How to Delete Instagram Account: Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

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Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms, but many users want to delete their account for privacy reasons, time management, or simply because they don’t use it anymore. If you’re planning to delete your Instagram account permanently or temporarily deactivate it, this guide explains both methods clearly.

Types of Instagram Account Removal

Instagram gives you two options:

1. Temporarily Deactivate Account

  • Your profile becomes hidden.
  • You can reactivate anytime by logging in again.
  • Best when you want a break from Instagram.

2. Permanently Delete Account

  • Your photos, videos, messages, followers, and profile are deleted forever.
  • You cannot recover the data once deleted.

How to Permanently Delete Instagram Account (2025)

Follow these steps to delete your account forever:

Step 1: Open the Instagram ‘Delete Your Account’ Page

You cannot delete your account from the app’s main settings.
You must open the official deletion page:

(Login required if you aren’t already logged in.)

Step 2: Select a Reason for Deleting

Instagram will show a list of reasons such as:

  • Privacy concerns
  • Want to take a break
  • Too distracting
  • Created a second account
  • Something else

Select any reason.

Step 3: Enter Your Instagram Password

To confirm that the account belongs to you, Instagram will ask for your password.
Enter your password in the box.

Step 4: Click on “Delete Your Username”

You will see a final button like:

➡️ Delete @yourusername

Click it.

Step 5: Account Will Be Scheduled for Deletion

Instagram gives a 30-day grace period.

  • During these 30 days, your account is invisible.
  • If you log in again, deletion will be cancelled.
  • After 30 days, Instagram permanently deletes your account.

How to Delete Instagram Account Using Mobile App (Android/iPhone)

Instagram recently added an in-app option.

Steps:

  1. Open Instagram App.
  2. Go to your Profile.
  3. Tap on Menu (☰) → Settings and privacy.
  4. Scroll down to Account Center.
  5. Select Personal details.
  6. Tap Account ownership and control.
  7. Choose Deactivation or Deletion.
  8. Select your Instagram account.
  9. Choose:
    • Deactivate account, or
    • Delete account
  10. Confirm the process by entering your password.

How to Temporarily Deactivate Instagram Account

If you don’t want to delete your account permanently:

Steps to deactivate:

  1. Open Instagram in a browser (mobile/computer).
  2. Go to your profile.
  3. Click Edit Profile.
  4. Scroll to Temporarily deactivate my account.
  5. Pick a reason.
  6. Enter password.
  7. Hit Temporarily Deactivate Account.

Your account will disappear until you log in again.

What Happens After You Delete Your Instagram Account?

When you permanently delete your account:

✔ All photos & videos are removed
✔ All reels & stories vanish
✔ All messages are deleted
✔ Your followers list disappears
✔ Username becomes available again (after some time)
❌ Deleted data cannot be recovered

Can You Download Your Instagram Data Before Deleting?

Yes! Instagram allows downloading your entire data:

  1. Go to Settings → Privacy & Security.
  2. Scroll to Data Download.
  3. Enter your email.
  4. Instagram will email your photos, videos, messages, posts, etc.

This is recommended before deletion.

Final Thoughts

Deleting an Instagram account is simple but permanent.
You should choose this option only if you’re sure you won’t use that account again.
If you just want a break, select the Temporary Deactivation option.

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