Instagram is a popular social media platform, but sometimes, you may decide it’s time to step away. Whether you’re taking a break from social media or looking to permanently delete your Instagram account, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.
Overview Table: Delete vs. Deactivate Instagram Account
| Action | Result | Recovery | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deactivate Account | Temporarily hides profile, photos, comments, and likes. | Can log back in anytime to restore account. | Immediate deactivation and restoration. |
| Delete Account Permanently | Permanently removes profile, photos, videos, followers, and interactions. | Cannot recover account or data after 30 days. | Data removal starts after 30 days, up to 90 days for full deletion. |
How to Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account
Step 1: Download Your Instagram Data
Before you proceed with deleting your account, it’s essential to download your Instagram data. This includes all your photos, videos, and messages. Once the deletion process is complete, you will no longer have access to this content.
How to Download Instagram Data:
- Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
- Tap the menu (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner.
- Select Settings, then go to Security.
- Under Data and History, tap Download Data.
- Enter your email address and tap Request Download.
- You’ll receive an email with a link to download your data within 48 hours.
Step 2: Delete Your Instagram Account
Once you’ve backed up your data, you can move on to permanently deleting your account. Note that this action is irreversible after 30 days, and all your content will be deleted.
Instructions for Deleting Your Account:
- Open a web browser (this cannot be done directly from the Instagram app).
- Go to Instagram’s Delete Your Account page.
- If you’re not already logged in, enter your login credentials.
- Choose a reason for deleting your account from the dropdown menu.
- Re-enter your password to confirm your decision.
- Click on Delete [your username].
Step 3: Account Deletion Timeline
Once you submit the request to delete your account, Instagram will initiate the deletion process:
- 30 Days: You can still cancel the deletion by logging back into your account within this period.
- 90 Days: Instagram may take up to 90 days to completely remove all your data from their servers. However, your profile and posts will no longer be visible to other users after the 30-day period.
How to Deactivate Your Instagram Account (Temporary Solution)
If you’re unsure whether you want to permanently delete your Instagram account, you can temporarily deactivate it. Deactivation allows you to hide your profile and content without losing any data, and you can reactivate your account by logging back in.
How to Temporarily Deactivate Your Instagram Account:
- Open a web browser and go to Instagram.com.
- Log in to your account and go to your profile.
- Click Edit Profile.
- Scroll down and click Temporarily disable my account at the bottom right.
- Select a reason for disabling your account and re-enter your password.
- Click Temporarily Disable Account.
Your account will be hidden until you decide to reactivate it by logging back in.
What Happens After Deleting Your Account?
Once the deletion process is complete:
- Your Profile and Posts: Your profile, photos, videos, comments, likes, and followers will be permanently removed.
- Data Retention: Instagram may retain copies of your data in backup storage for up to 90 days for legal or operational reasons.
- Re-registering: You can sign up for a new Instagram account using the same email or phone number, but your old username may not be available if someone else claims it during the deletion process.
Conclusion
Deleting your Instagram account is a significant decision as it permanently erases your data and online presence. Be sure to download a copy of your content before proceeding. If you’re unsure, consider deactivating your account temporarily instead. Remember, you have 30 days to change your mind before the deletion becomes final.
Disclaimer
The steps outlined in this guide are accurate at the time of writing, but Instagram’s policies and processes may change. Always refer to Instagram’s official help resources for the latest information on deleting or deactivating your account.