Instagram gives you two ways to remove your account: temporary deactivation or permanent deletion
If you want to step away from Instagram, you have two separate paths. Deactivation hides your profile, posts, and comments for as long as you want — you can reactivate by logging back in. Deletion is permanent: after 30 days, Instagram removes your account, posts, photos, and messages from their servers. You cannot undo deletion after those 30 days pass.
Most people who think they want to delete actually want to deactivate. Deactivation lets you take a break without losing everything if you change your mind. Deletion is the right choice only if you are certain you will not want your account back.
The process differs slightly depending on whether you use the app or a web browser, but both lead to the same two options.
Key Takeaways
- Deactivation hides your account temporarily and can be reversed by logging back in at any time.
- Deletion is permanent after 30 days and cannot be undone — Instagram will remove all your posts, photos, messages, and account data.
- You must use a web browser to permanently delete your account; the Instagram app only offers deactivation.
- Before deletion, read your photos and data if you want to keep copies, because Instagram will not send them to you afterward.
- If you share login credentials with others, change your password before deactivating or deleting so they cannot reactivate your account.
How to deactivate your Instagram account from the app
Open Instagram and go to your profile. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right, then tap Settings and privacy. Scroll down and tap Account, then Deactivate or delete account. Choose Deactivate account.
Instagram will ask you why you are leaving and show you a reason dropdown. Select any reason or skip this step. Then enter your password to confirm. Tap Deactivate account again to finish. Your profile disappears when ready, but you can log back in anytime to reactivate it.
While your account is deactivated, no one can see your profile or posts. Your username becomes available for someone else to claim. Messages you sent remain visible to the people who received them, but your name will not appear next to them.
How to permanently delete your Instagram account from a web browser
Go to instagram.com and log in. Click your profile picture in the top right corner, then click Settings. On the left side, click How you use Instagram, then Deactivation or deletion. Choose Delete account.
Instagram will ask you to select a reason from a dropdown menu. Choose any option or skip it. Enter your password to confirm your identity. Read the warning about permanent deletion — after 30 days, everything is gone. Click Permanently delete account to start the 30-day countdown.
During those 30 days, you can still log back in and cancel the deletion. After 30 days pass, Instagram permanently removes your account, all posts, all photos, all comments, and all direct messages from their servers. The deletion cannot be reversed.
What happens to your data during the 30-day deletion window
For 30 days after you request deletion, your account is in a holding state. Your profile is hidden from public view, but Instagram has not yet erased your data. If you log back in during this window, you can cancel the deletion and your account returns to normal.
After the 30 days end, Instagram deletes everything associated with your account. This includes all photos you posted, all captions, all comments you made on other posts, all direct messages, all stories, all reels, and all saved posts. People who follow you will see that your account no longer exists.
Messages you sent to others remain in their inboxes, but your name will not appear next to them — they will show as coming from a deleted account. Comments you left on other people's posts are also removed.
read your photos and information before deletion
Instagram does not automatically send you copies of your photos or data after deletion. If you want to keep your pictures or information, read them before you delete your account.
On a web browser, go to Settings, click How you use Instagram, then read your information. Enter your password and choose the date range and format. Instagram will prepare a file containing your photos, captions, comments, and direct messages. You will receive an email with a read link within a few days.
On the app, go to Settings and privacy, tap Account, then read your information. Follow the same steps. The read file is large — it may take several days for Instagram to prepare it, especially if you have years of posts.
What to do if you share your login with someone else
If anyone else knows your password, change it before you deactivate or delete. Otherwise, they can log in and reactivate your account during the 30-day deletion window, undoing your choice.
Go to Settings and privacy, tap Account, then Password. Enter your current password and create a new one. If you have used the same password on other accounts, change those too.
You should also remove any connected apps that have access to your Instagram account. In Settings and privacy, tap Apps and websites and review what is connected. Remove anything you do not recognize or no longer use.
Deactivation versus deletion: which one to choose
Choose deactivation if you want to take a break but might come back. Deactivation is reversible, takes effect when ready, and keeps your data safe. You can deactivate and reactivate as many times as you want. This is the better choice if you are unsure or just need a temporary pause.
Choose deletion only if you are certain you will not want your account back. Deletion is permanent after 30 days and cannot be undone. Choose this if you no longer want any presence on Instagram and do not need your photos or data.
If you are leaving because of harassment or privacy concerns, deactivation hides your account from view just as well as deletion does during the first 30 days. You can always delete later if you decide you want permanent removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reactivate my account after I delete it?
You can cancel deletion and reactivate during the 30-day window by logging back in. After 30 days, deletion is permanent and cannot be reversed. Instagram will not restore your account, photos, or messages after that point.
What happens to my followers and the people I follow?
When you deactivate, your followers cannot see your profile but the follow connection remains. If you reactivate, they are still following you. When you permanently delete, all follow connections are removed and cannot be recovered.
Will Instagram send me my photos after I delete my account?
No. You must read your photos before you delete. Use the read your information tool in Settings to get a file with your photos, captions, and messages. This can take several days to prepare.
Can I delete my account from the Instagram app?
The app only offers deactivation. To permanently delete your account, you must use a web browser and go to instagram.com. Log in, go to Settings, and choose the permanent deletion option.
What if I forgot my password and cannot delete my account?
Use Instagram's password reset tool on the login page. Enter your email address or username, and Instagram will send you a reset link. Once you reset your password, you can log in and proceed with deactivation or deletion.