Instagram deletion is permanent and takes 30 days
When you delete an Instagram account from a computer, the account and everything in it — photos, videos, messages, followers, and follower lists — disappears permanently after 30 days. During those 30 days, your account is hidden from public view, but you can still log back in and cancel the deletion if you change your mind. After 30 days pass, Instagram removes the account completely and you cannot recover it.
The deletion process itself takes less than five minutes. You do not need to delete the Instagram app from your phone or computer — the account deletion happens on Instagram's servers regardless of which device you use to start it. If you have multiple devices logged into the same account, logging in on any of them will show the account as scheduled for deletion.
Key Takeaways
- You must use a web browser on a computer to delete an Instagram account; the mobile app does not have a delete option.
- Instagram hides your account when ready but keeps it recoverable for 30 days in case you change your mind.
- You need your password to complete deletion, even if you are already logged in.
- Deactivating and deleting are different — deactivation hides your account temporarily, while deletion removes it permanently after 30 days.
Steps to delete your account on a computer
Open a web browser and go to instagram.com. Log in with your username and password if you are not already logged in. Click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom left corner of the screen, or if you are on the newer Instagram layout, click your profile picture in the top right and look for a menu option.
Select Settings and privacy from the menu. On the next page, click Account center at the top. This opens a new section where you will see your account information. Look for Deactivation or deletion and click it. Instagram will show you two options: Deactivate account and Delete account. Choose Delete account.
Instagram will ask you to select a reason for deletion from a dropdown menu. This is optional information — your choice does not affect whether the deletion goes through. Select a reason or skip this step. Click Continue to deletion. Instagram will ask you to enter your password one more time for security. Type it in and click Delete account. The process is complete.
What happens during the 30-day waiting period
Your profile, photos, videos, and comments disappear from Instagram when ready. Other users cannot find your account by searching, cannot see your profile, and cannot message you. However, Instagram keeps your account data on its servers for 30 days in case you want to undo the deletion.
If you log back into Instagram during these 30 days using your username and password, you will see a message saying your account is scheduled for deletion. Click Cancel deletion and your account returns to normal — all your photos, followers, and messages come back exactly as they were. After the 30 days end, this option disappears and the account cannot be recovered.
Deactivation versus deletion: which one you need
Instagram offers two separate options, and they work very differently. Deactivation temporarily hides your account. Your profile, photos, and comments disappear from Instagram, but the account still exists on Instagram's servers. You can reactivate it anytime by logging back in — there is no waiting period. Deactivation is useful if you want a break from Instagram but might return later.
Deletion is permanent after 30 days. Your account and all its content are removed completely. You cannot recover it, and you cannot use the same email address or phone number to create a new Instagram account for 30 days after deletion completes. Choose deletion only if you are certain you will not want the account back.
If you cannot find the deletion option
Instagram sometimes shows different menu layouts depending on your region, account age, or browser. If you cannot find Settings and privacy, try clicking your profile picture in the top right corner and scrolling down to find Settings. On older Instagram layouts, this might be labeled Options or More.
If the deletion option still does not appear, try a different web browser. Instagram's website sometimes behaves differently in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. Clear your browser's cache and cookies, then log back in and try again. If deletion is still unavailable, your account may have restrictions — for example, accounts that recently changed passwords or had suspicious activity sometimes have a waiting period before deletion is allowed.
What to do before you delete
read your photos and videos if you want to keep them. Go to Settings and privacy, click Account center, then look for read your information. Instagram will prepare a file containing all your photos, videos, captions, and messages. This takes a few hours to a few days depending on how much content you have. Instagram will email you a link to read the file.
Tell people who contact you through Instagram that you are leaving. Send direct messages to close friends or family letting them know how to reach you after your account is gone. Check if you use Instagram to log into other apps or websites — some apps use Instagram as a login method, and deleting your Instagram account will lock you out of those apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my Instagram account from my phone instead of a computer?
The Instagram app on phones does not have a delete account option. You must use a web browser on a computer, tablet, or phone to delete the account. Open instagram.com in any web browser and follow the steps above.
What if I change my mind after deleting my account?
Log back into Instagram with your username and password within 30 days. You will see a message offering to cancel the deletion. Click it and your account returns to normal with all content restored. After 30 days, the account is gone permanently and cannot be recovered.
Can I use the same email address for a new Instagram account after deletion?
Not for 30 days after the deletion completes. Instagram locks the email address and phone number associated with the deleted account for 30 days. After that period ends, you can use the same email to create a new account.
Does 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. If you want to remove the connection between them, go to Settings and privacy, click Account center, then find Connected accounts and disconnect Facebook.
Will my followers be notified that I deleted my account?
No. Your followers will straightforward see that your profile no longer exists when they try to visit it. Instagram does not send notifications about account deletions.