Instagram gives you two ways out: deactivation or deletion

Permanent deletion removes your account, username, profile, photos, videos, comments, and likes from Instagram's servers within 90 days. After that 90-day window closes, the deletion is final. During those 90 days, if you log back in, the deletion stops and your account returns to normal.

Deactivation hides your profile temporarily. Your photos and comments stay on Instagram, but nobody can find your account or see your activity. You can reactivate by logging back in anytime — there is no time limit. Most people choose deactivation if they might want to return later, or if they want to step back without losing their content permanently.

This guide covers permanent deletion. If you are unsure which option fits your situation, deactivation is the safer choice because you can undo it whenever you want.

Key Takeaways

  • Permanent deletion takes 90 days to complete, and logging in during that window cancels the deletion and restores your account.
  • You must use Instagram's website or app to request deletion — there is no phone number to call or support form to fill out.
  • Instagram will not delete your account if you still owe money for ads or if your account is under review for violations.
  • After deletion is final, you cannot use the same email address or phone number to create a new Instagram account for 30 days.
  • If you have a business account, switching to a personal account first makes the deletion process simpler.

How to delete your account on the Instagram app

Open Instagram and go to your profile. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner, then tap Settings and privacy. Scroll down and tap Account, then tap Delete account.

Instagram will ask you to choose a reason for leaving from a dropdown menu. Pick the reason that matches your situation — the reason does not affect whether deletion happens, but Instagram uses it to understand why people leave. After you choose, tap Continue.

Enter your password when prompted. Instagram needs this to confirm you own the account. Tap Continue again, then tap Delete [your username] to confirm. Your account is now scheduled for deletion and will be gone in 90 days.

How to delete your account on a web browser

Go to instagram.com and log in if you are not already signed in. Click your profile picture in the top right corner, then click Settings. On the left side, click How you use Instagram, then click Account.

Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click Delete account. Instagram will show you a page explaining what deletion means. Read through it, then click the Delete account button at the bottom.

Choose a reason from the dropdown menu and enter your password. Click Delete account one more time to confirm. Your account is now scheduled for deletion.

What happens during the 90-day waiting period

Your profile disappears from Instagram when ready. Nobody can search for you, see your posts, or message you. However, your data is not gone yet — it sits on Instagram's servers during the 90 days. If you change your mind and log back in with your username and password, your account returns exactly as it was.

If you do not log in during those 90 days, Instagram permanently erases your photos, videos, comments, messages, and all other account data. After day 90, there is no way to undo this.

You cannot create a new Instagram account using the same email address or phone number for 30 days after the deletion is final. If you try, Instagram will tell you the account is temporarily unavailable.

Situations where Instagram will not let you delete

If you have an active ad account with unpaid charges, Instagram will not delete your account until the balance is paid or the ad account is closed. Go to your Ads Manager, check for any outstanding invoices, and settle them before requesting deletion again.

If your account is under review for violating Instagram's Community Guidelines, deletion may be blocked until the review is complete. This typically takes a few days to a few weeks. You can check the status by going to Settings and privacy > Account > Account status.

If you have a business account, Instagram sometimes requires you to switch back to a personal account before deletion. Go to Settings and privacy > Account type and tools > Switch to personal account, then request deletion.

Deactivation as an alternative if you are not ready

If you want to leave Instagram but might return later, deactivation is simpler. Your profile hides when ready, but your photos and comments stay on the platform. You can reactivate anytime by logging back in — there is no time limit and no waiting period.

To deactivate on the app, go to Settings and privacy > Account > Deactivate account. Choose a reason and enter your password. On the web, go to Settings > How you use Instagram > Account > Deactivate account.

While your account is deactivated, people cannot see your profile or send you messages, but your old comments still appear on other people's posts. If you reactivate, everything returns to normal.

What to do before you delete

read your photos and videos if you want to keep them. Go to Settings and privacy > Account > read your information. Instagram will prepare a file with your photos, videos, and captions. This can take a few days, and Instagram will email you a link to read it.

Tell the people who matter that you are leaving. If you have followers who rely on you for updates, send them a message with another way to stay in touch — your email, phone number, or another social media account.

If you run a business account, move your followers to another platform first. Take screenshots of your follower list, post your new contact information in your bio before deletion, and consider starting a mailing list or switching to a different platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my Instagram account on my phone if I forgot my password?

No. Instagram requires your password to delete your account, even on the app. Use the "Forgot password?" link on the login screen to reset it first. Check the email address connected to your account for the reset link. If you cannot access that email, you may need to use Instagram's account recovery process, which can take several days.

What if I delete my account but want to use the same username later?

You cannot use the same username for 30 days after deletion is final. After 30 days, the username becomes available again and you can create a new account with it. If you want to keep the username, deactivate instead of deleting — deactivated accounts hold their username indefinitely.

Will deleting Instagram delete my Facebook account too?

No. Instagram and Facebook are separate accounts, even if you linked them. Deleting one does not affect the other. If you want to disconnect them first, go to Settings and privacy > Apps and websites (on Facebook) or Settings > Apps and websites (on Instagram) and remove the connection.

Can someone else delete my Instagram account?

No. Instagram requires your password to delete an account, so only you can do it. If you think someone has access to your account, change your password when ready and enable two-factor authentication in Settings and privacy > Security > Two-factor authentication.

What happens to my Instagram Direct Messages after I delete?

Your messages disappear from your inbox, but the other person's copy of the conversation stays on their account. They can still see what you wrote, but they cannot message you back once your account is deleted. During the 90-day waiting period, if you reactivate, your messages return.