If you have decided to delete Instagram and walk away from the platform-be it for privacy reasons, reducing your online presence, or simply taking a break-the process is quite straightforward. This article will guide you step-by-step on how to delete Instagram, how to deactivate your account temporarily, and how to handle your data.
How to Delete Instagram Account Using the Mobile App (iOS & Android)
To delete an Instagram account permanently using your phone, follow these steps:
- Open Instagram
- Launch the Instagram app and go to your Profile.
- Access Settings
- Tap the Menu icon, then Settings and Privacy, tap on Accounts Center.
- Navigate to Account Ownership and Control
- In Accounts Center, tap Personal Details, then select Account Ownership and Control.
Choose Deactivation or Deletion
Tap on Deactivation or Deletion, and select the Delete Account option.
Confirm Deletion
Choose the account you want to delete and tap Delete Account > Continue.
You will be prompted to enter your password and choose why you are leaving Instagram. Tap Continue after that. Your account will be set for deletion in 30 days.
How to Delete Instagram Account Permanently
To delete an Instagram account permanently, follow these steps:
- Sign In to Your Instagram Account
- Log in to the Instagram account you want to delete.
- Delete Your Account Page
- Go to the delete Instagram account link:
Select Reason for Deletion
Instagram will also ask why you are deleting your account. You select by using the dropdown menu.
Re-enter Password and Confirm Deletion
After you re-enter your password, tap Continue, followed by tapping Delete Account.
Note that if you do not log in to the account within 30 days of the deletion, the account is deleted automatically.
How to Temporarily Disable Instagram
If you are not sure about deleting an Instagram account permanently, then you can temporarily deactivate it. This way, you will be able to take a break yet keep your data on hold.
Settings
Open Instagram, then Profile > Menu > Settings and Privacy > Accounts Center.
Tap on Account Ownership and Control
Personal Details > Account Ownership and Control > Deactivation or Deletion.
Disable Your Account
Tap Deactivate Account, and then tap Continue.
Enter your password and tap Continue, then tap why you are deactivating it, and confirm that you want to temporarily disable your account.
Your account will now be hidden from other users, and you can restore it at any moment by logging back in.
How to Delete Instagram Account on Your PC or Mac
To delete an Instagram account from a computer:
- Log Into Your Instagram Account
- Log into the account that you want to delete.
- Access Settings
- Follow More > Settings > Accounts Center.
- Tap Deactivation or Deletion
- Tap Personal Details, then Account Ownership and Control > Deactivation or Deletion.
Confirm Deletion
- Tap Delete Account, then tap Continue.
- Enter your password, tap a reason for leaving, then tap Continue > Delete Account.
How to Deactivate Instagram Account on Your Computer
The process to deactivate your account on a computer is similar, except instead of clicking Delete Account, click on Deactivate Account.
- Sign In
- Log into your account at Instagram.com using a computer or mobile browser.
- To get to Settings, tap More Settings Accounts Center.
- To Deactivate: Tap on the Account Ownership and Control then click Deactivation or Deletion followed by tapping the Deactivate Account option.
- Enter Password and Confirm
- After typing your password and choosing a reason for deactivation, click Continue > Deactivate Account.
What’s the Difference Between Deleting and Deactivating Instagram?
The key difference between deleting and deactivating your Instagram account is that deleting is permanent. Once deleted, your account and all your data, including photos and messages, are gone for good.
On the other hand, deactivation temporarily hides your account from the audience. You could reactivate any moment using log in and everything will keep up as previously.
Can You Recover Deleted Instagram Messages?
One of the questions asked most is whether you can recover deleted Instagram messages. Well, once you delete your account on Instagram, the messages get deleted permanently. If you question whether deleted Instagram messages can be recovered, then the answer is no- once they are deleted, they cannot be retrieved.
However, in cases where you only deactivate your account, messages remain intact and you can access them upon reactivation.
Can You Get Deleted Instagram Messages Back?
If you are asking, can you get deleted Instagram messages back, the answer is no. It means that in case you have permanently deleted your account, your messages and other information are lost forever. Always remember to back up your information before proceeding with deletion.
How to Recover Deleted Instagram Account
Now, if you have deleted your Instagram account and afterward the feeling of regret haunts you, then the question will be whether you can recover a deleted account of Instagram. It all solely depends on when the 30-day deactivation period has been passed. Once the 30-day window passes, it is impossible to recover a deleted account of Instagram.
How to Delete Instagram Account on iPhone & Android
To delete Instagram account on iPhone or delete Instagram account on Android, you should follow the same instructions outlined above for the mobile application. It is the same process that you are going to follow for both the devices, and you will be able to delete Instagram in minutes.
FAQs
Why can’t I delete Instagram account?
You can delete Instagram only when you are signed in. The account can be deactivated or deleted only by its owner, which also requires confirmation with a password.
Can I delete Instagram without logging in?
No, to delete the account, you have to log in.
How much time does deleting the Instagram account take?
After you’ve requested the deletion, Instagram provides you with a 30-day deactivation period. After this period, if you don’t log in, your account will get permanently deleted.
Can I delete Instagram without using a password?
No, you need the correct password to delete an Instagram account. If you have forgotten it, then you can reset it.
How to Backup Data Before Deleting Instagram?
Head to Settings → Your Activity → Download Your information. Add an email address. Select the format of the files, then hit Request Download.
Conclusion
Now you perfectly know how to delete an Instagram account with the help of a mobile application and computer, and how to do it temporarily. Whether you prefer to delete Instagram once and for all or take a break by deactivating it, back up your important data first. To get more familiar with how to manage other social media accounts, refer to our guides on Facebook and Twitter.
