Instagram gives you two ways to remove an account: deactivate it temporarily or delete it permanently
Deactivating hides your profile, posts, and comments from public view for up to 30 days. If you change your mind, you can reactivate by logging back in. Deleting is permanent — after 30 days, Instagram removes everything you posted, your username becomes available to others, and you cannot recover the account.
Which one you choose depends on whether you might want the account back. Most people deactivate first to make sure they will not need it again, then delete later if they are certain.
Key Takeaways
- Deactivating hides your account for 30 days and can be reversed if you log back in during that window.
- Deleting is permanent after 30 days and removes all your posts, photos, and comments from Instagram's servers.
- You must use a web browser or the Instagram app on a phone — you cannot deactivate or delete from a desktop computer's web version.
- Instagram will not notify your followers that you are leaving, so tell people directly if you want them to know.
- Before you deactivate, read your photos and data if you want to keep copies.
How to deactivate your account temporarily
Open Instagram on your phone or go to instagram.com on a web browser and log in. Tap or click your profile icon in the bottom right (phone) or top right (web), then select Settings and privacy. Scroll down and tap Account, then Deactivate or delete. Choose Deactivate account.
Instagram will ask you why you are leaving. Pick a reason from the list or select Something else — your answer does not affect what happens next. Enter your password to confirm, then tap Deactivate account again. Your profile disappears when ready, but you have 30 days to change your mind by logging back in.
How to permanently delete your account
The process is the same as deactivation up to the final choice. When you reach Deactivate or delete, select Delete account instead. Instagram will warn you that deletion is permanent and cannot be undone. Enter your password and tap Delete account.
Your account and everything on it will be removed after 30 days. During those 30 days, your profile is hidden but the deletion can still be cancelled if you log back in. After 30 days pass, the account is gone for good.
read your photos and data before you go
If you want to keep copies of your posts, stories, or messages, read them first. On your phone, go to Settings and privacy, tap Account, then read your information. On the web, the option is in the same menu. Instagram will prepare a file with your photos, captions, and other data and email it to you within a few days.
This read works whether you are deactivating or deleting. The file is yours to keep, and Instagram will not delete it even after your account is gone.
What happens to your messages, tags, and followers
When you deactivate, your messages stay in other people's inboxes, but they cannot reply to you or see your profile. When you delete, old messages remain but your account name disappears from the conversation. People who tagged you in photos will still see those photos, but your name will not be linked to them.
Your followers will not receive a notification that you left. If you want people to know, tell them directly or post a final story before you deactivate. After deactivation, you cannot post or send messages, so plan ahead if you want to say goodbye.
Reactivating a deactivated account
If you deactivated and want to come back within 30 days, log in with your username and password on instagram.com or the app. Your profile, posts, and followers will return when ready. After 30 days, reactivation is no longer possible — the account moves to permanent deletion.
You can deactivate and reactivate as many times as you want, as long as you do it within the 30-day window. There is no limit to how many times you can pause your account.
Troubleshooting common problems
If you cannot find the deactivate or delete option, make sure you are using the phone app or instagram.com in a web browser. The desktop version of Instagram does not have this feature. Log out completely, then log back in to refresh your settings menu.
If you forgot your password, tap Forgot password? on the login screen and follow the steps to reset it. You will need access to the email or phone number linked to your account. If you no longer have access to that email or phone, contact Instagram's support team through the app — tap your profile, then Help, then Help requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete someone else's Instagram account?
No. Only the account owner can deactivate or delete an account. If someone is using your account without permission, change your password when ready and enable two-factor authentication. If you cannot regain access, contact Instagram support and explain that your account was compromised.
What happens to my Instagram username after I delete?
After 30 days, your username becomes available for anyone else to use. If you want to keep the username, do not delete — deactivate instead and reactivate before the 30 days end. Once someone else claims your username, you cannot get it back.
Will Instagram send me a confirmation email?
Instagram sends a confirmation to the email linked to your account when you deactivate or delete. Check your inbox and spam folder. If you do not see it, the email address on file may be outdated — you can update it in Settings and privacy before you deactivate.
Can I deactivate Instagram but keep Facebook?
Yes. Instagram and Facebook are separate accounts even if you linked them. Deactivating or deleting Instagram does not affect your Facebook account. If you want to unlink them first, go to Settings and privacy, tap Apps and websites, find Facebook, and tap Remove.
How long does it take for Instagram to fully delete my account?
Instagram removes your profile and posts when ready when you choose delete, but the full deletion process takes up to 30 days. During those 30 days, you can still log back in to cancel the deletion. After 30 days, everything is permanently gone and cannot be recovered.