Instagram gives you two choices: temporarily hide your account or permanently delete it
When you delete your Instagram account, the account and everything on it — photos, videos, comments, followers — is gone for good after 30 days. During those 30 days, Instagram keeps your data in case you change your mind and log back in. After 30 days, the deletion becomes permanent and cannot be reversed.
If you are not sure about permanent deletion, Instagram also offers deactivation, which hides your account temporarily. A deactivated account can be reactivated by logging back in at any time. The difference matters because deletion is final, while deactivation is a pause.
You can delete your account from a web browser or the Instagram app on your phone. The steps are slightly different depending on which you use, but both lead to the same result.
Key Takeaways
- Permanent deletion takes 30 days to complete, and you can undo it by logging in during that window.
- Instagram will ask you to choose a reason for deletion, but your answer does not affect whether the deletion goes through.
- Deactivation hides your account but keeps it intact; you can reactivate it anytime by logging in.
- Deleting your account from a web browser is faster than using the app, which requires you to navigate through settings menus.
- After 30 days, your account, photos, and messages are permanently gone — Instagram cannot recover them.
How to delete your account from a web browser
Open Instagram.com in any web browser and log in to the account you want to delete. Once you are logged in, go to your profile by clicking your profile picture in the top right corner, then select "Settings and privacy" from the menu that appears.
In Settings and privacy, scroll down and look for "How you use Instagram" — this section contains account management options. Click "Deactivation or deletion" to see both options side by side. Select "Delete account" (not deactivate). Instagram will show you a warning that explains the 30-day window and asks you to confirm your password.
After you enter your password, Instagram asks you to choose a reason for deletion from a dropdown menu. Common reasons include "I do not use it," "I am concerned about privacy," or "Something else." Your choice here does not change what happens next — Instagram straightforward collects this information. Select the reason that fits best and click "Delete [your username]" to confirm.
Once you click that final button, your account enters the 30-day deletion window. You will be logged out when ready. If you log back in during the next 30 days, the deletion will be cancelled and your account will return to normal.
How to delete your account from the Instagram app
Open the Instagram app and log in if you are not already. Tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner to go to your profile. Then tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner of your profile screen.
Scroll down to find "Settings and privacy" and tap it. Next, tap "Account" to expand that section. Look for "Deactivation or deletion" — this option appears near the bottom of the Account menu. Tap it to see both choices.
Select "Delete account" and enter your password when prompted. Choose a reason from the dropdown menu, then tap the red "Delete" button to confirm. The app will log you out, and your account will be in the 30-day deletion window.
The app version requires more taps than the web browser version because Instagram buries the deletion option deeper in the settings menu. If you have trouble finding it, the web browser route is usually faster.
What happens during the 30-day waiting period
For 30 days after you request deletion, your account is hidden from public view. No one can find your profile, see your photos, or send you messages. However, your data still exists on Instagram's servers during this time.
If you log back into your account at any point during these 30 days, the deletion request is cancelled and your account returns to normal. Your photos, followers, and messages will all be restored exactly as they were. You do not need to do anything special to reactivate — straightforward logging in cancels the deletion.
After 30 days pass without you logging in, Instagram permanently deletes your account and all associated data. At that point, the account cannot be recovered, and you cannot use the same email address or username to create a new Instagram account for 30 days.
The difference between deletion and deactivation
Deactivation temporarily hides your account but keeps all your data intact. When your account is deactivated, your profile, photos, and comments are not visible to other users. However, you can reactivate your account anytime by logging in, and everything will be restored when ready.
Deletion is permanent after 30 days. Once that window closes, your account, photos, videos, messages, and follower list are gone forever. You cannot recover a deleted account, and Instagram cannot restore it even if you ask.
Choose deactivation if you want to take a break from Instagram but might return later. Choose deletion if you are certain you do not want the account to exist anymore. If you are unsure, deactivation is the safer choice because you can always delete later.
What to do if you change your mind during the 30 days
If you decide you want to keep your account after requesting deletion, straightforward log in to Instagram using your username and password. You will be taken through a brief reactivation process, and your account will return to normal when ready. All your photos, followers, and messages will be restored.
You do not need to contact Instagram support or do anything special — logging in is enough to cancel the deletion. This works at any point during the 30-day window, even on day 29.
After the 30 days have passed, logging in will not work because the account no longer exists. At that point, you would need to create a new account if you want to use Instagram again.
Things to know before you delete
Instagram does not send your data to you before deletion. If you want to keep copies of your photos or messages, you should read them before you request deletion. To do this, go to Settings and privacy, tap "Your information and permissions," then "read your information." Instagram will prepare a file of your photos and data, which you can read within a few days.
If you have a business account or creator account, deletion works the same way, but you may lose access to insights and analytics tools. If you manage multiple accounts, you must delete each one separately — deleting one account does not affect the others.
You cannot delete someone else's account, and Instagram will not delete an account for you over email or through support. Only the account owner can request deletion by logging in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my Instagram account if I forgot my password?
No, you must log in to request deletion. If you forgot your password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login screen to reset it. Instagram will send a reset link to the email address associated with your account. Once you reset your password and log in, you can proceed with deletion.
What happens to my direct messages when I delete my account?
Your messages are deleted from your account, but messages you sent to other people may still appear in their inboxes. Those other users will see your messages, but your profile will no longer be linked to them. They cannot reply to you or view your account.
Can I use the same email address for a new Instagram account after deletion?
Not when ready. After you delete your account, you must wait 30 days before you can use the same email address to create a new account. This applies even if the deletion is completed early. After 30 days, the email is available again.
Will deleting Instagram delete my Facebook account too?
No. Instagram and Facebook are separate accounts, even if they are linked. Deleting your Instagram account does not affect your Facebook account. If you want to delete both, you must delete each one separately through its own settings.
What if I want to delete my account but keep my photos?
Before you request deletion, read your information through Settings and privacy. Select "Your information and permissions," then "read your information." Instagram will prepare a file containing your photos, videos, and other data. read this file before you delete your account, and you will have copies of everything.