If you want to delete your Instagram account permanently, you can submit a deletion request through Meta’s Accounts Center using the Instagram app or a web browser. Before you confirm, download any photos, videos, messages, and other account information you want to keep. Instagram gives you a limited cancellation period, but once the scheduled deletion is completed, your account and its content generally cannot be recovered. This guide explains how to back up your data, delete the correct account, understand the waiting period, and avoid common mistakes.
Before You Delete Your Instagram Account
Important: Permanent deletion is different from temporary deactivation. Deletion is intended to remove your account and its associated content after the applicable waiting period. Deactivation temporarily hides your account so you can return later.
Before continuing, complete these checks:
- Download your data: Save important photos, videos, messages, and account information.
- Check your login details: Make sure you can access your account and complete any security verification.
- Review connected services: Check whether you use Instagram to sign in to other apps or manage a business.
- Choose the correct account: If several profiles appear in Accounts Center, verify which one you intend to delete.
If you only want a temporary break, read our guide on How to Deactivate Instagram Safely instead.
How to Download Your Instagram Data Before Deleting Your Account
Do this before submitting your deletion request. Your downloadable archive may contain photos, videos, messages, comments, profile information, and other account activity, depending on the information you select.
Step 1: Open Instagram Settings
- Open Instagram and sign in.
- Go to your profile.
- Tap the menu icon (☰).
- Open Accounts Center from the settings menu.
Step 2: Open Your Information and Permissions
- Select Your information and permissions in Accounts Center.
- Choose Export your information or the equivalent download option displayed.
- Select the Instagram profile you want to back up.
Step 3: Configure Your Export
- Choose whether to export all available information or specific categories.
- Select the destination, such as your device, when offered.
- Choose a file format and date range if prompted.
- Review your selections and submit the export request.
Instagram will prepare the archive and notify you when it is ready. Processing time depends on the amount of information requested.
Download the archive and open it to check that your important files are present before proceeding. For the latest instructions, consult the official Instagram Help Center or Meta Accounts Center.
How to Delete an Instagram Account Step by Step
The following instructions cover the usual deletion process through Accounts Center. Instagram may change its menu labels or layout, so follow the current options shown on your screen.
Step 1: Sign In to the Instagram Account You Want to Delete
Open the Instagram app or visit Instagram.com. Sign in to the profile you want to remove.
Check the username carefully if you manage multiple accounts.
Screenshot: Use your existing Step 1 screenshot only if it shows the correct Instagram sign-in screen.
Step 2: Open Your Profile
Tap your profile picture in the bottom-right corner of the mobile app. On a computer, use the profile option in the website navigation.
Screenshot: Use the screenshot that matches the profile screen in your current Instagram interface.
Step 3: Open Settings and Activity
Tap the menu icon (☰) in the top-right corner of your profile and open Settings and activity, or the equivalent settings option.
Screenshot: Use a deletion-guide screenshot only if it accurately displays this screen.
Step 4: Open Accounts Center
Select Accounts Center to access Meta’s account management settings.
Screenshot: Check that the image shows Accounts Center rather than an unrelated deactivation screen.
Step 5: Select Personal Details
In Accounts Center, open Personal details.
Step 6: Open Account Ownership and Control
Select Account ownership and control. If prompted, choose the Instagram profile you want to remove.
Step 7: Select Deactivation or Deletion
Tap Deactivation or deletion and verify that you have selected the correct Instagram account.
Step 8: Choose Delete Account
Select Delete account, not Deactivate account.
Review the explanation displayed before continuing. If you are unsure about permanently losing access to your profile and content, stop here and choose temporary deactivation instead.
Step 9: Complete the Confirmation Process
Instagram may ask you to select a reason, enter your password, or complete another security check.
Follow the instructions, review the deletion information, and confirm your request only when you are ready to proceed.
Screenshot note: Your original article contains several images labeled for deactivation. Replace any screenshot that does not accurately show the deletion workflow. In particular, make sure the final screenshots demonstrate selecting Delete account and confirming the deletion request. Do not rely on a screenshot’s filename alone to determine which screen it shows.
How to Delete an Instagram Account Using a Computer
You can also submit a deletion request from a supported desktop browser.
- Visit Instagram.com and sign in.
- Open your profile and access settings.
- Select Accounts Center.
- Open Personal details.
- Choose Account ownership and control.
- Select Deactivation or deletion.
- Choose the correct Instagram account.
- Select Delete account.
- Complete the verification and confirmation steps.
