You can delete your Instagram account without knowing your password by using the account recovery process first

Instagram requires you to regain access to your account before you can delete it permanently. You cannot delete an account you cannot log into. The path forward depends on whether you still have access to the email address or phone number linked to the account, and whether you can receive messages at either one.

If you have access to your recovery email or phone number, you can reset your password in minutes and then delete the account. If you do not have access to either, the process takes longer but is still possible — Instagram will ask you to verify your identity using a photo of your ID.

Key Takeaways

  • You must regain access to your account through password recovery before Instagram will let you delete it.
  • If you remember the email or phone number on file, use Instagram's "Forgot password?" link to reset your password in minutes.
  • If you have lost access to both your recovery email and phone number, Instagram will ask you to upload a photo of your government ID to verify who you are.
  • Once you log back in, go to Settings > Account > Deactivate or Delete Account and choose the permanent deletion option.
  • Permanent deletion takes about 30 days — during that time, your profile is hidden but the account can still be restored if you log back in.

Reset your password using your recovery email or phone number

Go to Instagram.com and click "Forgot password?" below the login box. Enter the username, email address, or phone number associated with your account. Instagram will send a password reset link to the email address on file or a code to the phone number on file.

Check your email inbox (and spam folder) or your text messages for the reset link or code. Click the link or enter the code on Instagram's page, then create a new password. You should now be able to log in to your account. Once you are logged in, you can proceed to delete the account.

Verify your identity with a photo ID if you cannot access your recovery email or phone

If you do not remember which email or phone number you used, or if you no longer have access to them, click "Forgot password?" and then look for the option that says "Can't access these?" or "Need more help?" This will take you to Instagram's identity verification process.

Instagram will ask you to take a photo of yourself holding a government-issued ID (passport, driver's license, or national ID card) and upload it. The photo must show your face and the ID clearly. Instagram reviews these photos manually, which usually takes a few days but can take longer.

Once Instagram confirms your identity, you will receive an email with a link to reset your password. Use that link to create a new password and log in. After that, you can delete your account.

Log in and navigate to the account deletion page

Once you have regained access to your account, open Instagram on a web browser (not the phone app — the deletion option is only on the website). Log in with your username and new password.

Click your profile icon in the top right corner, then click "Settings and privacy." Scroll down and click "Account." Near the bottom of that page, you will see "Deactivate or delete account." Click that option.

Choose permanent deletion instead of deactivation

Instagram offers two options: deactivate or delete. Deactivation hides your profile temporarily — you can reactivate it later by logging back in. Deletion is permanent and cannot be undone after 30 days.

Click "Permanently delete account" if you want the account gone for good. Instagram will ask you to enter your password one more time to confirm. Type it in and click the final confirmation button.

Understand what happens during the 30-day deletion window

After you request permanent deletion, your profile disappears from Instagram when ready. Other users cannot find your account, see your posts, or message you. Your photos, videos, comments, and likes are no longer visible on the platform.

For 30 days after deletion, Instagram keeps your data in case you change your mind. If you log back into your account during this window, the deletion will be cancelled and your account will be restored. After 30 days, Instagram permanently removes all your data from their servers.

What to do if Instagram's recovery process does not work

If you have tried the password reset and identity verification but still cannot access your account, you can contact Instagram directly through their Help Center. Go to Help.Instagram.com, click "Report a problem," and describe your situation. Instagram's support team can sometimes help with accounts that are locked or compromised.

Be aware that Instagram's support team responds slowly — replies can take weeks. If you are trying to delete the account because it has been hacked or compromised, reporting it as a security issue may speed up the response.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my Instagram account from the phone app?

No. The delete account option only appears on Instagram's website, not in the mobile app. You must use a web browser on a computer or phone to access the deletion page. Log in at Instagram.com, go to Settings > Account, and look for "Deactivate or delete account."

What is the difference between deactivating and deleting?

Deactivation hides your profile temporarily but keeps your data. You can reactivate by logging back in. Deletion is permanent after 30 days and cannot be reversed. Choose deletion if you want the account gone for good.

How long does Instagram's identity verification take?

Manual review of your ID photo usually takes a few days, but can take up to a week or longer during high volume periods. Instagram will email you when the review is complete and send you a password reset link.

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. If you want both deleted, you must delete each account separately.

Can someone else delete my Instagram account if they have my password?

Yes. Anyone who can log into your account can delete it. If you think someone else has your password, change it when ready by using the "Forgot password?" option, even if you remember your current password. This logs out all other sessions.