner of the app. Then, tap the Menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner, and select Settings and privacy, followed by Accounts Center at the top.
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Access Account Ownership and Control. Within the Accounts Center menu, tap on Personal details. Next, select Account ownership and control, and finally, tap Deactivation or deletion.
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Choose Account and Select Deletion. On the Deactivation or deletion screen, choose the Instagram account you wish to delete. You will then be presented with two options: Deactivate account and Delete account. Select Delete account to proceed with permanent deletion, and tap Continue.
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Confirm Your Decision and Reason for Leaving. Instagram will ask you to re-enter your password for security purposes. You’ll also need to choose a reason from the dropdown menu explaining why you’re deleting your account. Select the most appropriate reason and tap Continue. Finally, tap Delete [Account Name] to confirm your permanent account deletion. Your account deletion is now scheduled to take place after 30 days.
How to Deactivate Your Instagram Account Temporarily on Your Phone
If you’re not ready to permanently delete your Instagram but need a break, deactivating your account is a great option. Here’s how to temporarily disable your Instagram account from the mobile app:
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Access Account Center through Settings. Follow the same initial steps as deleting your account: Tap your Profile > Menu > Settings and privacy > Accounts Center.
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Navigate to Deactivation or deletion. Go to Personal details > Account ownership and control > Deactivation or deletion.
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Select Deactivate Account. Choose the account you want to deactivate. On the next screen, select Deactivate account instead of ‘Delete account’, and tap Continue.
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Confirm Deactivation. Re-enter your password, select a reason for deactivating, and tap Continue. Finally, tap Deactivate account to complete the process. Your account is now deactivated and hidden from other users. You can reactivate it anytime by simply logging back in.
Deleting Your Instagram Account on a Computer (PC or Mac)
You can also manage your Instagram account deletion from a desktop computer. The process is quite similar to the mobile app:
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Log in to Instagram and Access Settings. Go to the Instagram website and log into your account. Click on More in the left-hand menu (it might appear as three horizontal lines or your profile picture), then select Settings, and then Accounts Center.
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Navigate to Account Ownership and Control. Click on Personal details in the left sidebar, then Account ownership and control.
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Choose Deactivation or deletion. Select Deactivation or deletion from the options.
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Select Account and Choose Deletion. Choose the account you wish to delete. Select Delete account, then click Continue.
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Finalize Deletion. Enter your password, choose a reason for leaving, and click Continue. Finally, click Delete [Account Name] to confirm the permanent deletion.
Alternatively, you can directly request permanent account removal by visiting Instagram’s dedicated Delete Your Account page while logged in.
How to Deactivate Instagram on Your Computer
Deactivating your Instagram account on a computer follows almost identical steps to deleting it. The key difference is in step 4, where you choose Deactivate account instead of “Delete account.”
- Log in and Access Accounts Center. Go to More > Settings > Accounts Center.
- Go to Account Ownership and Control. Click Personal details > Account ownership and control.
- Select Deactivation or deletion. Click Deactivation or deletion.
- Choose Deactivate Account. Select your account, choose Deactivate account, and click Continue.
- Confirm Deactivation. Enter your password, select a reason, and click Continue > Deactivate account.
Understanding the Difference: Deleting vs. Deactivating Your Instagram Account
It’s crucial to understand the distinction between deleting and deactivating your Instagram account:
- Deleting your account is permanent. Once the 30-day period is over, your account, profile, photos, videos, comments, likes, and followers will be gone forever and cannot be recovered. You will need to create a new account if you decide to rejoin Instagram in the future.
- Deactivating your account is temporary. It hides your profile and activity from other users, making it seem like your account has disappeared. However, all your data remains intact, and you can reactivate your account at any time by simply logging back in.
Reactivating Your Instagram Account
Reactivating a deactivated Instagram account is simple. Just sign in using your username and password through the mobile app or website. Your account will be restored exactly as you left it.
Remember, if you choose to delete your account, you must log back in within the 30-day deactivation period if you wish to cancel the deletion and restore your account. After 30 days, account deletion becomes permanent, and reactivation will not be possible.
FAQs About Deleting Your Instagram Account
Why Can’t I Delete My Instagram Account?
Instagram only permits account holders to delete their accounts. You must be logged in to initiate deletion or deactivation and must re-enter your password to confirm the request. Ensure you are using the correct password associated with the account you wish to delete.
How Long Does It Take to Delete an Instagram Account?
The complete deletion process takes 30 days from the initial request. This waiting period allows users to change their minds. Your account is deactivated during this time and permanently deleted after 30 days if you do not log back in.
Can I Delete Instagram Without Logging In?
No, you must be logged into your Instagram account to request deletion. This is a security measure to ensure only account owners can delete their accounts.
Can I Delete Instagram Without a Password?
No, deleting an Instagram account requires you to enter the correct password for verification. If you’ve forgotten your password, use the Forgot password option on the login screen to reset it.
How Do I Back Up My Data Before Deleting Instagram?
Instagram allows you to download a copy of your data. To request a download, go to Menu > Your Activity > Download Your Information. Enter your email address, choose your preferred file format, and click Request download. Instagram will email you a link to download your data. It’s advisable to do this before deleting your account permanently.
