Instagram gives you two ways out: deactivation or permanent deletion
Deactivation hides your profile, posts, and comments for as long as you want. You can reactivate by logging back in. Permanent deletion removes everything — your account, photos, followers, messages — and cannot be undone after 30 days. Most people choose deactivation first because it is reversible. Choose permanent deletion only if you are certain you will not want the account back.
Instagram's parent company Meta owns both Instagram and Facebook. If you delete Instagram but keep Facebook, the two accounts will no longer be linked — you will need separate login credentials for each. If you delete both at the same time, Meta will delete your data across both platforms together.
The process takes a few minutes on a phone or computer. You cannot delete Instagram through the mobile app alone — you must use a web browser or the desktop site.
Key Takeaways
- Deactivation hides your account and is reversible by logging back in; permanent deletion removes everything after 30 days and cannot be reversed.
- You must use a web browser or desktop site to delete your account — the Instagram app does not have a delete option.
- Instagram will ask you to confirm your password and reason for leaving before processing the deletion.
- If your account is linked to Facebook, deleting Instagram does not delete Facebook unless you delete both separately.
- After you request deletion, you have 30 days to change your mind by logging back in; after 30 days, all data is permanently removed.
How to deactivate your account (temporary, reversible)
Open Instagram in a web browser or go to instagram.com on desktop. Log in if you are not already signed in. Click your profile icon in the top right corner, then select Settings and privacy.
Scroll down and tap Help, then Help Center. In the search box, type "deactivate account" and select the first result. Click the link that says How do I deactivate my account? This will take you to a page with a blue link that says Deactivate your account. Click it.
Instagram will ask you to choose a reason for leaving (optional). Enter your password to confirm, then click Deactivate Account. Your profile will disappear when ready. You can reactivate by logging in again at any time — your photos, followers, and messages will return.
How to permanently delete your account (irreversible after 30 days)
Open Instagram in a web browser or go to instagram.com on desktop. Log in if needed. Click your profile icon in the top right, then select Settings and privacy.
Scroll down and tap Help, then Help Center. In the search box, type "delete account" and select the first result. Click the link that says How do I delete my account? This will take you to a page with a blue link that says Delete your account. Click it.
A form will appear asking why you are leaving. This field is optional but Instagram may use your answer to improve the platform. Enter your password to confirm your identity, then click Delete [Your Username]. Instagram will show a final warning that your account and all its data will be permanently deleted in 30 days.
What happens during the 30-day waiting period
After you request deletion, your account enters a 30-day grace period. During this time, your profile is hidden from other users — they cannot find you, see your posts, or send you messages. Your messages to others remain visible to them, but they cannot reply to you.
You can still log in and cancel the deletion request. straightforward enter your password and your account will return to normal. After 30 days pass without you logging in, Instagram will permanently erase your account, photos, videos, stories, reels, followers, and all direct messages. This action cannot be reversed.
If your account is linked to Facebook
Instagram and Facebook are separate accounts even when linked. Deleting Instagram does not delete your Facebook account. You will need to delete Facebook separately if you want both gone.
To unlink the accounts before deletion: go to Settings and privacy on Instagram, select Apps and websites, find Facebook, and click Remove. This disconnects them so you can delete one without affecting the other. If you want to delete both, you can do so in either order — just remember to delete each one separately through its own settings.
What to do before you delete
read your photos and videos if you want to keep them. Go to Settings and privacy, select read your information, and choose read or transfer. Select read your information again. Instagram will prepare a file of your photos, videos, captions, and messages. This can take a few days. You will receive an email with a link to read it.
Tell people how to reach you after you leave. Post a final story or message with your email, phone number, or another social media handle so your followers know where to find you. Remember that this message will disappear when your account is deleted, so send it to close friends directly as well.
Check if you use Instagram to log into other apps or websites. Some apps let you sign in with your Instagram account. After deletion, you will no longer be able to use Instagram as a login method for those services. Switch to a password or another login option first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete Instagram from my phone?
No. The Instagram app does not have a delete account option. You must use a web browser or desktop site. Open instagram.com in Safari, Chrome, or Firefox, log in, and follow the deletion steps from there. Deleting the app from your phone only removes the software — it does not delete your account.
What if I forget my password before deleting?
Use Instagram's password reset tool. Go to instagram.com, click Forgot password? on the login screen, and enter your email or username. Instagram will send a reset link. Once you have logged back in, you can proceed with deactivation or deletion.
Will deleting Instagram delete my Facebook account too?
No. Deleting Instagram only removes your Instagram account. Your Facebook account remains active unless you delete it separately. If you want to delete both, you must go through the deletion process for each platform independently.
Can someone else use my username after I delete my account?
Not when ready. During the 30-day waiting period, your username is reserved and cannot be claimed by anyone else. After 30 days, when your account is permanently deleted, your username becomes available for others to use.
What happens to photos I posted in other people's accounts?
Photos you appear in on other people's accounts will remain. Only content you posted to your own account will be deleted. If you want to remove yourself from someone else's photo, you must ask them to untag you or delete the post.