How to Delete Your Instagram Account Permanently
Whether you’re taking a break from social media, concerned about privacy, or just done with Instagram, deleting your account is a permanent step that removes your profile, photos, videos, comments, likes, and followers. This guide covers how to permanently delete or temporarily deactivate your Instagram account in 2026, including the latest changes to the process through Meta Accounts Center.
Before You Delete: Important Things to Know
Deleting your Instagram account is permanent and irreversible. Once deleted, you cannot reactivate it or recover any content. Your username will not be available for reuse. If you might want to return, consider temporarily deactivating instead (instructions below). Before deleting, download your data: go to Settings > Accounts Center > Your information and permissions > Download your information and request a copy of all your Instagram data.
How to Delete Instagram on iPhone or Android
Open the Instagram app and tap your profile icon in the bottom right. Tap the three lines (hamburger menu) in the top right, then tap Accounts Center. Tap Personal details, then tap Account ownership and control. Tap Deactivation or deletion, then select your Instagram account. Choose Delete account and tap Continue. Instagram will ask why you’re leaving — select a reason from the dropdown. Enter your password when prompted, then tap Delete account. Your account enters a 30-day grace period before permanent deletion. If you log back in within 30 days, you can cancel the deletion.
How to Delete Instagram from a Web Browser
Go to instagram.com and log into your account. Click your profile picture in the top right and select Settings. Click Accounts Center in the left sidebar. Click Personal details > Account ownership and control > Deactivation or deletion. Select your Instagram account, choose Delete account, and follow the prompts. Enter your password and confirm the deletion.
How to Temporarily Deactivate Instagram Instead
If you’re not ready for a permanent goodbye, deactivation hides your profile, photos, and comments until you reactivate by logging back in. Open Instagram and go to Settings > Accounts Center > Personal details > Account ownership and control > Deactivation or deletion. Select your Instagram account, then choose Deactivate account instead of Delete. Select a reason, enter your password, and confirm. To reactivate, simply log back into Instagram anytime — all your content will be restored.
What Happens When You Delete Your Instagram
During the 30-day grace period, your profile is hidden but your data still exists on Instagram’s servers. After 30 days, deletion is permanent — your profile, photos, videos, stories, reels, comments, likes, followers, and following lists are all permanently removed. Direct messages you sent to others may still be visible on their end. Any content others have shared or screenshot will still exist. Your linked Facebook or Threads accounts are NOT affected unless you delete them separately.
How to Delete Instagram If You Forgot Your Password
Go to the Instagram login page and tap Forgot password?. Enter your email address, phone number, or username. Check your email or phone for a password reset link. Create a new password and log in. Then follow the deletion steps above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete Instagram without waiting 30 days? No, the 30-day grace period is mandatory as of 2026. This is designed to prevent accidental deletions.
Will deleting Instagram delete my Facebook too? No. Instagram and Facebook are separate accounts even if linked through Meta. You must delete each separately.
Can someone else see my profile during the 30-day deletion period? No, your profile is hidden immediately after you initiate deletion.
What about my Threads account? If you have a Threads account linked to your Instagram, you’ll need to handle it separately. Deleting Instagram may affect your ability to use Threads.
Can I delete Instagram without the app? Yes, use the web browser method at instagram.com described above.
