It starts like this. You’re lying in bed, phone in hand, scrolling through endless stories—faces, food, travel reels, ads that know you too well. You keep going. One more reel. One more post. Suddenly, your thumb stops. You sigh. Maybe, just maybe, it’s time to let it go.
Deleting your Instagram account permanently is not just a tech move—it’s an emotional journey. It’s like moving out of a house you’ve lived in for years. Your photos, your comments, your messages—they all live there. But sometimes, you realize you don’t visit that “home” anymore. Not really. It’s just noise now—a place filled with other people’s lives when you’re trying to figure out your own. We understand, and we’re here to guide you through this process.
This guide won’t bore you with robotic instructions. Instead, we’ll walk through the process naturally—like a conversation between two people who’ve both been there. You’ll get the steps, the reasons, and the closure. We’re here to support you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and calm process.
Let’s do it—together.
Why You Might Want to Delete Instagram
There’s no single reason. Maybe you’re tired of the constant comparisons. Maybe you want a mental detox. Maybe your privacy matters more now than likes or followers ever did.
Instagram was built for connection, but sometimes it leaves you feeling disconnected—from yourself. Every scroll brings new updates, new expectations. It’s easy to get lost in it. So, deleting your account isn’t just about social media—it’s about reclaiming peace, time, and focus.
Or maybe you don’t use it anymore. That’s fine too.
Before You Delete – Back Up Your Data
Before you hit that delete button, take a moment. Instagram gives you a way to download all your data—photos, videos, messages—so you don’t lose your memories forever.
Here’s how you can do it:
- Open the Instagram app or go to instagram.com on your browser.
- Tap on your profile icon → Settings → Your Activity.
- Scroll to Download Your Information.
- Enter your email and tap Request Download.
Instagram will send you a file link (usually within 24 to 48 hours). Once you have it, you can delete your account knowing your memories are safe somewhere offline.
Step-by-Step: How to Delete Your Instagram Account Permanently
Now for the part that matters—the actual deletion. Instagram doesn’t make it too obvious, probably because they don’t want you to leave so easily. But don’t worry, here’s precisely how you can do it.
On Your Browser (Mobile or PC)
- Go to Instagram’s Account Page.
- Log in to your account.
- Choose a reason from the dropdown list.
- Re-enter your password.
- Click Delete Account.
That’s it. Once confirmed, Instagram starts the countdown. You have 30 days to change your mind. After that, your account and all its data are permanently deleted.
On the Instagram App (iPhone & Android)
- Open Instagram and tap on your profile picture.
- Tap the menu (☰) → Settings and Privacy.
- Go to Accounts Center → Personal Details → Account Ownership and Control.
- Select Deactivation or Deletion.
- Choose your account → tap Delete Account.
- Confirm your password and hit Continue.
And that’s it. Instagram will log you out, and the countdown begins.
Can You Get It Back Later?
Yes—but only within 30 days. If you log back in during that period, your deletion request gets canceled, and your account is restored. But once 30 days pass, there’s no turning back. Your profile, your posts, your followers—everything disappears.
If you’re unsure, you might want to deactivate your account temporarily instead. It hides your profile and content, keeping everything safe until you decide to return.
Step-by-Step: Temporarily Deactivate Instead
Here’s how you can deactivate:
- Open Instagram in a browser (the app won’t work for this).
- Go to your profile → Edit Profile.
- Please scroll down and click Temporarily Deactivate My Account.
- Choose a reason and confirm your password.
- Tap Deactivate Account.
Your account will be hidden from public view but not deleted. When you’re ready to come back, log in again.
Things to Remember Before Deleting
A few small but essential details before you finalize things:
- If your Threads account is linked to Instagram, it will be deleted as well.
- Any connected apps or logins (like Facebook, Meta Business Suite, etc.) may be affected.
- Instagram may retain specific data for up to 90 days for legal and backup purposes.
- Once your account is deleted, your username becomes available for others to use.
So, if you ever want that name again, grab it early with a backup account.
The Feeling After You Delete
It’s strange, honestly. You’ll instinctively reach for your phone, thumb hovering over where the app used to be. You’ll check the time, open another app, maybe even reinstall it once or twice to see. But slowly, something shifts.
After deleting Instagram, you’ll feel a sense of freedom and lightness. You’ll be more present, with the constant urge to scroll gone. Meals will taste better, and mornings will be quieter. You’ll start noticing real moments again—the smell of coffee, the sound of rain, the space between notifications. This is the beginning of a new, more mindful digital journey.
Deleting Instagram doesn’t erase your identity. It just gives you back the version of yourself that existed before algorithms decided what you should see.
FAQs About Deleting an Instagram Account Permanently
1. Can I delete my Instagram account directly from the app?
Yes, both iPhone and Android users can delete their accounts from the app under Accounts Center → Deactivation or Deletion.
2. What happens if I log in within 30 days after deleting?
Your deletion request is canceled automatically, and your account will be restored.
3. Can I use the same username again after deleting?
Yes, but only after the 30-day deletion period has ended and no one else has taken it.
4. Will deleting Instagram also remove my Threads account?
Yes, since both are linked under Meta, deleting one deletes the other.
5. What if I only want to delete Instagram Lite?
Good question. If you use Instagram Lite, follow this guide instead — delete your Instagram Lite account permanently — for the specific steps.