Instagram gives you two ways out: deactivation and deletion
Deactivation hides your profile, posts, and comments from public view for 30 days. During that time, you can log back in and restore everything. Deletion is permanent — after 30 days, Instagram removes your account, photos, videos, comments, and likes from their servers. You cannot recover a deleted account.
Most people choose deactivation first because it is reversible. If you change your mind within the 30-day window, you can reactivate by logging in with your username and password. Deletion makes sense only if you are certain you will not want your account back.
Both options require you to be logged in on a computer or phone. Instagram does not allow account closure through the website alone — you must use the mobile app or a web browser.
Key Takeaways
- Deactivation hides your account for 30 days and is reversible if you log back in; deletion is permanent after 30 days.
- You must use the Instagram app or a web browser to close your account — you cannot do it through Instagram Direct Messages or by contacting support.
- Before closing, read your photos and data if you want to keep them, because deactivation does not save them outside Instagram.
- If you forgot your password, reset it before attempting to close your account, because you will need to log in to complete the process.
- Deactivating does not cancel any active subscriptions to Instagram features like Reels Bonus or Creator Fund payments — you must cancel those separately.
How to deactivate your account on the Instagram app
Open Instagram and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. Tap the three horizontal lines (the menu) in the top right. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy. Tap Account. Tap Deactivate or delete account. Choose Deactivate account.
Instagram will ask you why you are leaving. You can select a reason or skip this step. Then enter your password to confirm. Tap Deactivate account again. Your profile disappears when ready, but the 30-day window begins. If you log back in during those 30 days, your account reactivates with everything intact.
How to deactivate your account on a web browser
Go to instagram.com and log in. Click your profile icon in the bottom left corner. Click Settings. Click How you use Instagram in the left menu. Click Deactivation or deletion. Choose Deactivate account.
Select a reason if you want to, or leave it blank. Enter your password and click Deactivate account. Your profile is hidden when ready. You have 30 days to change your mind by logging in again.
How to permanently delete your account
The deletion process starts the same way as deactivation. On the app, go to Settings and privacy > Account > Deactivate or delete account. On the web, go to Settings > How you use Instagram > Deactivation or deletion. This time, choose Delete account instead of Deactivate account.
Instagram will warn you that deletion is permanent and that you have 30 days to change your mind. After those 30 days, your account cannot be recovered. Enter your password to confirm. Click or tap Delete account. Instagram begins removing your data from their servers when ready, though the full deletion takes up to 90 days.
Save your photos and data before you close your account
Deactivation does not back up your photos, videos, or captions. If you want to keep them, read your data before you close your account. On the app, go to Settings and privacy > Account > read your info. On the web, go to Settings > How you use Instagram > read your info.
Instagram will prepare a file with your photos, videos, comments, and profile information. This can take a few days. You will receive a notification when it is ready, and you can read it as a ZIP file. This file works on any computer and contains everything in a format you can view and store offline.
What happens to your messages, followers, and tagged photos
When you deactivate, your messages stay in other people's inboxes, but they cannot see your profile or message you back. Your followers lose access to your profile and cannot see your posts. Photos that other people tagged you in remain visible, but your name no longer links to your profile.
When you delete your account permanently, Instagram removes your messages from other people's inboxes after 30 days. Your followers can no longer find your profile. Photos that other people tagged you in stay on their profiles, but your name is removed from the tag.
Cancel subscriptions and payments before closing
If you pay for Instagram features like Instagram+ (the ad-free subscription), Reels Bonus, or Creator Fund payments, closing your account does not cancel those subscriptions. You must cancel them separately before you deactivate or delete.
On the app, go to Settings and privacy > Subscriptions to see what you are paying for. Tap each subscription and select Cancel subscription. On the web, go to Settings > Subscriptions and do the same. Check your payment method (Apple App Store, Google Play, or your credit card) to confirm the cancellation went through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reactivate my account after 30 days?
No. After 30 days, a deactivated account becomes permanent. If you did not log back in during the 30-day window, you cannot recover it. Deletion is permanent when ready, with no recovery option after 30 days.
What if I forgot my password before closing my account?
Go to the Instagram login page and tap Forgot password? Enter your username or email address. Instagram will send you a reset link. Click the link, create a new password, and log in. Then follow the steps to deactivate or delete your account.
Will closing my account remove me from group chats?
Yes. When you deactivate or delete, you are removed from all group Direct Messages. Other members can still see the messages you sent before you closed your account, but they cannot message you or see your profile.
Does deactivating my account delete my likes and comments?
Deactivation hides your profile and makes your account invisible, but your likes and comments remain on other people's posts until the 30 days are up. If you reactivate, everything comes back. If you do not reactivate, Instagram removes your likes and comments after 30 days.
Can I close my account if I have a business or creator account?
Yes, the process is the same. Business and creator accounts can be deactivated or deleted just like personal accounts. If you have active promotions or ads running, Instagram will pause them when you deactivate, but you should cancel them first to avoid charges.