Instagram gives you two ways to remove your account from your iPhone
You can either deactivate your account temporarily or delete it permanently. Deactivation hides your profile, posts, and comments for up to 30 days — if you change your mind, you can reactivate it by logging back in. Deletion is permanent after 30 days and cannot be undone. Instagram does not let you delete your account directly from the iPhone app, so you will need to use a web browser on your phone or a computer.
Both options take effect when ready, though Instagram keeps your data for 30 days in case you change your mind. During that 30-day window, you can log back in to stop the deletion or reactivation process.
Key Takeaways
- You cannot delete your Instagram account from the iPhone app itself — you must use a web browser.
- Deactivation hides your account temporarily and can be reversed within 30 days by logging back in.
- Deletion is permanent after 30 days and removes all your posts, photos, comments, and likes from Instagram's servers.
- You will need your Instagram password to complete either process, so have it ready before you start.
- If you share your Instagram login with others, change your password first so they cannot undo your choice.
How to deactivate your account using Safari or Chrome
Open Safari or Chrome on your iPhone and go to instagram.com. Log in with your username and password. Tap the profile icon at the bottom right, then tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) in the top right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then tap Account.
Scroll down to the bottom of the Account page and tap Deactivate or delete account. Instagram will show you two options: Deactivate account or Delete account. Tap Deactivate account. Instagram will ask you to choose a reason for leaving — this is optional, but selecting one helps Instagram understand why users leave. Tap Continue.
Enter your password when prompted. Tap Deactivate account again to confirm. Your account is now hidden. Your profile, posts, photos, and comments will not appear to other users, but Instagram keeps all your data. If you log back in within 30 days, your account will be fully restored.
How to permanently delete your account using Safari or Chrome
Follow the same steps as deactivation: open Safari or Chrome, go to instagram.com, log in, tap your profile icon, tap the menu icon, tap Settings and privacy, then tap Account. Scroll to the bottom and tap Deactivate or delete account.
This time, tap Delete account. Instagram will explain that deletion is permanent and cannot be undone. Select a reason for leaving if you want to — this is optional. Tap Continue. Enter your password when prompted. Tap Delete account to confirm. Your account and all associated data will be scheduled for deletion. After 30 days, Instagram will permanently remove your photos, videos, posts, comments, likes, and followers list from their servers.
During the 30-day waiting period, if you log back in to your account, the deletion will be cancelled and your account will return to normal. After 30 days pass, there is no way to recover your account or any of its contents.
What happens to your data after you delete or deactivate
When you deactivate, Instagram hides your account from public view but keeps everything on their servers. Your username becomes unavailable to others, but you can reactivate by logging in. Messages you sent to others remain visible in their inboxes — deactivation does not erase your past conversations.
When you delete, Instagram schedules your account for permanent removal after 30 days. During those 30 days, your profile is hidden just like a deactivated account. After 30 days, your photos, videos, posts, comments, and follower list are deleted from Instagram's servers. However, anything you posted that others shared, screenshotted, or reposted elsewhere will remain on their accounts and devices — Instagram cannot remove content from outside sources.
If you cannot remember your password
You will need your password to complete deactivation or deletion. If you do not remember it, tap Forgot password? on the Instagram login screen. Enter your username or email address. Instagram will send you a password reset link via email or SMS. Check your email or text messages, tap the link, and create a new password. Once you have reset your password, return to the deactivation or deletion steps above.
If you do not have access to the email address or phone number linked to your account, you may not be able to reset your password. In that case, contact Instagram through their Help Center at help.instagram.com and explain that you cannot access your recovery email or phone number. Instagram support can sometimes help verify your identity and send a reset link to an alternate address.
Removing Instagram from your iPhone after deletion
After you have deleted or deactivated your account, you can remove the Instagram app from your iPhone if you no longer want it. Press and hold the Instagram app icon on your home screen, then tap Remove App. Tap Delete App, then tap Delete to confirm. The app will be removed from your phone, though Instagram's servers will still have your data during the 30-day waiting period.
If you deactivated your account and want to keep the app, you can leave it installed. You will not be able to log in until you reactivate your account, but the app itself will remain on your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my Instagram account from the app itself?
No. Instagram removed the delete account option from the iPhone app. You must use a web browser like Safari or Chrome to deactivate or delete your account. Open instagram.com in your browser, log in, and follow the steps in Settings and privacy.
What is the difference between deactivating and deleting?
Deactivation hides your account temporarily and can be reversed within 30 days by logging back in. Deletion is permanent after 30 days and removes all your photos, posts, comments, and follower data from Instagram's servers. If you think you might want your account back, deactivate instead of delete.
Will people still see my old posts after I delete my account?
No. After the 30-day deletion period ends, your posts, photos, and comments will be removed from Instagram. However, if someone else shared your post, screenshotted it, or reposted it before you deleted your account, that copy will remain on their account and devices.
Can I reactivate my account after the 30-day waiting period?
No. Once 30 days have passed since you requested deletion, your account and all its data are permanently removed and cannot be recovered. If you think you might want your account back, log in during the 30-day window to cancel the deletion.
What if I share my Instagram password with someone else?
Change your password before you deactivate or delete your account. If someone else knows your password, they can log in and undo your deactivation or cancel your deletion during the 30-day period. Go to Settings and privacy, tap Password and security, and tap Password to change it.