Instagram helps you to connect with others via posting images, videos, and reels. The platform has been popular for short videos that entertain and educate people. However, if you do not wish to continue using Meta’s Instagram, in this article, I will show a step by step process to delete your Insta account. It is a pretty straightforward procedure that requires your device (PC or mobile) and few minutes of your time.
Instagram Account Delete or Deactivate? Decide First
Before you begin the steps, please understand the difference between “deleting” or “deactivating” your Instagram account. Think if you want to permanently delete your account or just want to stay away foa a while. Deleting wipes everything—your pics, followers, messages—gone after 30 days. If you are not up to delete your account, you can deactivate instead, which hides your profile from others until you’re ready to come back. I’m focusing on the permanent deletion or deactivation, you will find both the steps here.
Step-by-step Guide to Delete Your Instagram Account
Step 1: Get Logged In
You’ve got to be signed in to delete your account. Grab your phone and open the Instagram app, or head to instagram.com on your laptop—whatever works. Punch in your username and password. Forgot your password? No big deal—just hit “Forgot Password” on the login screen and reset it with your email or phone. Once you’re in, we’re ready to roll.
Step 2: Grab Your Stuff (If You Want)
Before you get rid of Instagram, you might want to save your photos, videos, and all those reels you posted. You must do this because you do not want to lose those videos and photos that once meant something to you.
- App: Tap your profile pic at the bottom right, then hit the three lines up top. Go to “Your Activity,” scroll down, and pick “Download Your Information.” Pop in your email, and they’ll send you a link.
- Browser: Log in, click your profile pic up top, head to “Settings,” and look for “Privacy and Security.” Find “Data Download,” hit “Request Download,” and give them an email.
It takes a day or two to get the file, so don’t wait until the last second if you’re set on keeping your memories.
Step 3: Find the Delete Page
Instagram doesn’t make it super obvious how to delete your account—they tuck it away on a special page. Open your browser (phone or computer, doesn’t matter) and type in instagram.com/accounts/remove/request/permanent/. Or just Google “Instagram delete account page” and click the official link. Make sure you’re logged into the right account—if not, it’ll ask you to sign in again.
Step 4: Pick a Reason
When you land on the delete page, they’ll ask why you’re leaving. You’ll see a dropdown with stuff like “Too many ads,” “Worried about privacy,” or “Just don’t use it.” Pick whatever fits. It’s a quick step—they’re nosy, but it doesn’t change anything about deleting your account.
Step 5: Type Your Password
Next, they’ll want your password again. It’s their way of making sure it’s really you saying goodbye. Type it in carefully—if you mess it up, it won’t let you move forward. Forgot it? Reset it first, then come back to this.
Step 6: Hit the Button
Once your password’s in, you’ll see a red button that says “Delete [Your Username].” Click it, and you’re done—for now. Instagram gives you a heads up that your account’s set to vanish, but it’s not instant. They hold onto it for 30 days, just in case you change your mind. If you don’t log back in, it’s gone for good after that.
Step-by-step Guide to Deactivate Your Instagram Account
- Want a break instead? If deleting feels too permanent, deactivate it. Go to “Settings” in the app or on the site, hit “Edit Profile,” and look for “Temporarily Disable My Account.” Easy peasy.
- What about Facebook? If your Instagram’s tied to your Facebook, deleting it won’t mess with your FB account, but you’ll lose that handy login link between them.
- Your username: Once it’s deleted, someone else can snag it, so don’t expect to hold onto it.
What Happens After
Right after you hit delete, your profile disappears from everyone’s view. But behind the scenes, Instagram keeps it on ice for 30 days. Don’t log in during that time unless you want to undo it. After a month, poof—your account, pics, and reels are history. If you have collected your data earlier, you’ve got that file to keep whatever you saved.
If Something Goes Wrong
Sometimes things glitch. If the delete page won’t load, try a different browser or clear your cache. Bad Wi-Fi can mess it up too, so check your connection. If you’re really stuck, go to the Help Center in the app and send Instagram a message—though don’t hold your breath for a fast reply.
Conclusion
Instagram’s great for sharing snaps, clips, and reels with the world—it’s built a huge following for that. But if you’re done with it, getting rid of your account isn’t hard. Log in, save your stuff if you want, head to the delete page, pick a reason, type your password, and confirm. It takes a few minutes, then 30 days later, it’s like you were never there. Whether you’re ditching it for good or just testing the waters, this’ll get you sorted.
