Instagram gives you two choices: pause your account temporarily or delete it permanently

If you want to stop using Instagram but might return later, 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 and permanently, you can delete your account instead. Deletion is final. After 30 days, Instagram removes all your photos, videos, comments, likes, and follower list. You cannot undo this.

The steps differ slightly depending on whether you use the phone app, a web browser, or a computer. Both paths take about five minutes. This guide covers permanent deletion, which is what most people mean when they say "delete my Instagram."

Key Takeaways

  • Permanent deletion removes your account, photos, videos, and all activity after 30 days and cannot be reversed.
  • You must use a web browser or computer to delete your account — the phone app only lets you deactivate.
  • Instagram requires you to enter your password during deletion to confirm you own the account.
  • If you deactivate by mistake, you can reactivate by logging back in within 30 days.
  • Accounts linked to a Facebook page or business profile may have additional steps before deletion.

Delete your account using a computer or web browser

Open a web browser on your computer or phone and go to instagram.com. Log in with your username and password if you are not already signed in. Once you are on your home feed, look for the menu icon — three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner on mobile browsers, or a gear icon in the top right on desktop.

Click or tap that menu, then scroll down and select Settings and privacy. From there, choose Help, then Delete account. Instagram will show you a page explaining that deletion is permanent. Read through it, then click the red button that says Delete account. You will be asked to enter your password one more time to confirm. Type it in and click Delete [your username]. That is the final step — your account is now scheduled for deletion.

Instagram keeps your account visible for 30 days in case you change your mind. During this window, if you log back in with your username and password, your account will be restored and deletion will be cancelled. After 30 days pass, everything is gone permanently.

What happens if you deactivate instead of delete

If you only deactivate your account — which you can do from the phone app under Settings — your profile disappears from public view, but Instagram keeps all your data. Your photos, videos, and comments are hidden, not removed. Other people cannot see your profile or search for you. You can reactivate anytime within 30 days by logging in again, and everything returns exactly as it was.

Deactivation is useful if you want a break but are not sure whether you will return. Many people deactivate for a few weeks or months, then log back in. Deletion is for people who are certain they will not use Instagram again.

Accounts connected to Facebook or Instagram Business

If your Instagram account is linked to a Facebook account or a Facebook Page, you may see additional options during the deletion process. Instagram will ask whether you want to delete only the Instagram account or both accounts together. Choose carefully — deleting both removes your presence from both platforms at once.

If you run an Instagram Business account, the deletion process is the same, but you lose access to all your business analytics, saved audiences, and scheduled posts. read or save any information you need before you start the deletion process, because it cannot be recovered afterward.

Save your photos and data before deleting

Once your account is deleted, you cannot get your photos, videos, or captions back. If you want to keep copies, read them first. On a computer, go to Settings and privacy, then Account, then read your information. Instagram will prepare a file containing all your photos, videos, comments, and messages. This usually takes a few hours. You will receive an email with a link to read the file.

On the phone app, the same option appears under Settings and privacy, then Account, then read your information. The process is identical — Instagram prepares the file and emails you a link. This step is optional, but many people do it as a backup before deletion, especially if they have years of photos they might want later.

What to do if you cannot log in

If you forgot your password or cannot access your account, you cannot delete it through the normal process. Instead, go to instagram.com/accounts/login/ and click Forgot password? Enter your username or email address, and Instagram will send you a password reset link. Check your email (including spam folders) and click the link to create a new password. Once you can log in again, follow the deletion steps above.

If you do not have access to the email address linked to your account, the process is harder. You can try using the Report a problem form on Instagram's help page, but Instagram may ask you to verify your identity with a photo or other proof before they help you regain access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my Instagram account from the phone app?

No. The Instagram app only lets you deactivate. To delete permanently, you must use a web browser or computer and go to instagram.com. Open the menu, select Settings and privacy, then Help, then Delete account.

What is the difference between deactivate and delete?

Deactivate hides your profile for up to 30 days but keeps all your data. You can log back in anytime to restore it. Delete removes your account, photos, videos, and all activity permanently after 30 days. Deletion cannot be undone.

Can I get my photos back after I delete my account?

Not from Instagram. After 30 days, they are gone. Before you delete, read your information from Settings and privacy, then Account, then read your information. Instagram will email you a file with all your photos and data.

What happens to my messages after I delete my account?

Your messages are deleted from your account, but the people you messaged may still have copies of your conversations on their end. Deleting your account does not erase messages from other people's inboxes.

If I deactivate and then reactivate, will my followers still be there?

Yes. When you reactivate a deactivated account within 30 days, your followers, posts, and all activity return exactly as they were. Reactivation restores everything.