Instagram gives you two ways out: deactivation or permanent deletion
Deactivation hides your profile temporarily. Your username, photos, comments, and messages disappear from public view, but Instagram keeps everything on their servers. You can reactivate by logging back in within 30 days. After 30 days, the data stays deleted.
Permanent deletion is irreversible. Instagram removes your account, username, photos, comments, messages, and followers list from their system. You cannot recover any of it. This process takes up to 90 days to complete fully, though your profile vanishes immediately after you submit the request.
Most people choose deactivation first because it is reversible. Choose permanent deletion only if you are certain you will not want your account back.
Key Takeaways
- Deactivation hides your account for 30 days and is reversible if you log back in; permanent deletion removes everything and cannot be undone.
- You must use a web browser to delete your account — the Instagram app does not have a delete option.
- Instagram takes up to 90 days to fully remove your data from their servers after you request deletion.
- Before deleting, download your photos and data if you want to keep copies for yourself.
- If you share a business account with others, deletion removes the account for everyone who has access to it.
How to deactivate your Instagram account temporarily
Open Instagram in a web browser on your computer or phone — not the app. Go to your profile by clicking your username or the person icon in the bottom right. Click the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top right corner of your profile.
Scroll down and select Settings and privacy. Tap Account center, then Deactivation or deletion. Choose Deactivate account. Instagram will ask you why you are leaving and show you a warning that your profile, photos, comments, and messages will disappear. Select a reason from the dropdown menu (optional), enter your password, and click Deactivate account.
Your account is now hidden. You have 30 days to change your mind. Log back in with your username and password during this window, and your account reactivates immediately with everything restored. After 30 days pass without logging in, Instagram begins deleting your data, though some information may remain on their servers.
How to permanently delete your Instagram account
Go to Instagram.com in a web browser and log in if you are not already signed in. Click your profile icon in the bottom right, then the three horizontal lines. Select Settings and privacy, then Account center, then Deactivation or deletion.
This time, choose Delete account instead of deactivate. Instagram displays a warning that deletion is permanent and irreversible. Your username becomes unavailable for 14 days, so no one else can claim it immediately. After 14 days, anyone can use that username. Enter your password and click Delete account.
Your profile disappears instantly. Instagram then spends up to 90 days removing your data from their backup systems. During this period, your account is gone from the public site, but the company is still erasing traces from their internal storage. You cannot reverse this process at any point.
Download your photos and data before you delete
If you want to keep copies of your photos, captions, or messages, download them before you delete your account. Once deletion starts, you cannot recover this information from Instagram.
Go to Settings and privacy, then Account center, then Personal information. Select Download your information. Choose the date range (usually "All time"), select the data types you want (photos, videos, messages, captions, followers list), and click Request download. Instagram emails you a link within a few days. Download the file and save it to your computer before you delete your account.
What happens to your messages, photos, and followers
When you delete your account, your messages disappear from your inbox, but they remain in the inboxes of people you messaged. They can still see the conversation history and your old messages — deletion only removes them from your side. If you want to erase a specific message, you must delete it individually before closing your account.
Your photos and videos vanish from Instagram's public site immediately. People cannot find them by searching your username or browsing your profile. However, if someone saved or screenshot your photos before deletion, they still have copies. Deletion does not remove images from people's devices or from third-party websites that may have reposted your content.
Your followers list disappears, and you stop following everyone you followed. People you followed do not receive a notification that you deleted your account — your profile simply vanishes from their followers list.
Deleting a business or creator account
Business and creator accounts follow the same deletion steps as personal accounts. Log in, go to Settings and privacy, select Account center, then Deactivation or deletion, and choose Delete account.
If your business account is connected to a Facebook Page, deletion removes only the Instagram account. Your Facebook Page remains active. If you want to delete both, you must delete the Facebook Page separately through Facebook's settings.
If multiple people have access to your business account through Instagram's team features, deletion removes the account for everyone. No one can recover it, and all team members lose access immediately. Notify your team before you delete so they can download any data they need.
What to do if you cannot access your account
If you forgot your password or cannot log in, you cannot delete your account through the normal process. Go to Instagram's login page and click Forgot password? Enter your username or email address. Instagram sends a password reset link to your email. Click the link, create a new password, and log in. Then follow the deletion steps above.
If you do not have access to the email address linked to your account, go to Instagram's help center and select Something isn't working. Describe your situation and provide any information you remember about the account (username, phone number, previous email addresses). Instagram's support team may be able to help you regain access or delete the account on your behalf, though this can take several weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my Instagram account from the app?
No. The Instagram app does not have a delete or deactivation option. You must use a web browser on a computer or mobile phone. Go to Instagram.com, log in, and follow the deletion steps from there.
What is the difference between deactivation and deletion?
Deactivation hides your account for 30 days and is reversible if you log back in. Deletion is permanent and removes your account after up to 90 days. Choose deactivation if you might want your account back; choose deletion if you are certain you do not.
Can someone else use my username after I delete my account?
Not immediately. Your username is reserved for 14 days after deletion. After 14 days, anyone can claim it. If you want to prevent this, you can change your username to something else before deleting, though this does not stop someone from using your old username later.
Will my messages disappear from other people's inboxes if I delete my account?
No. Your messages remain in the inboxes of people you messaged. They can still read your old conversations. Deletion only removes messages from your own inbox. If you want to erase specific messages, delete them individually before closing your account.
How long does it take for Instagram to fully delete my account?
Your profile disappears immediately after you request deletion. Instagram then takes up to 90 days to remove your data from their backup servers. During this time, your account is gone from the public site, but the company is still erasing internal copies. You cannot reverse deletion at any point during this process.