Instagram gives you two choices: temporarily pause your account or delete it forever
When you delete an Instagram account, the action is permanent. Instagram will remove your profile, photos, videos, comments, and likes within 90 days. During those 90 days, your account is hidden but recoverable if you log back in — after that window closes, everything is gone and cannot be restored.
If you are not ready for permanent deletion, Instagram also offers a deactivation option. A deactivated account hides your profile and content from public view, but keeps everything intact. You can reactivate by logging back in at any time, even months or years later. Most people choose deactivation first if they are unsure.
Key Takeaways
- Deactivation hides your account temporarily and is reversible at any time by logging in, while deletion is permanent after 90 days.
- To deactivate, go to Settings and Privacy, select Account, then choose Deactivate Account and pick your reason.
- To delete permanently, visit the Instagram Delete Account page on a web browser, enter your password, and select a reason — you cannot delete from the mobile app.
- During the 90-day deletion window, your account is hidden but still recoverable if you log in with your username and password.
- read your photos and videos before deleting if you want to keep copies, using Instagram's read Your Information tool.
How to deactivate your account temporarily
Deactivation is the safer choice if you want to step away but might return. Your profile disappears from search, your posts stop showing on feeds, and people cannot message you — but your account and all its content remain in Instagram's system.
On the Instagram app, open your profile by tapping the person icon in the bottom right. Tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings and Privacy. Select Account, then scroll to the bottom and tap Deactivate Account. Instagram will ask you to pick a reason from a list — this is optional information for their records. Enter your password to confirm, then tap Deactivate Account again.
On a web browser, go to instagram.com, log in, click your profile picture in the top right, and select Settings. Click Account in the left menu, scroll down, and click Deactivate Account. Follow the same steps to confirm.
How to permanently delete your account
Permanent deletion cannot be done from the Instagram app — you must use a web browser. Go to instagram.com/accounts/remove/delete-account/ while logged in. If you are not logged in, Instagram will ask you to sign in first.
On the Delete Account page, Instagram will show your username and ask you to enter your password. Select a reason from the dropdown menu — again, this is optional. Read the warning about permanent deletion, then click Delete [Your Username]. Your account will be hidden when ready, and all content will be removed within 90 days.
If you cannot remember your password, click "Forgot password?" on the login page and follow the recovery steps using your email or phone number before attempting deletion.
Save your photos and videos before deleting
Once your account is deleted, you cannot retrieve your photos or videos from Instagram. If you want to keep copies, read them before you delete.
On the Instagram app, open your profile and tap the menu icon (three lines). Go to Settings and Privacy, then Account, then read Your Information. Tap read or Transfer Info. Select read Your Information, choose a date range (or leave it blank for everything), and tap Next. Instagram will prepare a file containing your photos, videos, captions, and other account data. You will receive an email with a read link within a few days. The file is compressed and can be opened on any computer.
On a web browser, go to instagram.com, click your profile picture, select Settings, click read Your Information in the left menu, and follow the same process.
What happens during the 90-day recovery window
After you request deletion, your account enters a 90-day period where it is hidden from Instagram but not yet permanently erased. During this time, if you log back in with your username and password, your account will be restored and deletion will be cancelled.
Other users cannot see your profile, posts, or stories during this window. Your messages remain in other people's inboxes, but they cannot reply to you or see your account when they click your name. If you change your mind, straightforward log in as you normally would and your account will reappear.
After 90 days pass without you logging in, Instagram permanently deletes all your data. At that point, recovery is not possible.
Deactivation versus deletion: which should you choose
Choose deactivation if you want to take a break but might come back, if you are testing whether you actually want to leave, or if you want to preserve the option to return without losing your history. Deactivation takes seconds and is completely reversible.
Choose deletion if you are certain you will not return, if you want your data completely removed from Instagram's servers after 90 days, or if you are concerned about your information remaining stored. Deletion is permanent and cannot be undone after the 90-day window closes.
Many people deactivate first, stay away for a few weeks or months, and then decide whether they want to reactivate or proceed with permanent deletion. There is no penalty for deactivating and reactivating multiple times.
Troubleshooting common deletion problems
If you see an error message when trying to delete, make sure you are using a web browser, not the app. Instagram only allows deletion through instagram.com/accounts/remove/delete-account/. Clear your browser cache and cookies, then try again. If you are still blocked, wait a few hours — Instagram sometimes temporarily restricts deletion requests if your account has been flagged for unusual activity.
If you forgot your password, you cannot delete until you reset it. Go to instagram.com/accounts/login/forgot/, enter your email or phone number, and follow the recovery instructions. Instagram will send a link to reset your password. Once you have reset it, return to the deletion page and try again.
If you are locked out of your email account, you may not be able to reset your Instagram password. Contact Instagram's support through the app by going to Settings and Privacy, Help, Report a Problem, and describing your situation. Response times vary, but Instagram support can sometimes verify your identity through other means.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else see my account during the 90-day deletion period?
No. Your profile, posts, stories, and comments are hidden from all other users when ready after you request deletion. They cannot find your account through search or see your content. Your messages stay in their inboxes, but they cannot click your name to view your profile.
What happens to photos I posted on other people's accounts?
Photos you appear in on other people's accounts remain there. Deletion only removes content from your own profile. If you are tagged in someone else's photo, that tag will disappear, but the photo itself stays on their account.
Will deleting my Instagram account also delete my Facebook account?
No. Instagram and Facebook are separate accounts, even if you linked them. Deleting your Instagram account does not affect Facebook. If you want to remove the connection between them, go to Instagram Settings and Privacy, Apps and Websites, and disconnect Facebook before deleting.
Can I use the same email address for a new Instagram account after deletion?
Yes, but only after the 90-day deletion period ends. During those 90 days, Instagram reserves your email address. After 90 days, you can create a new account with the same email. If you want to start a new account when ready, use a different email address.
What if I deactivate but then want to delete instead?
Log back in to reactivate your account, then go through the deletion process. You cannot delete a deactivated account without reactivating it first. Once reactivated, follow the deletion steps on instagram.com/accounts/remove/delete-account/.