The website layout may differ slightly from the app. If you cannot find a setting, consult Instagram’s current Help Center instructions instead of choosing an unfamiliar option.
How Long Does Instagram Take to Delete an Account?
Instagram does not remove your account immediately after you submit a deletion request. Instead, the request is subject to a cancellation period, and the confirmation screen should provide the applicable deadline or instructions.
Do not rely on an old article’s fixed number of days. Check the current information displayed by Instagram when you submit the request.
During the cancellation period, your account may be hidden from other users while the deletion is pending. If you change your mind, follow Instagram’s current cancellation instructions before the deadline expires.
Important: Signing back in during the waiting period may allow you to cancel the deletion request. Do not assume that logging in is harmless if you still want the account deleted. Check the message Instagram displays and confirm whether cancellation has occurred.
After the deletion process is completed, recovery is generally no longer possible. Meta may retain certain information for legal, security, or other permitted purposes under its policies, so permanent deletion should not be interpreted as an immediate guarantee that every record disappears from every system.
What Happens When You Delete Your Instagram Account?
Once deletion is completed, the account and its associated content are intended to be permanently removed. Depending on the information and service involved, this can include:
- Your profile and profile information.
- Photos, videos, Reels, and other posts.
- Stories and Highlights associated with your account.
- Comments and likes.
- Your followers and following list.
- Saved posts and collections.
- Account information and other content associated with your profile.
Messages you previously sent to other people may remain visible in their inboxes. Deleting your account should not be treated as a way to erase copies of content that other users already received or saved.
Delete vs. Deactivate: Which Should You Choose?
| Feature | Deactivate | Delete |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Take a temporary break | Leave Instagram permanently |
| Profile visibility | Generally hidden | Removed through the deletion process |
| Account content | Retained for reactivation | Intended to be permanently removed |
| Return later | Usually sign in again | Recovery generally ends after the cancellation deadline |
| Best for | People who may return | People who no longer want the account |
If you are unsure whether you will return, deactivation is the more reversible option. Read How to Deactivate Instagram Safely before making a final decision.
Instagram Won’t Let You Delete Your Account?
If the deletion option is missing or your request fails, try these checks.
You Selected the Wrong Instagram Account
If multiple profiles are connected through Accounts Center, return to the account selection screen and verify the username before continuing.
You Cannot Remember Your Password
Use Instagram’s official login recovery process to regain access. If you cannot access your recovery email or phone number, follow the account recovery instructions provided by Instagram.
The Deletion Option Is Missing
Instagram periodically updates its settings. Update the app, reopen Accounts Center, and look for the current Personal details and Account ownership and control options. You can also try the website.
The Request Fails or Displays an Error
Check your internet connection and try again if the service appears temporarily unavailable. If Instagram displays a restriction or verification requirement, follow the instructions on screen.
For account-specific assistance, visit the Instagram Help Center.
Does Deleting Instagram Also Delete Facebook?
No. Deleting your Instagram account does not automatically delete your Facebook account or WhatsApp account. Those services generally remain active unless you take separate action.
Before deleting Instagram, check whether other apps, websites, or business tools rely on your Instagram login. Update those sign-in methods where necessary so you do not lose access to unrelated services.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Delete Instagram Account
Can I recover my Instagram account after requesting deletion?
You may be able to cancel the request during the applicable cancellation period by following Instagram’s current instructions. Once deletion is completed, recovery is generally no longer possible.
Will logging back in cancel my Instagram deletion request?
It may. Signing in during the cancellation period can allow you to cancel the request. If you want deletion to proceed, avoid logging in and follow the deadline and instructions displayed by Instagram.
Should I download my Instagram data before deleting my account?
Yes. Download and check your archive before submitting the request if you want to keep your photos, videos, messages, or other account information.
Can I delete Instagram without using the app?
Yes. You can generally start the process through Instagram’s website and manage the request through Accounts Center.
Will my messages disappear from other people’s inboxes?
Not necessarily. Messages you previously sent may remain visible to recipients even after your account is deleted.
Can I deactivate Instagram instead of deleting it?
Yes. Temporary deactivation hides your account while preserving it for potential reactivation. Follow our guide on How to Deactivate Instagram Safely for the steps.
Final Thoughts on How to Delete Instagram Account
Deleting Instagram is a significant decision because your profile and associated content may become unrecoverable once the process is complete. Download the information you want to keep, check your connected accounts, and carefully review the cancellation deadline before confirming your request.
If you only want to step away temporarily, choose deactivation instead. Taking a moment to select the right option can help you avoid losing an account you may want to use again.