Table of contents
- Difference between deleting and deactivating an account
- What to do before deleting your Instagram account
- How to permanently delete an Instagram account
- How to temporarily deactivate your Instagram account
- Common reasons for deleting or deactivating an account
Have you been wondering how to delete Instagram account? Maybe you’ve decided to remove your profile because you no longer use it, or because you want to protect your privacy. Perhaps you just want to take a break from social media and prefer to deactivate it temporarily without losing your photos and memories. Whatever your choice, it’s important to know the correct steps, because once the account is deleted it cannot be recovered.
In this guide, I’ll explain in a simple and detailed way how to delete an Instagram account, the differences between temporary deactivation and permanent deletion, and what to do first, such as downloading your profile data so you don’t lose your personal information.
Difference between deleting and deactivating an account
Before proceeding, it’s important to understand the distinction between the two options:
- Permanently delete
If you want to delete your profile, your content (photos, videos, comments, followers) will be erased permanently. Once deleted, you will no longer be able to log in with the same username, and to return you will need to create a new profile. - Deactivating your account
If you choose to deactivate it temporarily, your content will be hidden from other users. You can reactivate the account at any time by simply logging in again. This option is perfect if you want to take a break without deleting everything.
What to do before deleting your Instagram account
Before clicking on “Delete,” I recommend you:
- Download your data: Instagram provides a feature that lets you download your information such as photos, videos, messages, and profile settings.
- Go to your profile and tap the three-line icon at the top right.
- Select “Settings and Privacy.”
- Find the “Download Your Information” option.
- Enter your email and request the file.
- You will receive a link via email within 48 hours.
- Check connected apps: if you used your Instagram account to log in to other services, disconnect them.
- Think carefully: remember that once permanently deleted, you cannot go back.
How to permanently delete an Instagram account
Here’s step by step how to delete an Instagram account:
- Go to the dedicated page “Delete Your Account.” You can easily find it by searching “Delete Instagram Account” on Google or through the settings drop-down menu.
- Log in to Instagram from the website (not the app).
- Enter your login credentials (username and password).
- Instagram will ask you to select a reason from the drop-down menu.
- Re-enter your password to confirm.
- Click “Permanently delete my account.”
From that moment, your profile will be permanently erased. Instagram will keep the data for a short safety period, but then everything will be deleted.
How to temporarily deactivate your Instagram account
If you don’t want to give up your profile forever but just hide it for a while, you can choose to temporarily deactivate it.
Here’s how:
- Log in to Instagram from the website (this feature is not available in the app).
- Go to your profile and click “Edit Profile.”
- Scroll down and select “Temporarily deactivate my account.”
- Choose a reason from the drop-down menu.
- Re-enter your password.
- Confirm by clicking “Deactivate account.”
Your profile, photos, and comments will disappear from the platform until you decide to reactivate it by simply logging in again with your username and password.
Common reasons for deleting or deactivating an account
Many users choose to delete their account or temporarily deactivate it for various reasons:
- Privacy concerns, since Instagram uses a lot of personal data and some fear excessive use of shared information.
- Too much dependence on social media and the need for a break to reduce digital stress.
- Desire to better manage free time, dedicating it to real relationships, study, or work.
- Opening a new profile and closing the old one to present a different image of themselves or to start fresh.
- Others decide to do so to reduce public exposure, protect their online reputation, or simplify the management of their digital life.
Now it’s up to you
Now you know how to delete an Instagram account or, if you prefer, how to deactivate it temporarily. The choice depends on your needs: if you want to say goodbye to the platform forever, follow the steps for permanent deletion; if you just want a break, temporary deactivation is the best solution.
Remember: download your data before proceeding so you won’t lose your digital memories.
Questions and answers
- Can I delete my account directly from the app?
No, the feature is only available from the Instagram website. - Once the account is deleted, can I recover it?
No, once deleted it cannot be restored. - Can I delete the account without entering the password?
No, you must re-enter your password to confirm deletion. - Can I reactivate a temporarily deactivated account?
Yes, just log in with your username and password. - After deleting the account, what happens to my messages?
They will be deleted along with all other data. - Can I delete an account without downloading my data?
Yes, but you will lose everything. It’s recommended to use the “Download Your Information” feature first. - How long does it take to permanently delete the account?
Instagram disables it immediately, but data is kept for a short safety period. - Can I deactivate the account multiple times?
Yes, you can temporarily deactivate and reactivate it whenever you want. - Can I have multiple Instagram accounts with the same phone number?
Yes, but each account will have its own unique username. - Can I delete someone else’s account?
No, you can only delete your own. If you want to report a profile, use the report function.
