Instagram gives you two ways to remove your account: deactivation and deletion

Deactivation hides your profile, posts, and comments from public view for 30 days. During that month, you can log back in and restore everything. After 30 days, Instagram deletes the account permanently.

Deletion removes your account when ready and permanently. You cannot undo this after a few minutes have passed. Instagram will not restore a deleted account, even if you contact support.

Most people choose deactivation first because it gives you a month to change your mind. If you are certain you want to leave Instagram and never return, deletion is faster. Either way, Instagram will delete your photos, videos, comments, and follower list.

Key Takeaways

  • Deactivation hides your account for 30 days and can be reversed if you log in again during that window.
  • Deletion is permanent when ready and cannot be undone, even by contacting Instagram support.
  • You must use a web browser or the Instagram app on your phone — you cannot deactivate or delete from the website alone on some older accounts.
  • If you have a business account, you may need to convert it to a personal account first before you can deactivate.
  • Instagram will not transfer your photos or data to you before deletion, so read anything you want to keep beforehand.

How to deactivate your account temporarily

Open Instagram on your phone or go to instagram.com in a web browser and log in. Tap or click your profile icon in the bottom right corner (phone) or top right (web). Select Settings and privacy, then Account center. Tap Deactivation or deletion.

Choose Deactivate account. Instagram will ask you why you are leaving — you can select a reason or skip this. Enter your password to confirm. Your account will disappear from Instagram when ready, but you have 30 days to change your mind. Log in with your username and password during those 30 days to restore it. After 30 days pass, Instagram deletes everything permanently.

While your account is deactivated, people cannot find your profile, see your posts, or send you messages. Your username becomes available for someone else to use. If you reactivate before the 30 days end, your username and all content return exactly as it was.

How to delete your account permanently

Open Instagram and go to your profile. Tap Settings and privacy, then Account center. Select Deactivation or deletion. Choose Delete account instead of deactivate.

Instagram will warn you that deletion is permanent and cannot be undone. You will lose access to your account, profile, photos, videos, comments, likes, and followers. Enter your password one more time to confirm. Your account will be deleted within a few minutes, though it may take up to 90 days for all your photos and data to disappear from Instagram's servers completely.

Once you delete your account, Instagram support cannot restore it. Do not contact them asking to undo the deletion — they will not be able to help. If you think you might want to return to Instagram someday, deactivate instead and let the 30 days expire on its own.

read your photos and data before you go

Instagram lets you read a copy of your photos, videos, and account information before you leave. Go to Settings and privacy, then Account center. Tap Your information and permissions, then read your information. Select the date range and file format you want (HTML or JSON), then request the read.

Instagram will prepare a file that contains your photos, videos, captions, comments, and follower list. You will receive an email with a link to read it, usually within a few days. This file is yours to keep — you can save it to your computer or phone. Having this backup means you will not lose your memories even if you delete your account.

What happens to your messages and tagged photos

When you deactivate or delete your account, your direct messages remain in other people's inboxes, but they will show as sent by a deactivated account. People cannot reply to you. If someone has a conversation with you, they will see your old messages but no way to contact you back.

Photos and videos that other people tagged you in will stay on their accounts and in their posts. Your name will no longer be linked to those photos — they will just appear as untagged images. If you were mentioned in captions or comments, those mentions will remain but will not link to your profile anymore.

If you have a business or creator account

Business and creator accounts cannot be deactivated or deleted the same way personal accounts can. You must convert your account to a personal account first. Go to Settings and privacy, then Account type and tools. Select Switch to personal account. Instagram will ask you to confirm — once you switch, you lose access to business tools like insights and the ability to run ads.

After you convert to a personal account, follow the steps above to deactivate or delete. This extra step exists because business accounts are often tied to pages or business information that Instagram wants to preserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my account back after I delete it?

No. Deletion is permanent and cannot be reversed. Instagram support will not restore a deleted account under any circumstances. If you think you might want to use Instagram again, deactivate instead — you have 30 days to log back in and restore everything.

What if I forget my password and cannot delete my account?

Go to the Instagram login page and tap Forgot password? Enter your username or email address. Instagram will send you a link to reset your password. Once you reset it, log in and follow the deletion steps above. If you no longer have access to the email address or phone number tied to your account, contact Instagram support through their help center.

Will deleting Instagram delete my Facebook account too?

No. Instagram and Facebook are separate accounts even if you linked them. Deleting Instagram does not affect your Facebook account. If you want to remove both, you must delete them separately.

How long does it take for Instagram to fully delete my data?

Your account disappears from Instagram within minutes after you delete it. However, Instagram may keep copies of your photos and data on backup servers for up to 90 days before removing them completely. After 90 days, your information is gone from Instagram's systems.

Can someone else use my username after I delete my account?

Yes. Once your account is deleted, your username becomes available for anyone to claim. If you have a username you want to protect, consider deactivating instead — your username stays reserved during the 30-day window and is not available to others.