How to Delete Instagram Account
Taking a break from social media platforms is not strange these days. With so many options around, users might wish to delete their Instagram account permanently.
But how do you complete this process? This step-by-step guide will quickly go over all the information you need to know about the following topics:
- How to delete Instagram account permanently on multiple devices (mobile and desktop).
- Things you should know before you delete Instagram account
- What happens when you delete your Instagram account?
Before You Delete Instagram Account: Keep In Mind
According to Instagram, all users can permanently delete their Instagram accounts directly from the app or the desktop website of the platform.
However, before permanently deleting your account on this social media app, it is important to keep in mind the following factors.
1. Backup and Download Your Instagram Data
Once you get your account permanently removed from Instagram, all your data will be lost. This includes all your photos (profile photos), videos, comments, likes, and followers.
If you don’t want to lose this info, then request your data before you leave Instagram. These are the steps to request your data on the Instagram app:
- Launch Instagram and simply log into your profile. Then, tap your profile picture and open Settings;
- On Settings, look for the Your Activity menu - tap on it;
- Select “Download Your Information,” and tap “Request download.”
- Type in your Instagram password, and check your email inbox;
- There, you will find a download link with your data in a machine-readable HTML or JSON format. Download it and keep the file stored on your phone or computer.
2. You May Temporarily Deactivate Your Instagram Account
You may also temporarily disable account instead of entirely deleting it. You can only temporarily deactivate your account once per week, and it is possible to restore it whenever you want.
To disable your Instagram account temporarily, complete the deletion process as mentioned below and instead of selecting Delete Account, select Deactivate Account.
If you temporarily deactivate your Instagram profile, you will be able to access it again without problems whenever you want by logging into your account. This is a great alternative in case you are thinking about coming back to Instagram at some point in the future.
3. The Account Deletion Process Might Take Up to 90 Days
Your account information will be deleted 30 days after you decide to permanently delete your account.
For example, if you submit a deletion request on July 10, you could be able to revert the process by logging into your account before August 10.
However, Instagram says that it might take up to 90 days to completely remove your data from the platform.
How to Delete Your Instagram Account on Computer
First, let’s check out the steps to delete your Instagram account via a web browser.
This process also works in any mobile browser, although it’s easier to delete your account from the app. Without further ado, follow these quick three steps.
Step 1: Log into Your Instagram Account
Go to the Instagram website, and log into the account you want to delete by typing in your username and password.
Once you are logged into Instagram, proceed to the following step.
Step 2: Go to the Instagram Account Deletion Page
Now, it is necessary to go to the Instagram Account Deletion Page by clicking here. This page will take you directly to the menu where you can complete the deletion process.
Select the account name of the profile you want to delete, and move on to the last step.
Step 3: Select a Reason for Deleting Your Instagram Account and Type In Your Password
Instagram will ask you for a reason to delete your account. Among the different reasons, we have “I have another account” and “I don’t have time to use Instagram.”
Select the right option on the drop-down menu, and click “Delete Account.”
Re-enter your password, and after clicking on the Delete account button, the process will start. Remember it will take around 30 days for Instagram to delete your data after selecting the Delete button.
How to Delete Instagram Account on iPhone
iPhone users can delete their Instagram account directly via the iOS app. To do this, follow these quick steps.
Step 1: Open the Instagram App and Go to Your Profile Page
Log into your Instagram account and tap your profile icon at the bottom right corner of the screen.
Step 2: Select Settings and Open the Account Menu
Tap the hamburger menu next to the Edit Profile button, and a dropdown menu will open. Here, select Settings and then look for the Account menu.
Step 3: Tap Delete Account and Enter Your Password
Tap the Delete button, and Instagram will ask you whether you want to temporarily disable or permanently delete the account.
Select “Delete Account,” enter your account password, and that’s it. You will be logged out from your IG profile. Remember you can always log back in as soon as you do it 30 days before the final deletion date.
How to Delete Instagram Account on Android
If you own an Android mobile phone, then the easiest way to permanently remove your Instagram account is by doing so via the Accounts Center.
The Accounts Center connects your different Meta (Facebook and Instagram) accounts. This is how deleting your account on the Android Instagram app works.
Step 1: Open Instagram and Go to Settings
Open the Instagram App for Android devices, log into the account you want to delete, go to your profile by tapping on your profile account, and select Settings.
Step 2: Select Accounts Center and tap Personal Details
On Settings, select the Accounts Center. After opening the Account Centers, look for the Personal Details menu and proceed with the following step.
Step 3: Go to Account Ownership and Control and Select “Deactivation or Deletion”
Go to the Account Ownership and Control option, and select Deactivation or Deletion. If you want to temporarily deactivate your account, select “Deactivation.”
However, since we are deleting our account for good, then select “Delete Account.”
Step 4: Follow the On-Screen Steps and Select “Continue Deleting Account”
You will be redirected to the mobile account deletion page. Here, Instagram will ask you for your password.
Re-enter your password, select “Continue deleting account,” and finish the process. The account will be temporarily deactivated for 30 days before finally being removed from the platform.
That’s how you delete your account on Instagram. Deleting your Instagram account is an easy process - just remember to request a copy of your account data before doing so.
At the end of the day, you may always deactivate your Instagram account temporarily in case you feel like coming back to Instagram in the future.
FAQ
Can Instagram Delete Your Instagram Account for You?
No - on Instagram’s Support Center, Instagram says, “For security reasons, we can’t delete an account for you.” This means that you can only delete your account if you are able to log into your profile from the mobile app or desktop version of the platform.
Karen is a senior technical writer and copywriter at Hypegrowth. Her area of expertize are social media apps and new media.