You can delete your Instagram account permanently from any web browser on your computer
To delete your Instagram account, go to Instagram.com, sign in, and navigate to Settings and Privacy > Account Center > Accounts and Passwords > Deactivate or Delete. Choose Delete (not Deactivate — deactivation is temporary), enter your password, and confirm. The account and all its content will be gone permanently after 30 days. During that 30-day window, Instagram holds your data in case you change your mind; after that, deletion is final.
You cannot delete an Instagram account through the mobile app — you must use a computer or access Instagram through a web browser. The process takes about two minutes once you are signed in.
Key Takeaways
- Instagram requires you to use a web browser on a computer; the mobile app does not have a delete option.
- Deletion is permanent after 30 days, but you can cancel the deletion request during that month if you change your mind.
- Deactivation and deletion are different: deactivation hides your account temporarily, while deletion removes it permanently.
- You must know your password to complete the deletion process.
The exact steps to delete your account
Open a web browser on your computer and go to Instagram.com. Sign in with your username and password if you are not already logged in.
Once you are signed in, click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom left corner of the screen. Scroll down and click Settings and Privacy. From there, select Account Center.
In Account Center, click Accounts and Passwords. You will see a list of any Instagram accounts linked to your email. Find the account you want to delete and click it. Select Deactivate or Delete, then choose Delete (not Deactivate).
Instagram will ask you to enter your password again for security. Type it in and click Continue. The site will show you information about what happens when you delete — your profile, photos, videos, comments, and likes will all be removed. Click Delete Account to confirm.
What happens during the 30-day waiting period
After you click Delete Account, Instagram does not remove your data when ready. Instead, the account enters a 30-day grace period. During this time, your profile is hidden from public view, but Instagram keeps all your information on its servers.
If you change your mind within those 30 days, you can cancel the deletion. Sign back in with your username and password, and Instagram will restore your account completely. After the 30 days pass, the deletion becomes permanent and cannot be undone.
You do not need to do anything during the waiting period — just wait. Instagram will send you an email confirming the deletion request, but no further action is required from you.
Deactivation versus deletion: which one you need
Deactivation hides your account temporarily. Your profile, photos, and comments disappear from Instagram, but your data stays on Instagram's servers. You can reactivate the account anytime by signing back in. Deactivation is useful if you want a break but might return later.
Deletion removes your account permanently after 30 days. Your profile, photos, videos, comments, and likes are all erased. You cannot get the account back after the 30-day window closes. Choose deletion only if you are certain you do not want the account anymore.
Many people choose deactivation first to see if they actually want to leave Instagram. If you find you miss it, you can reactivate without losing anything. If you are sure deletion is what you want, go straight to the deletion option.
What to do before you delete
If you want to keep any photos or videos from your account, read them before you delete. Instagram does not provide a built-in read tool, but you can take screenshots of individual posts or use a third-party tool designed for this purpose. Search for "Instagram photo downloader" to find options, but be aware that some of these tools may require you to enter your password — use caution and only trust established services.
Tell anyone who follows you that you are leaving, if that matters to you. Once the account is deleted, they will not be able to find you or see your old posts. If you have a business account or use Instagram for work, make sure you have moved your contacts and information elsewhere first.
If you have multiple Instagram accounts linked to the same email, you will need to delete each one separately. The Account Center shows all linked accounts, so you can go through them one by one.
Troubleshooting if deletion does not work
If you cannot find the delete option, make sure you are using a web browser on a computer, not the Instagram app. The app does not have a delete function. If you are on a computer and still cannot find it, try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge) or clear your browser cache and try again.
If Instagram says your password is incorrect when you try to delete, use the "Forgot password?" link to reset it first. You cannot delete without entering the correct password. If you no longer have access to the email address linked to your account, you may not be able to reset the password — in that case, contact Instagram's support through the Help Center on their website.
If you see a message saying you cannot delete right now, it may be because you recently changed your password or made other account changes. Instagram sometimes locks the delete function for security reasons. Wait a few hours and try again.
What happens to your data after deletion
After the 30-day period ends, Instagram deletes your profile, photos, videos, comments, and likes from its main servers. However, your data may remain in Instagram's backup systems for a longer period for legal and security reasons. Instagram does not publicly state how long backups are kept.
If other people have shared your photos or tagged you in posts on their own accounts, those posts will remain visible even after you delete your account. Deletion only removes content you posted directly.
Messages you sent to other users may also remain in their inboxes. Deleting your account does not erase direct messages from the recipient's side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my Instagram account from my phone?
No. The Instagram mobile app does not have a delete option. You must use a web browser on a computer. You can access Instagram through a mobile web browser if you do not have a computer available — just go to Instagram.com in Safari or Chrome on your phone and follow the same steps.
What is the difference between deactivating and deleting?
Deactivation hides your account temporarily and you can reactivate it anytime by signing in. Deletion removes your account permanently after 30 days and cannot be undone. Choose deactivation if you might return; choose deletion if you are certain you want to leave.
Can I get my account back after the 30 days are over?
No. After 30 days, the deletion is permanent and your account cannot be recovered. During the 30-day waiting period, you can cancel the deletion by signing back in. After that window closes, there is no way to restore the account.
Will deleting my account remove photos I posted on other people's accounts?
No. If you commented on someone else's post or were tagged in their photo, those posts stay visible. Deletion only removes content you posted directly to your own profile. Other users can still see posts where you appear or commented.
Do I need to delete my account if I just want to take a break?
No. Use deactivation instead. Deactivation hides your account and you can come back anytime by signing in again. Deletion is permanent after 30 days, so only use it if you are sure you do not want the account anymore.