Instagram gives you two choices: pause your account temporarily or delete it forever
If you want to step away from Instagram but might return, you can deactivate your account — it hides your profile, posts, and comments for up to 30 days while you decide. If you want to remove yourself completely, you can delete your account, which erases everything permanently after 30 days. Instagram does not let you undo a deletion after that window closes, so understand the difference before you start.
Both options require you to be logged in on a phone or computer — you cannot deactivate or delete through the app alone. You will need your password. If you have forgotten it, you can reset it before you proceed, but that takes a few extra minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Deactivation hides your account for up to 30 days and can be reversed if you log back in; deletion is permanent after 30 days and cannot be undone.
- You must use a web browser or the Instagram app on a phone — the desktop website works, but the mobile app has limited options.
- After you delete your account, Instagram keeps your data for 30 days in case you change your mind and log back in to cancel the deletion.
- If you use Instagram to log into other apps or websites, deleting your account will disconnect those services and you may lose access to them.
- Deactivating or deleting your account does not remove photos you posted in other people's accounts, tagged posts, or messages you sent before deactivation.
How to deactivate your account temporarily
Deactivation is the gentler option. Your profile disappears from search, your posts and comments vanish from the feed, and nobody can message you. But your account still exists — if you log back in within 30 days, everything returns exactly as it was. After 30 days of inactivity, Instagram reactivates your account automatically.
On a phone or tablet, open Instagram and go to Settings (the gear icon at the bottom right). Tap Account, then tap Deactivate Account. Instagram will ask you why you are leaving — you can skip this or pick a reason. Enter your password to confirm. Your account is now deactivated.
On a computer, go to Instagram.com, log in, and click your profile icon in the top right. Select Settings, then Account. Scroll down to find Deactivate Account and click it. Enter your password and confirm.
How to permanently delete your account
Deletion is final. After you request it, Instagram gives you 30 days to change your mind — if you log back in during that window, the deletion cancels and your account returns. After 30 days pass without you logging in, Instagram permanently removes your profile, photos, comments, likes, and followers list. This cannot be reversed.
Go to the Delete Account page on Instagram's website (instagram.com/accounts/remove/login/). Log in if you are not already signed in. Instagram will show you your username and ask you to confirm the reason you are leaving. Select a reason from the dropdown menu, or leave it blank. Enter your password. Read the warning about permanent deletion, then click Delete [Your Username].
You cannot delete your account through the mobile app — you must use a web browser. If you are on a phone, open Safari, Chrome, or your default browser and navigate to that URL directly.
What happens to your data during the 30-day window
During the 30 days after you request deletion, your account is hidden from public view but Instagram keeps all your data on its servers. Your photos, messages, followers, and activity history remain stored. If you log back in at any point during this period, the deletion request cancels automatically and your account becomes active again with everything intact.
After 30 days of not logging in, Instagram permanently deletes the data. There is no way to recover it after that point. If you think you might want your photos back, read them before you delete — Instagram lets you request a copy of your data through Settings > Account > read Your Data, which takes a few days to prepare.
What does not get deleted when you delete your account
Deleting your account removes your profile and your own posts, but it does not erase everything connected to you. Photos or videos other people posted with you tagged in them stay on their accounts. Comments you left on other people's posts remain visible with your username, though your profile link will be broken. Direct messages you sent to other people stay in their inboxes.
If you want to clean up before you delete, go through your posts and remove tags, delete comments you want gone, and untag yourself from other people's photos. This takes time but gives you more control over what stays behind.
If you use Instagram to log into other apps or websites
Many apps and websites let you sign in using your Instagram account instead of creating a separate username and password. Deleting your Instagram account breaks that connection. You will lose access to any app or service that relies on Instagram login unless you set up a different way to sign in first.
Before you delete, check which apps use your Instagram account. On the Instagram app, go to Settings > Apps and Websites. You will see a list of connected services. For any you want to keep using, open that app or website and change your login method to an email address and password, or to another social login like Google or Facebook. Then you can safely delete Instagram without losing access.
Resetting your password if you forgot it
If you cannot remember your Instagram password, you cannot deactivate or delete your account without resetting it first. Go to instagram.com/accounts/login/reset/ and enter your username or email address. Instagram sends a password reset link to your email. Click the link, create a new password, and log back in. Then follow the deactivation or deletion steps above.
If you no longer have access to the email address connected to your account, the reset process becomes harder. Instagram may ask you to verify your identity using a photo of your ID or by answering security questions. This can take several days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reactivate my account after I delete it?
Yes, but only within 30 days of requesting deletion. Log back in with your username and password, and the deletion cancels automatically. After 30 days pass without you logging in, the account and all its data are permanently gone and cannot be recovered.
Will deleting my Instagram account delete my Facebook account too?
No. Instagram and Facebook are separate accounts even if you linked them. Deleting one does not affect the other. If you want to delete both, you must delete each account separately through its own settings.
What if I deactivate my account and then change my mind?
Log back in with your username and password. Your account reactivates when ready and everything returns to normal. You can deactivate and reactivate as many times as you want — there is no limit.
Can I read my photos before I delete my account?
Yes. Go to Settings > Account > read Your Data on the Instagram app or website. Instagram prepares a file with all your photos, videos, messages, and account information. This usually takes a few days. You will receive an email with a read link when it is ready.
What if someone else has access to my account and I cannot log in?
Go to instagram.com/accounts/login/reset/ and reset your password using your email address. If you cannot access that email, use the "Need more help?" option to verify your identity with a photo ID. Once you regain access, change your password to something only you know, then deactivate or delete as needed.