How to Delete Your Instagram Account Permanently
Thinking about taking a break from social media or removing your Instagram profile for good? Whether it’s due to privacy concerns, mental health, or simply wanting to disconnect, knowing how to delete your Instagram account permanently is essential if you’re ready to move on.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before deleting your account—including the difference between deactivating and deleting, and a step-by-step tutorial on how to do it safely.
📌 Before You Delete: Temporary vs. Permanent Removal
Instagram offers two options:
🔹 1. Deactivate Your Account (Temporary)
- Hides your profile, photos, comments, and likes
- You can log back in anytime to restore your account
- Best if you just need a break
🔹 2. Delete Your Account (Permanent)
- Erases your profile, posts, followers, likes, and messages
- Once deleted, it cannot be recovered
- Ideal if you're sure you're done with Instagram
⚠️ Tip: Consider downloading your data before deleting your account permanently.
💾 How to Download Your Instagram Data
Before deleting, you may want to keep a copy of your photos, videos, and messages.
Steps:
- Go to Instagram Data Download Page
- Log in to your account
- Enter your email address
- Instagram will send you a file with your data within 48 hours
🧨 How to Delete Your Instagram Account Permanently (2025 Update)
As of 2025, Instagram does not allow permanent deletion directly from the mobile app. You’ll need to use a browser.
🔒 Step-by-Step:
- Visit the Delete Your Instagram Account page
- Log in with your username and password if you're not already signed in
- Select a reason for deleting your account from the dropdown menu
- Re-enter your password when prompted
- Click “Delete [Your Username]” to confirm
🗓️ Instagram will schedule your account for deletion 30 days from the request date. You can cancel by logging in before then.
📱 Can I Delete My Account Using the Instagram App?
No. The Instagram app only allows temporary deactivation. For permanent deletion, you must use a mobile or desktop browser.
🛑 What Happens After Deleting Your Instagram Account?
- Your profile, photos, and videos will be permanently removed
- You won’t be able to reactivate the same account or username
- Comments and likes associated with your account will also be deleted
- Your data will be removed from Instagram’s servers after 30 days
🔄 How to Deactivate Your Instagram Account (Temporarily)
If you’re not ready to delete everything, you can deactivate your account instead.
Steps:
- Go to Instagram.com on a browser
- Log in and go to your profile
- Click Edit Profile
- Scroll down and click Temporarily disable my account
- Select a reason and re-enter your password
- Click Temporarily Disable Account
Your account will remain hidden until you log back in.
❓ FAQs – Deleting Your Instagram Account
💬 Can I recover my Instagram account after deletion?
No. Once the 30-day grace period ends, all data is permanently deleted and cannot be restored.
📆 How long does it take to delete an Instagram account?
Instagram schedules your account for deletion 30 days after your request. During that time, the account is inactive but not gone.
🛡️ Will my data be removed completely?
Instagram claims that all your content and data are permanently removed after deletion. However, some data may remain for legal or internal reasons.
🔚 Final Thoughts
Whether you're looking to simplify your digital life or move away from social media altogether, permanently deleting your Instagram account is a big step. Make sure you download your data, consider temporary deactivation, and follow the official method for a secure and successful removal.
📌 Remember: Once deleted, there’s no going back—so be sure before you hit that final button.