What happens when you delete Instagram
When you delete your Instagram account, Instagram removes your profile, photos, videos, comments, and likes from its servers. The account cannot be recovered after 30 days have passed. During those 30 days, you can change your mind and reactivate it by logging back in — after that window closes, the deletion becomes permanent and Instagram will not restore it.
Deletion is different from deactivation. When you deactivate, your profile goes hidden but Instagram keeps all your data. You can reactivate whenever you want by logging in again. Most people who want a break choose deactivation. Deletion is for people who want their account completely gone.
Before you delete, know that Instagram does not delete photos you posted in other people's posts or stories. Those stay on their accounts. Messages you sent to others remain in their inboxes too. Only your own profile and the content you created on your own account disappears.
Key Takeaways
- Deleting your account removes your profile permanently after 30 days, but you can reactivate during that 30-day window by logging in again.
- Deactivation hides your profile but keeps all your data, and you can reactivate anytime — use this if you want a temporary break.
- Photos and messages you shared with others stay on their accounts even after you delete yours.
- You delete through Settings on your phone or through Instagram's website, and you must enter your password to confirm.
- Instagram will ask you why you are leaving, but your answer does not affect whether the deletion goes through.
How to delete on your phone
Open Instagram and go to your profile by tapping the person icon at the bottom right. Tap the three horizontal lines (called a menu) in the top right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy. Tap Account. Scroll to the bottom and tap Delete account.
Instagram will show you a screen explaining what deletion means and asking why you want to leave. You do not have to answer the question — you can skip it. Tap Delete account again to confirm. Enter your password when prompted. Tap Delete [your username] to finish. Your account will be hidden when ready, and the 30-day countdown begins.
How to delete on a computer
Go to instagram.com and log in if you are not already. Click your profile picture in the top right corner. Click Settings. Click Account on the left side. Scroll down and click Delete account. Instagram will explain what happens and ask why you are leaving. You can skip this question. Click Delete account to continue.
Enter your password in the box that appears. Click Delete [your username]. Your account will disappear from Instagram when ready. The 30-day period starts now. If you log back in during these 30 days, your account reactivates and the deletion cancels.
What to do during the 30-day waiting period
Your profile is hidden from other users right away, but Instagram keeps your data for 30 days in case you change your mind. You cannot log in or use your account during this time. If you try to log in, Instagram will ask if you want to reactivate — say yes and your account comes back exactly as it was.
After 30 days pass, Instagram deletes everything. You cannot recover your account, photos, videos, followers, or messages. If you think you might want your photos back, read them before you delete. Go to Settings, tap read your info, and follow the steps to get a copy of your photos and data.
Downloading your photos before you delete
If you want to keep copies of your photos, read them before you delete your account. On your phone, go to Settings and privacy, then Account, then read your info. On a computer, go to Settings, click Account, then click read your info. Instagram will prepare a file with all your photos, videos, captions, and messages. This takes a few hours to a few days depending on how much data you have.
Instagram will send you a link by email when the file is ready. read it and save it to your computer or phone. Once you have the file, you can delete your account without losing your photos. The file is a compressed folder that you can open on any computer.
The difference between deactivation and deletion
Deactivation hides your profile but keeps everything. Your username becomes unavailable, your profile does not show up in searches, and people cannot see your posts or follow you. But Instagram stores your photos, messages, followers, and account data. If you log back in tomorrow or in five years, everything is exactly as you left it.
Deletion removes your account permanently after 30 days. You cannot reactivate after that window closes. Choose deactivation if you want a break or are unsure. Choose deletion only if you are certain you do not want the account back. Many people deactivate for a few months, then reactivate when they are ready to use Instagram again.
What happens to your username after deletion
During the 30-day waiting period, your username is reserved and no one else can use it. After 30 days, when your account is fully deleted, your username becomes available. Someone else can create a new account and claim that username. If you delete your account and then change your mind later, you cannot get the same username back if someone else has taken it.
If your username is important to you — for example, if you use it for a business or brand — think carefully before deleting. You might want to deactivate instead, or change your username to something you do not care about before you delete, so your preferred name stays available if you want to come back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my account if I forgot my password?
No, Instagram requires your password to delete your account. Go to the login page and click Forgot password to reset it. Enter your email or username and follow the steps to create a new password. Once you can log in again, you can delete your account.
Will deleting Instagram delete my Facebook account too?
No. Instagram and Facebook are separate accounts even though the same company owns them. Deleting one does not affect the other. If you want to delete both, you have to delete each one separately through its own settings.
What if I delete my account but want to come back with the same username?
You have 30 days to reactivate and keep your username. After 30 days, the username becomes available for anyone to use. If someone else claims it, you cannot get it back. If you think you might return, deactivate instead of deleting, or delete and reactivate within the 30-day window.
Does Instagram notify my followers when I delete my account?
No, Instagram does not send a notification. Your followers will straightforward see that your profile no longer exists when they try to visit it. If you want to tell people you are leaving, send them a message before you delete.
Can I delete just some of my photos instead of my whole account?
Yes. You do not have to delete your account to remove individual posts. Open the post, tap the three dots in the corner, and tap Delete. You can delete as many posts as you want while keeping your account active. Only delete your account if you want the entire profile gone.