Ready to leave Instagram for good? Learn how to permanently delete Instagram account from phone or computer with our simple step-by-step guide.
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How to Permanently Delete Instagram Account from Phone or Computer
Deciding to leave Instagram can be a big step. Maybe you’re tired of Meta’s policies or the app’s TikTok-like feed changes. Perhaps you’ve discovered alternatives like Pixelfed or Foto and want to move on. Whatever the reason, deleting your Instagram account is possible and this guide explains how to do it safely and efficiently, whether you’re on a smartphone or a computer.
Not ready to commit? Instagram also offers a temporary deactivation option, allowing you to take a break without losing your content.
What Does Deleting Your Instagram Account Mean?
Before you proceed, it’s important to understand the consequences:
- Permanent deletion removes your profile, photos, videos, comments, likes, and followers after 30 days. During this period, you can still reverse your decision.
- After 30 days, your account is gone forever. Instagram may take up to 90 days to fully remove all content, though copies may remain in backup storage.
Think of deletion as erasing your digital footprint on Instagram irreversible, but sometimes necessary for privacy or a fresh start.
Back Up Your Instagram Content
Before deleting your account, it’s highly recommended to download a backup of your photos, videos, and posts.
From the Website:
- Go to Instagram.com and log in.
- Click More at the bottom left → Settings → Account Management Center → Your Info & Permissions → Download Your Info.
- Choose the profile, enter your email for the download link, select JSON format, set media quality, and click Create File.
This process can take a few minutes up to 14 days, depending on how much content you have.
From the Mobile App:
- Open Instagram, tap your profile icon (bottom right).
- Tap the three-line menu (top right) → Account Management Center → Your Info & Permissions → Download Your Info.
- Follow the same steps as above to request your backup.
💡 Tip: Having a backup ensures you don’t lose memorable posts or photos you might want later.
Deleting vs. Temporarily Deactivating Your Account
Deactivation hides your profile, photos, comments, and likes until you log back in. It’s ideal for taking a break from social media without losing your data.
Deletion, on the other hand, is permanent. Once completed, your username becomes available to others, and there’s no turning back. Think carefully about which option fits your needs.
How to Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account
On Android or iPhone:
- Open the Instagram app and tap your profile icon (bottom right).
- Tap the three-line menu (top right) → Account Management Center → Personal Details → Account Ownership and Control → Deactivate or Delete.
- Select the account you want to delete → tap Delete Account → Continue.
- Enter your password, select a reason, tap Continue, and confirm by selecting Delete Account.
On Windows PC or Mac:
- Go to Instagram.com and log in.
- Click More (bottom left) → Settings → Account Management Center → Personal Details → Account Ownership and Control → Deactivate or Delete.
- Follow the same steps as on mobile to permanently delete your account.
Deleting an Instagram Account Without a Password or Email
You cannot delete an account without logging in. However, you can recover your credentials first:
Recover Your Password:
- Tap Get help signing in on the app or Forgot your password? on the website.
- Enter your email, username, or phone number and follow the link sent to reset your password.
- Log in with the new password and delete the account as described above.
Recover Your Username:
If you forget your username, you can use your email address or phone number to log in. Once logged in, your username is visible at the top of your profile.
Temporarily Deactivating Your Instagram Account
Want a break without fully deleting your profile? Here’s how:
From Mobile:
- Open Instagram → profile icon → three-line menu → Account Management Center → Personal Details → Account Ownership and Control → Deactivate or Delete.
- Select the account → toggle Deactivate Account → Continue.
- Enter your password, choose a reason, and confirm Deactivate Account.
From Computer:
Follow the same steps through Instagram.com. Your content will be hidden until you log back in.
Deleting an Instagram Account Linked to Facebook
If your Instagram account is connected to Facebook:
- Go to Account Management Center (app or website).
- Select Accounts → Remove Account next to the profile you want to unlink.
- Click Continue and confirm.
Once unlinked, you can delete Instagram as usual.
Reactivating a Deleted Instagram Account
If you change your mind, log in within 30 days of deletion. After this window, reactivation is no longer possible, and you would need to create a new account.
Deleting a Deceased Person’s Instagram Account
Instagram allows you to either memorialize or delete a deceased person’s account:
- Memorialize: Submit proof of death (e.g., obituary, death certificate) to Instagram via their help page.
- Permanent Deletion: You must be a close relative or legal representative and provide official documentation (birth certificate, death certificate, or legal documents). Submit the request using Instagram’s dedicated form.
You can also set your own preferences for memorialization or posthumous deletion in your account settings under Account Management Center → Personal Details → Account Ownership and Control.
✅ Final Thoughts
Deleting an Instagram account is a major decision. Always back up your data, consider temporary deactivation if you’re unsure, and follow the steps carefully for a smooth process.
Whether it’s for privacy, digital detox, or switching to alternatives, this guide ensures you can manage your Instagram presence securely and confidently.
5 FAQs about Permanently Deleting Instagram
1. How do I permanently delete my Instagram account on my phone?
Open the Instagram app or mobile browser, go to the Delete Your Account page, follow the prompts, and confirm your deletion.
2. Can I delete my Instagram account from a computer?
Yes. Visit Instagram’s Delete Your Account page on a web browser, log in, and follow the instructions to permanently remove your account.
3. What happens when I permanently delete my Instagram account?
All your photos, videos, followers, and data will be permanently removed. You cannot recover the account once deleted.
4. Can I temporarily deactivate my Instagram instead of deleting it?
Yes. Instagram allows temporary deactivation, which hides your profile and content until you log back in, without permanently deleting your account.
5. How long does it take for Instagram to delete my account permanently?
After confirming deletion, Instagram usually takes 30 days to fully remove your account and data from its servers.
