Instagram gives you two ways to remove your account: temporary deactivation or permanent deletion
Deactivating your account hides your profile, posts, and comments from public view for up to 30 days. If you log back in during that window, everything reappears unchanged. Permanent deletion removes your account and all its content forever after 30 days — you cannot undo this once the deletion completes.
Most people choose deactivation first because it is reversible. You might deactivate if you need a break from the platform but want to keep the option open. Permanent deletion is the right choice if you have decided you no longer want the account to exist at all.
Instagram does not charge a subscription fee to use the platform, so cancelling your account does not stop any recurring charges. However, if you have purchased ads or in-app features through Instagram, those charges stop once your account is gone.
Key Takeaways
- Deactivation hides your account for up to 30 days and can be reversed by logging back in; permanent deletion removes everything after 30 days and cannot be undone.
- You can deactivate or delete through the mobile app or website, but the steps differ slightly between the two.
- After you request deletion, Instagram holds your account for 30 days before erasing it permanently — you can cancel the deletion during this window.
- Any ads you are running will stop when ready, and any remaining ad balance may be refunded depending on your account type.
How to deactivate your account on the mobile app
Open Instagram and go to your profile by tapping the person icon at the bottom right. Tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top right corner, then scroll down and tap Settings and privacy. Tap Account, then Deactivate or delete account.
Choose Deactivate account. Instagram will ask you to select a reason for leaving — this is optional, but the menu helps Instagram understand why users leave. Tap your choice or select Something else if none fit. Enter your password when prompted, then tap Deactivate account again to confirm.
Your profile disappears when ready. Your username becomes available for someone else to claim. If you change your mind within 30 days, log back in with your username and password, and 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 picture in the top right, then click Settings. On the left sidebar, click How you use Instagram, then Deactivation or deletion.
Click Deactivate account. Select a reason from the dropdown menu if you wish, enter your password, and click Deactivate account to finish. The process is identical to the app — your account hides for 30 days and reactivates if you log in again.
How to permanently delete your account on the mobile app
Follow the same path as deactivation: profile icon, menu, Settings and privacy, Account, Deactivate or delete account. This time, choose Delete account instead of deactivate.
Instagram explains that deletion is permanent and cannot be undone. Select a reason if prompted, enter your password, and tap Delete account. Your account and all posts, stories, reels, and comments are scheduled for removal. Instagram keeps the data for 30 days in case you change your mind — if you log in during this period, the deletion cancels and your account returns.
After 30 days pass, Instagram permanently erases your account from its servers. You cannot recover your username, posts, or follower list after this point.
How to permanently delete your account on a web browser
Log into Instagram.com, click your profile picture, and select Settings. Click How you use Instagram, then Deactivation or deletion. Choose Delete account, select a reason, enter your password, and click Delete account.
The same 30-day window applies. You can cancel the deletion by logging in again before the 30 days end. After 30 days, the deletion becomes permanent.
What happens to your data and content
When you deactivate, your posts and messages remain on Instagram's servers but are hidden from view. Other users cannot see your profile, but Instagram keeps the data. If you reactivate, everything returns exactly as it was.
When you delete, Instagram schedules your account for permanent removal. During the 30-day window, your posts are not visible to other users, but the data still exists. After 30 days, Instagram erases your account, posts, direct messages, and profile information. Some information may remain in backup copies for a limited time, but it will not be publicly accessible.
If you have purchased ads, those campaigns stop when ready upon deletion. Any remaining ad balance may be refunded to your original payment method, though this depends on your account type and payment history.
What to do if you change your mind during the 30-day window
If you deactivated and want your account back, straightforward log in with your username and password. Your account reactivates when ready with all content restored.
If you requested deletion and change your mind, log in before the 30 days end. Instagram will cancel the deletion and restore your account. After the 30-day period passes, you cannot recover the account — you would need to create a new one from scratch.
Keep your password somewhere safe during this window so you can log in if needed. If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login screen to reset it before the 30 days expire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else use my username after I delete my account?
Yes. Once your account is deactivated or deleted, your username becomes available for anyone to claim. If you think you might want the account back later, deactivate instead of deleting — deactivation reserves your username for the full 30 days.
Will deleting my Instagram account delete my Facebook account too?
No. Instagram and Facebook are separate accounts, even if you linked them. Deleting one does not affect the other. However, if you used your Facebook login to create your Instagram account, you will not be able to use that method to log back in after deletion.
What happens to photos I posted if I delete my account?
All photos, videos, reels, and stories are deleted along with your account after the 30-day window closes. If you want to keep copies, read them before you request deletion. Instagram does not provide a built-in read tool, so you will need to save them manually from your phone or computer.
Can I delete my account if I have an active business or creator account?
Yes, you can delete a business or creator account the same way you delete a personal account. However, any ads running on that account will stop when ready, and any remaining ad budget may be handled differently than on personal accounts. Check your ad account settings before deletion if you have active campaigns.
How do I know if my account was actually deleted?
After 30 days, try searching for your username on Instagram. If it does not appear and you cannot log in, the deletion is complete. You can also try visiting your old profile URL directly — if you see an error page instead of a profile, deletion has finished.