Instagram gives you two ways to remove your account from iPhone
You can either deactivate your account temporarily or permanently delete it. Deactivation hides your profile, posts, and comments for up to 30 days — if you change your mind and log back in during that window, everything returns. Permanent deletion removes your account and all its content forever after 30 days. Both options start in the Instagram app on your iPhone, but the final step happens on Instagram's website because the app does not let you complete deletion from your phone.
Instagram does not let you delete your account directly from the iPhone app. You will need to use a web browser on your phone or switch to a computer. The process takes about five minutes, and you should have your password ready before you start.
Key Takeaways
- Deactivation hides your account for up to 30 days and is reversible if you log back in; permanent deletion takes 30 days to complete and cannot be undone.
- The Instagram app on iPhone does not have a delete account option, so you must use a web browser to finish the process.
- You need your Instagram password to delete your account, even if you normally use Face ID or Touch ID to log in.
- After you request deletion, Instagram waits 30 days before removing your data permanently, giving you time to cancel if you change your mind.
How to deactivate your account temporarily
Open the Instagram app on your iPhone and go to your profile by tapping the person icon at the bottom right. Tap the three horizontal lines (the menu) in the top right corner, then scroll down and tap Settings and privacy. Tap Account, then Deactivate or delete account. Choose Deactivate account.
Instagram will ask you why you are deactivating and offer a dropdown menu of reasons. Pick whichever fits closest — the reason does not affect what happens next. Enter your password when prompted. Tap Deactivate account again to confirm. Your profile will disappear when ready, but you can reactivate it anytime within 30 days by logging back in with your username and password.
How to permanently delete your account
Permanent deletion cannot be done entirely from the Instagram app. Start in the app by going to your profile, tapping the three lines, then Settings and privacy > Account > Deactivate or delete account. This time, choose Delete account. Instagram will show you a warning that deletion is permanent and cannot be undone. Tap Delete account to continue.
Enter your password and tap Delete account one more time. Instagram will tell you that your account is scheduled for deletion and will be permanently removed in 30 days. During those 30 days, your profile will be hidden but your data still exists on Instagram's servers. If you log back in at any point during this window, the deletion will be cancelled and your account will return to normal.
What happens during the 30-day waiting period
After you request permanent deletion, your account becomes invisible to other users. No one can find your profile, see your posts, or message you. However, Instagram keeps your information for 30 days in case you change your mind. If you do not log back in during this time, Instagram permanently removes your photos, videos, comments, likes, and follower list from its servers.
You cannot reactivate a permanently deleted account after the 30 days are up. If you want to use Instagram again later, you will need to create a brand new account. Any usernames or email addresses associated with your old account become available for others to use once deletion is complete.
If you cannot find the delete option in your app
Instagram sometimes rolls out features to different users on different dates. If you do not see Deactivate or delete account in your Settings, you can delete your account through a web browser instead. Open Safari or Chrome on your iPhone and go to instagram.com. Log in if you are not already signed in, then tap the three lines at the bottom right and go to Settings. Tap Account, then Delete account. Follow the same steps as above.
Using the web version on your phone works exactly the same way as using the app. You will still see the 30-day waiting period, and you can still cancel during that time by logging back in.
Cancelling a deletion before it is final
If you request deletion and then change your mind within the 30-day window, straightforward log back into your account using your username and password. Your profile, posts, and followers will return when ready, and the deletion request will be cancelled. After 30 days have passed, logging in will not work because your account no longer exists.
If you are unsure whether you want to delete permanently, deactivate first instead. Deactivation is easier to reverse and gives you time to think without losing your data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my Instagram account without knowing my password?
No. Instagram requires your password to delete an account, even if you normally use Face ID or Touch ID to log in. If you forgot your password, tap Forgot password? on the Instagram login screen and follow the recovery steps using your email or phone number before you attempt deletion.
Will deleting my Instagram account delete my Facebook account too?
No. Instagram and Facebook are separate accounts, even if they are linked. Deleting one does not affect the other. However, if you used your Facebook account to sign up for Instagram, you will need your Instagram password to delete it — you cannot delete through Facebook.
What happens to photos I posted on Instagram if I delete my account?
During the 30-day waiting period, your photos are hidden but still exist. After 30 days, Instagram permanently removes all your photos, videos, captions, and comments from its servers. If you saved copies of your photos to your iPhone, those will remain on your phone — only the copies on Instagram are deleted.
Can someone else see my account while it is being deleted?
No. Once you request deletion, your profile becomes invisible to other users when ready. They cannot find your account, see your posts, or access anything you shared. This is true for both deactivation and permanent deletion.
How long does it take for Instagram to completely delete my account?
Instagram waits 30 days after you request deletion before permanently removing your data. This gives you time to cancel if you change your mind. After 30 days, deletion is final and cannot be reversed.