Instagram gives you two ways to remove your account, and they work very differently
You can either deactivate your account temporarily or delete it permanently. Deactivation hides your profile, posts, and comments for up to 30 days — if you log back in during that window, everything comes back. Deletion is permanent: after 30 days, Instagram erases your account, photos, videos, comments, and likes. You cannot recover a deleted account after that period ends.
Most people choose deactivation first because it gives you time to change your mind. If you know you want out for good, deletion is the option to use.
Key Takeaways
- Deactivation hides your account for up to 30 days and can be reversed if you log back in; deletion is permanent after 30 days.
- You can deactivate or delete through Instagram's settings on your phone or computer, but the steps differ slightly between devices.
- Instagram will not delete your account immediately — you have a 30-day window to change your mind before the deletion becomes final.
- If you use Instagram to log into other apps or websites, those connections will break once your account is gone.
How to deactivate your account temporarily
On your phone, open Instagram and go to your profile. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right, then tap Settings and privacy. Scroll down to Account and tap Account control. Choose Deactivate or delete, then tap Deactivate account. Instagram will ask you why you are leaving — you can skip this or tell them. Enter your password to confirm, and your account is hidden immediately.
On a computer, go to instagram.com, click your profile picture in the top right, and select Settings. Click Account control on the left side, then Deactivate or delete. Choose Deactivate account, answer the optional question, enter your password, and click Deactivate account. Your profile disappears right away, but you can reactivate it anytime within 30 days by logging back in.
How to permanently delete your account
The deletion process is the same as deactivation up to the final choice. On your phone, go to your profile, tap the menu, select Settings and privacy, scroll to Account control, and tap Deactivate or delete. This time, choose Delete account instead of Deactivate account. On a computer, follow the same path through Settings to Account control, then select Delete account.
Instagram will warn you that deletion is permanent and show you what will be erased: your profile, photos, videos, comments, likes, and followers. Enter your password one more time to confirm. Your account is now scheduled for deletion. Instagram keeps it hidden for 30 days in case you change your mind — if you log in during this period, the deletion cancels and your account returns. After 30 days pass, Instagram permanently removes everything.
What happens to your photos and comments after deletion
Once your account is deleted, all your posts disappear from Instagram's servers. People who followed you will no longer see your photos in their feeds or on your profile. Comments you left on other people's posts will also vanish — their photos will show one fewer comment, and your username will not appear.
However, if someone took a screenshot of your photo or saved it before deletion, they still have that image. Instagram cannot remove photos from people's phones or computers. If you are concerned about specific images, consider downloading them yourself before deleting, or removing individual posts before you delete your account.
Logging into other apps with your Instagram account
If you used your Instagram login to sign into other apps or websites — like Spotify, Pinterest, or a photo editing tool — those connections will break once your account is deleted. You will need to create a new password or use a different login method for those services.
Before you delete, check which apps are connected to Instagram. On your phone, go to your profile, tap the menu, select Settings and privacy, then tap Apps and websites. You will see everything linked to your account. You can disconnect apps here before deletion, or wait and reconnect them using a different method after your Instagram account is gone.
If you want to keep your photos before deleting
Instagram lets you download all your data, including photos, videos, captions, and messages. On your phone, go to your profile, tap the menu, select Settings and privacy, then Account control. Tap Download your information. On a computer, go to Settings, click Account control, then Download your information. Choose the date range and file format (HTML or JSON), then request the download.
Instagram will prepare a file with everything and send you a link via email. This usually takes a few days. You can then save all your photos and posts to your computer before you delete your account. This is especially useful if you want to preserve memories or move your photos to another platform.
What if you change your mind during the 30-day window
If you deleted your account but want it back, log in with your username and password anytime within 30 days. Your account, photos, followers, and messages will all return exactly as they were. After 30 days, Instagram permanently erases everything and you cannot recover it.
If you deactivated instead of deleted, the process is even simpler — just log in and your account reactivates immediately. There is no waiting period for reactivation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else use my username after I delete my account?
Yes. After your account is permanently deleted, your username becomes available for anyone to claim. If you want to keep your username, you can deactivate instead of delete, or change your username before deleting and keep it on a different account.
Will Instagram send me a confirmation email when I delete my account?
Instagram will show you a warning message on screen before deletion, but you may not receive a confirmation email. Check your email for any messages from Instagram about account changes, but do not rely on email as proof that deletion started — the on-screen confirmation is what matters.
Can I delete my account if I have a business or creator account?
Yes, the process is the same. Business and creator accounts can be deactivated or deleted just like regular accounts. All your posts, followers, and messages will be removed if you choose deletion.
What happens to messages I sent to other people?
Your messages stay in other people's inboxes, but your profile name will show as "Instagram User" instead of your username. They can still read what you wrote, but they cannot click on your name to visit your profile.
Do I need to unfollow people before I delete my account?
No. When you delete your account, all your follows, followers, and activity disappear automatically. You do not need to unfollow anyone or remove followers beforehand.