Instagram deletion is permanent and takes 30 days to complete
When you delete an Instagram account on iPhone, the process happens in two stages. You request the deletion through the Instagram app or website, and then Instagram waits 30 days before actually removing everything. During those 30 days, your account is hidden from public view, but you can cancel the deletion if you change your mind by logging back in.
The 30-day waiting period exists because Instagram wants to make sure you are not deleting by accident. After 30 days pass, your profile, photos, videos, comments, and likes all disappear permanently. There is no way to recover them after that point, so make sure deletion is what you actually want before you start.
Key Takeaways
- You delete an Instagram account through the app's Settings menu, not by deactivating it — deactivation is temporary and reversible.
- The deletion request takes 30 days to finalize, during which your account is hidden but still recoverable if you log back in.
- After 30 days, everything on your account — photos, videos, messages, followers — is gone permanently with no recovery option.
- If you only want to step away temporarily, deactivation is the safer choice because you can reactivate whenever you return.
How to delete your account through the Instagram app
Open Instagram on your iPhone and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. This takes you to the main menu. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then tap Settings.
Scroll down to the bottom of the Settings page and tap Account. You will see several options including Delete account. Tap that option. Instagram will show you a warning page explaining that deletion is permanent and listing what will be deleted. Read through this carefully, then tap Delete account again to confirm.
Instagram will ask you to enter your password one more time for security. Type it in and tap Delete [your username]. That is the final step. Your account is now scheduled for deletion 30 days from today.
What happens during the 30-day waiting period
Once you request deletion, your profile when ready disappears from search results and other people cannot find you or see your posts. Your username becomes available for someone else to use right away. However, your account still exists on Instagram's servers during these 30 days.
If you realize you made a mistake, you can cancel the deletion by logging back into your account with your username and password before the 30 days are up. As soon as you log in, the deletion request is cancelled and your account returns to normal. Your posts, followers, and messages will all be restored exactly as they were.
If you do not log in during the 30 days, the deletion becomes permanent on day 31. Instagram will permanently remove your profile, all photos and videos you posted, your comments on other people's posts, your direct messages, and your follower list. None of this can be recovered.
The difference between deleting and deactivating your account
Instagram offers two separate options: delete and deactivate. Many people confuse these because they sound similar, but they work very differently. Deactivation is temporary — you can reactivate your account whenever you want and everything returns to normal. Deletion is permanent after 30 days.
If you are not sure whether you want to leave Instagram forever, deactivate instead of delete. When you deactivate, your profile is hidden and your posts are not visible, but Instagram keeps everything. You can come back months or years later, log in, and reactivate with all your photos and followers still there.
To deactivate instead, go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Account and tap Deactivate account instead of Delete account. You will be asked why you are leaving, but you can skip that question. Your account will be hidden when ready, and you can reactivate by logging in anytime.
What to do before you delete
Before you request deletion, read your photos and videos if you want to keep them. Instagram lets you read your data, which includes all your posts. Go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Account > read your info. Instagram will prepare a file with copies of your photos, videos, and other account information. This takes a few hours, and Instagram will send you a link to read it.
You might also want to message important followers or friends to let them know you are leaving, since they will not be able to find you after your account is hidden. If you have a business account or use Instagram for work, consider whether you need to transfer followers or content to a new account first.
Check whether you are logged into Instagram on any other devices — iPad, Mac, or other iPhones. You do not need to log out before deleting, but logging out first makes the process cleaner. After deletion is complete, you will not be able to log in on any device.
If you cannot find the delete option
Some accounts cannot be deleted through the app, particularly business accounts or accounts with special restrictions. If you do not see the Delete account option in Settings, try using a web browser instead. Go to instagram.com on your iPhone's Safari browser, log in, and go to Settings > Account > Delete account. The web version sometimes shows options the app does not.
If the delete option still does not appear, your account may have a restriction preventing deletion. This sometimes happens with accounts that have violated Instagram's rules or accounts that are linked to a business. Contact Instagram's support team through the app by going to Settings and privacy > Help > Report a problem and explain that you cannot delete your account.
What happens to your direct messages
When your account is deleted, your direct messages disappear from your inbox, but they do not disappear from the inboxes of people you messaged. They will still see your old messages in their conversation threads, but your profile will show as deleted and they cannot message you back or click on your name to see your profile.
If you have important conversations you need to keep, take screenshots or save them before you delete. There is no way to export your direct messages the way you can export your photos, so screenshots are your only option if you need a record of what was said.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my Instagram account and create a new one with the same email?
Yes, but you have to wait until the 30-day deletion period is complete. Once your account is permanently deleted, you can sign up for a new Instagram account using the same email address. If you try to create a new account before the 30 days are up, Instagram will not let you use that email yet.
What if I delete my account but want to keep my username?
You cannot keep your username after deletion. As soon as you request deletion, your username becomes available for anyone else to claim. If you want to preserve your username, create a new account with a different username before you delete the old one, or deactivate instead of deleting.
Will deleting my Instagram account delete my Facebook account too?
No. Even if your Instagram and Facebook accounts are linked, deleting Instagram does not affect Facebook. They are separate accounts. However, if you want to remove the connection between them, go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Apps and websites on Facebook and disconnect Instagram before you delete.
Can someone else see that I deleted my account?
Yes. When people try to find your profile or click on your name in old posts or comments, they will see a message saying the account does not exist or has been deleted. Your name will disappear from their follower list and from any conversations you had.
What if I change my mind after 25 days?
Log into Instagram with your username and password before the 30 days are up. Your account will when ready reactivate and return to normal. All your posts, followers, and messages will be restored. You can do this as many times as you want during the 30-day window.