You can delete your Instacart account through the app or website, but the process is not reversible
Instacart does not have a self-service delete button. To remove your account permanently, you must contact Instacart support directly through the app or website and request account deletion. Once deleted, you cannot recover your order history, saved items, payment methods, or any other account data. The deletion typically takes a few business days to process.
Before you delete, read or write down anything you need — your order history for tax or warranty purposes, recipes you saved, or payment information you want to keep elsewhere. Instacart will not send you this information after the account is gone.
Key Takeaways
- Instacart account deletion requires contacting support; there is no delete button in settings.
- Deletion is permanent and cannot be undone, so save any order history or payment details you need first.
- The deletion process takes a few business days after you submit your request.
- If you have an active order or pending refund, Instacart may ask you to resolve it before deleting.
- Deactivating your account temporarily is an option if you want to pause without losing your data.
How to request deletion through the Instacart app
Open the Instacart app and tap the account icon in the bottom right corner. Go to Settings, then scroll down and tap "Help." Search for "delete account" or "close account." You will see an option to contact support about account deletion. Tap it and describe what you want — a permanent account deletion. Instacart support will send you a confirmation email with next steps.
Keep the confirmation email and any reference numbers Instacart gives you. Support may ask you to confirm your identity or answer security questions before processing the deletion. Respond as quickly as you can, because the request can expire if you do not reply within a certain timeframe.
How to request deletion through the Instacart website
Go to instacart.com and log in. Click your account icon in the top right, then select "Account Settings." Scroll to the bottom and look for "Help" or "Contact Support." Search for "delete account" or use the chat feature to tell support you want your account permanently deleted. They will ask for your email address and may request additional information to verify you own the account.
The website chat is often faster than the app for account deletion requests. If the chat option is not available, use the email contact form and expect a response within one to two business days.
What happens to your data when you delete
Instacart removes your personal information, payment methods, addresses, and order history from their active systems. However, they may keep some data for legal or tax reasons — for example, if you received a refund or had a dispute, records of that transaction may remain in their archives for a set period. You can ask support what data they retain and for how long.
Your deleted account cannot be used to place orders, and anyone with your email address cannot use it to create a new Instacart account when ready. There is usually a waiting period of a few days to a week before the email becomes available for a new account.
The difference between deactivating and deleting
Deactivation pauses your account temporarily. You keep all your data, saved items, and payment methods. You can reactivate whenever you want by logging back in. This is useful if you are taking a break but might return.
Deletion is permanent. All your data is removed, and you cannot get it back. If you change your mind later, you would have to create a brand-new account from scratch. Choose deactivation if you are unsure whether you will use Instacart again.
What to do before you delete
Take a screenshot or write down your order history if you need it for receipts, returns, or warranty claims. Note any saved recipes, dietary preferences, or frequently ordered items you want to remember. If you have a refund pending, wait for it to process before requesting deletion — Instacart may hold up the deletion until the refund is complete.
Check whether you have any active subscriptions, like Instacart+, that are set to auto-renew. Canceling the subscription before deletion prevents any surprise charges. If you have a gift card balance, use it or contact support to see if they can transfer it before the account closes.
If Instacart support does not respond
Support response times vary, but you should hear back within two to three business days. If you do not receive a response, send a follow-up message with your original request and any reference number they gave you. Be clear that you are requesting permanent account deletion.
If support is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with your state's attorney general or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Include your email address, the date you requested deletion, and any messages from Instacart. This creates an official record and sometimes prompts a faster response.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my Instacart account if I have an active order?
Instacart usually asks you to wait until the order is delivered and any issues are resolved before processing deletion. If you have an urgent reason to delete, explain it to support and they may make an exception. Active orders typically complete within a few hours to a day.
Will deleting my account remove me from Instacart's mailing list?
Yes. Once your account is deleted, Instacart stops sending marketing emails to that address. However, if you created multiple accounts with different email addresses, you may need to unsubscribe from each one separately before deletion.
Can someone else use my email to create a new Instacart account right after I delete mine?
Not when ready. Instacart typically locks the email for a few days to a week after deletion. After that period, the email becomes available for a new account. This prevents accidental reactivation or unauthorized access.
What if I forgot my Instacart password and cannot log in to request deletion?
Use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it. If you no longer have access to the email address associated with the account, contact Instacart support directly and explain the situation. They can verify your identity through other means and process the deletion request.
Does deleting my Instacart account affect my credit or payment history?
No. Deleting your account does not change your credit score or payment history with your bank or credit card company. Instacart may keep transaction records for their own accounting, but those are separate from your credit file.