How to Delete Your Instagram Account (Complete 2025 Guide)

Instagram can be a fun and creative platform, but not everyone wants to keep their account forever. Whether you're taking a break from social media, switching platforms, or simply want a fresh start, Instagram offers two options: temporary deactivation or permanent deletion. This guide focuses on the permanent deletion process, which removes your photos, videos, likes, comments, messages, followers, and profile entirely after a 30-day grace period.

Before you delete your account, Instagram strongly recommends downloading a copy of your data. Once the deletion is finalized, you cannot recover your content or login information. Below is a complete step-by-step guide for deleting your account on both the app and web browser.

📱 Option 1: Delete Your Instagram Account Using the Instagram App (iOS & Android)

Instagram now allows full account deletion directly from the app, making the process easier and more accessible.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Open the Instagram app
Tap your profile picture in the bottom-right corner to access your profile screen.
Open the menu
Tap the ≡ (three-line icon) at the top-right corner.
Go to Settings and privacy
This section contains all account, privacy, and security controls.
Open Accounts Center
Meta manages all your connected Instagram and Facebook settings through this center.
Tap Personal details
This leads to account information and management tools.
Select Account ownership and control
This is where you can deactivate or delete your account.
Tap Deactivation or deletion
Choose the Instagram account you want to remove.
Choose Delete account (Permanent)
Avoid selecting “Deactivate account,” which only hides your account temporarily.
Tap Continue
Instagram will ask why you're leaving—select a reason from the dropdown menu.
Re-enter your password
This step confirms it's really you requesting the deletion.
Tap Continue and Delete account
After this step, the deletion request is submitted.

Your account will be hidden immediately, but you still have 30 days to log back in and cancel the deletion.

💻 Option 2: Delete Your Instagram Account Using a Web Browser (Mobile or Desktop)

This method can sometimes be faster and simpler, especially if you prefer using a bigger screen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Go to the official Instagram Delete Your Account page (available via browser).
Log in if prompted.
Select your reason for deleting the account from the dropdown list.
Re-enter your password in the confirmation field.
Click or tap Delete [username] to finalize the deletion request.

Just like the app method, Instagram immediately hides your profile and begins the 30-day countdown.

⚠️ Important Things to Know Before Deleting Your Instagram Account

🕒 1. 30-Day Grace Period

As soon as you submit your deletion request:

Your account becomes invisible to others.
You can still cancel deletion by logging back in within 30 days.
After 30 days, deletion becomes permanent and irreversible.

🗑️ 2. Permanent Data Loss

After the 30-day period:

Your photos, videos, messages, highlights, reels, and profile info are gone forever.
You cannot restore the account or username.

📥 3. Download Your Data Before Deleting

You may want to save:

Photos and videos
Profile information
Messages
Account history

To download your data:

Go to Your activity in the app.
Tap Download your information.
Submit your request.
Instagram will prepare a downloadable file and email it to you.

Deleting your Instagram account is a big decision, but the process is simple when you follow the right steps. Whether you choose to delete it permanently or just deactivate it temporarily, Instagram gives you full control over your account management. Make sure to download your data first if you want to keep memories safe.

File Name: how-to-delete-instagram-account-2025.md