How to delete an Instagram account?

Permanent Deletion

• Via Instagram app (iOS/Android):

  1. Go to your profile → tap the menu (☰) → Settings and privacy
  2. Tap Accounts Center → Personal details
  3. Select Account ownership and control → Deactivation or deletion
  4. Select the account → choose Delete account → Continue
  5. Re-enter your password → confirm deletion

• Via web browser:

  1. Log in at instagram.com
  2. Navigate to Accounts Center (instagram.com/accounts/center) → Personal details → Account ownership and control → Deactivation or deletion
  3. Select the account → Delete account → follow prompts to confirm with your password

Temporary Deactivation (reversible alternative)

• Follow the same path above, but select Deactivate account instead of Delete.
• Profile, photos, comments, and likes are hidden until you log back in to reactivate.

Key Facts

• 30-day grace period: After requesting deletion, the account is disabled for ~30 days. Logging in during this window cancels deletion. After that, removal is permanent and irreversible.
• Download data first: Accounts Center → Your information and permissions → Download your information (photos, messages, comments, etc.).
• Unrecoverable content: Followers, likes, photos, and videos are permanently erased; the username may not be reusable.
• Residual copies: Direct messages already sent to other users remain in their inboxes.
• Linked accounts: Deleting via Accounts Center affects only the selected profile, not other linked Meta accounts (e.g., Facebook).