Delete Your Instagram Account Permanently from Your Web Browser
To delete your Instagram account from a computer, go to Instagram.com, sign in, and navigate to Settings and Privacy. From there, select Account Center, then Accounts, and choose the account you want to remove. Click Delete Account at the bottom of the page, select your reason for leaving, enter your password to confirm, and click Delete Account again. Instagram will permanently remove your account and all its data after 30 days—during this window, you can cancel the deletion by signing back in.
The process takes about two minutes and requires only your password. Unlike deactivating (which hides your account temporarily), deletion is permanent after the 30-day grace period ends. After that point, your username becomes available for others to use, and your posts, photos, comments, and messages cannot be recovered.
Key Takeaways
- You must use Instagram.com on a computer to delete your account—the mobile app does not have a delete option.
- Instagram gives you 30 days to change your mind after you request deletion; signing back in during this window cancels the process.
- Deletion is permanent after 30 days and cannot be undone, so read your photos first if you want to keep them.
- You need your password to confirm deletion, even if you are already signed in.
- Deactivation (hiding your account temporarily) is different from deletion and can be reversed at any time.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Deleting Your Account
Start by opening Instagram.com in your web browser and signing into your account. Once you are logged in, look for the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom left corner of the screen on desktop, or click your profile icon and select the menu from there.
From the menu, select Settings and Privacy. A new page will open with several options. Look for Account Center near the top of the list and click it. This takes you to a page where you can manage multiple accounts if you have them. Click Accounts, then select the specific Instagram account you want to delete. Scroll to the bottom of the page until you see Delete Account in red text. Click it.
A popup will appear asking you to select a reason for deleting your account. Choose from the dropdown menu—options include "It's not useful to me," "I have privacy concerns," "I found another app I prefer," or others. After selecting a reason, click Next. Instagram will then ask you to enter your password one more time to confirm the deletion. Type it in and click Delete Account. You will see a confirmation message saying your account will be permanently deleted in 30 days.
What Happens During the 30-Day Waiting Period
After you request deletion, your account enters a 30-day grace period. During this time, your profile is hidden from public view—no one can find your account, see your posts, or message you. However, your data still exists on Instagram's servers and has not been erased yet.
If you change your mind at any point during these 30 days, you can cancel the deletion by signing back into your account with your username and password. Once you log in, Instagram will ask if you want to cancel the deletion. Click Yes, and your account will be restored with all your posts, followers, and messages intact. After the 30 days pass, cancellation is no longer possible, and your account is permanently deleted.
Downloading Your Photos Before Deletion
If you want to keep copies of your photos, videos, or other data before deletion, Instagram allows you to read them. Go to Settings and Privacy, then select Account Center. Click Accounts, choose your account, and scroll down to find read Your Information. Click it and select read or Transfer. Choose read, then select Photos and Videos (or other data types you want to save).
Instagram will prepare a file containing your data, which usually takes a few hours to a few days depending on how much content you have. You will receive an email with a link to read the file. The file is compressed (a .zip file) and can be opened on any computer. This backup is separate from the deletion process—you can read your data even if you decide not to delete your account.
Deactivation vs. Deletion: Which One to Choose
Instagram offers two different ways to remove your account from public view: deactivation and deletion. Deactivation hides your profile, posts, and comments from other users, but Instagram keeps your data. You can reactivate your account at any time by signing back in, and everything returns to normal. Deactivation is temporary and reversible.
Deletion is permanent. After 30 days, your account cannot be recovered, and all your data is erased. Choose deletion only if you are certain you will not want to return to Instagram. If you are just taking a break or want to step back temporarily, deactivation is the safer choice. To deactivate instead of delete, go to Settings and Privacy, select Account Center, click Accounts, choose your account, and select Deactivate Account instead of Delete Account.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
If you cannot find the Delete Account option, make sure you are using Instagram.com on a computer, not the mobile app. The delete feature is only available on the web version. Also check that you are signed into the correct account—if you have multiple Instagram accounts, you must be logged into the one you want to delete.
If Instagram says your password is incorrect when you try to confirm deletion, try resetting your password first. Go to Instagram.com, click Forgot Password on the login page, and follow the steps to reset it using your email or phone number. Once you have set a new password, return to Settings and Privacy and try the deletion process again. If you still cannot delete your account, Instagram's Help Center has additional troubleshooting steps, or you can contact Instagram Support through the app or website.
What Happens to Your Messages and Followers After Deletion
When your account is deleted, all direct messages you sent are removed from the inboxes of people who received them. However, messages other people sent to you may remain in their sent folders, though they will show as sent to a deleted account. Your followers will no longer be able to see your profile or any of your content.
If other accounts have tagged you in posts or mentioned you in captions, those tags and mentions will remain, but they will no longer link to your profile since your account no longer exists. Any comments you left on other people's posts will be deleted. If you were part of group chats, your messages in those chats will disappear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my Instagram account from my phone instead of a computer?
No, the delete option is only available on Instagram.com through a web browser. The Instagram mobile app does not have a delete account feature. You must use a computer, tablet, or phone browser to access the website and complete the deletion process.
What if I delete my account but want to use the same email address for a new Instagram account later?
You can reuse your email address after your account is fully deleted (after the 30-day period ends). During the 30-day grace period, the email is still tied to your old account, so you cannot use it to create a new one. Wait until the 30 days pass, then you can sign up for a new account with that same email address.
Will deleting my Instagram account also delete my Facebook account?
No, deleting your Instagram account does not affect your Facebook account, even if they are linked. The two accounts are separate, and removing one does not impact the other. If you want to unlink them before deletion, go to Settings and Privacy, select Apps and Websites, and disconnect Facebook before you delete Instagram.
Can Instagram recover my account after the 30 days are up?
No, after 30 days pass, Instagram permanently deletes your account and all associated data. There is no way to recover it after that point. If you think you might want your account back, cancel the deletion during the 30-day window by signing in again.
Do I need to unfollow people or delete my posts before deleting my account?
No, you do not need to do anything before deletion. When you delete your account, all your posts, comments, likes, and follows are automatically removed. You can delete your account directly without taking any preparatory steps, though downloading your photos first is recommended if you want to keep them.