Instagram is one of the world’s most popular social media platforms, but sometimes people decide to take a break or remove their account permanently. Whether you want a fresh start, need more privacy, or simply wish to spend less time online, deleting your Instagram account is easy if you follow the right steps.
🔹 Step 1: Decide — Temporary or Permanent?
Before deleting, ask yourself:
- Do you want to delete your account permanently (all photos, followers, and messages are gone forever)?
- Or do you want to temporarily deactivate it (your profile disappears but you can log in later and restore everything)?
If you only need a short break, deactivation might be a better choice.
🔹 Step 2: Log In to Instagram on a Browser
You cannot delete your account directly from the Instagram app.
Instead:
- Go to Instagram.com on your computer or phone browser.
- Log in using your username and password.
🔹 Step 3: Go to the “Delete Your Account” Page
Once logged in, visit the official link:
👉 https://www.instagram.com/accounts/remove/request/permanent/
This will take you to the Delete Your Account page.
🔹 Step 4: Choose a Reason
Instagram will ask “Why do you want to delete your account?”
Select an option from the list (for example, privacy concerns, too busy, created another account, etc.).
🔹 Step 5: Re-Enter Your Password
For security, Instagram requires you to re-enter your password before deletion.
🔹 Step 6: Confirm Deletion
Click “Delete [username]”.
Your account will first be deactivated for 30 days — during this time, you can still change your mind.
After 30 days, Instagram permanently deletes all your data.
⚠️ Important Notes
- Once deleted, your photos, videos, messages, and followers cannot be recovered.
- If you want to save your data, go to Settings → Privacy and Security → Data Download before deleting.
- Deleting one account does not affect others you own.
✅ Summary
| Action | What Happens | Can You Recover It? |
|---|---|---|
| Temporarily deactivate | Hides your profile | Yes |
| Permanently delete | Removes all data forever | No |
💬 Final Thoughts
Deleting your Instagram account is a big step, but it can help protect your privacy and give you more control over your digital life. Whether you choose to delete or just deactivate, it’s important to make the decision that best supports your goals and well-being.