Have you ever felt like you need a break from Instagram, or maybe you’re considering leaving it for good? You’re not alone. Many people wonder how to delete their Instagram accounts, whether for a short time or forever.
I’ll show you how to delete your Instagram account or take a break by deactivating it. Don’t worry – I’ll keep things simple and easy to follow.
We’ll examine how to do this on your phone or computer. I’ll explain the difference between deleting and deactivating and even how to return if you change your mind. Let’s get started!
1. How to Delete Instagram Account On Mobile (Android/iOS)
Alright, let’s start with the most common scenario: deleting your Instagram account using your smartphone. Whether you’re team Android or team iOS, the process is almost similar. Here’s how to permanently remove your Instagram presence from your mobile device:
Step #1: Open the Instagram app and Tap on your profile picture in the bottom right corner to go to your Account Profile.
Step #2: Tap the menu button (those three little lines in the top right corner) and Open your Account Center.
Step #3: Tap on the “Personal Details”
Step #4: Select “Account ownership and control”.
Step #5: Under “Account ownership and control,” you’ll see an option “Deactivation or deletion.” Tap on it.
Step #6: Choose the account you want to delete. If you have one Instagram account, this step will be a breeze.
Step #7: Select “Delete account” and tap “Continue.”
Step #8: Instagram will ask you to select a reason for leaving. Be honest – they’re probably tracking this data to improve their platform.
Step #9: After that, you’ll need to enter your password to confirm that you want to delete your Instagram account permanently.
And there you have it! Your Instagram account is now on its way to being permanently deleted. But hold up – there’s a catch. Instagram gives you a 30-day grace period before your account is permanently removed. This means if you have a change of mind within those 30 days, you can still log in and reactivate your account.
Related Articles:
2. How to Temporarily Deactivate Your Instagram Account On Mobile (Android/iOS)
Sometimes, you just need a break from Instagram without committing to a full deletion. Here’s how to temporarily deactivate your Instagram account:
Step #1: Open Instagram and go to your profile (bottom right icon)
Step #2: Tap menu (three lines, top right) and open Account Center
Step #3: Navigate to Personal Details > Account ownership and control.
Step #4: Tap on “Deactivation or deletion” and Choose “Deactivate account” and tap “Continue”
Step #5: Enter your password
Step #6: Tap “Temporarily Disable Account”
And just like that, your account is deactivated! Your profile, photos, comments, and likes will be hidden until you reactivate your account by logging back in.
Remember, deactivation is different from deletion. Your account isn’t gone forever – it’s just taking a little nap.
If you’re interested in learning more about Instagram performance, check out our Comprehensive Guide to Fix the “could not load” errors on Instagram.
3. How to Delete Instagram Account On Desktop
Maybe you’re more comfortable using your computer, or perhaps you just prefer the larger screen. Whatever the reason, deleting your Instagram account on the desktop is just as straightforward as on mobile. Let’s break it down:
3.1. Delete Account Using Direct Link
- Open and sign in to Instagram and navigate to the Instagram Delete Your Account page.
- Choose a reason of Account Deletion from the dropdown menu. Select the one that fits.
- For security, you’ll need to re-enter your password.
- Finally, confirm by clicking “Permanently Delete My Account.”
And there you have it! Your account is now scheduled for deletion. Again Remember, you’ve got that 30-day grace period if you change your mind.
3.2. Delete Account Using Settings
If you prefer to navigate through Instagram’s settings, here’s how to do it:
- Go to Instagram.com and log into your account.
- Tap on “More” and go to “Settings” > “Accounts Center.”
- Under “Accounts Center,” select the account you want to delete.
- Click on “Personal details,” then “Account ownership and control.”
- Choose “Deactivation or deletion.”
- Select “Delete account” and follow the prompts to confirm.
This method might feel a bit more official, as you’re going through Instagram’s formal settings. But the result is the same – your account will be scheduled for deletion.
Now, let’s say you’re not quite ready to say goodbye forever. Maybe you just need a break. In that case, let’s talk about how to temporarily deactivate your Instagram account on a desktop.
4. How to Temporarily Deactivate Your Instagram Account On Desktop
Here’s how to temporarily disable your Instagram account using your computer:
- Log in to your Instagram account.
- Navigate to More > Settings > Accounts Center.
- Go to Personal details, then select Account ownership and control > Deactivation or deletion.
- Choose the account you want to delete, then click Delete account and proceed with Continue.
- Verify your identity by entering your password.
- Select a reason for deleting your account and click Continue.
- Finally, confirm by clicking Delete account.
5. Difference Between Deleting and Deactivating Instagram Accounts
Let’s clear up any confusion about deleting versus deactivating your Instagram account. It’s kind of like the difference between moving to a new city and just taking a vacation – one is permanent, the other is temporary. Here’s a handy comparison table to break it down:
| Feature | Deletion | Deactivation |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | During the 30-day grace period | Temporary |
| Profile Visibility | Completely removed | Hidden |
| Data retention | All data deleted after 30 days | Data preserved |
| Username availability | Released after 30 days | Held for you |
| Reactivation | Impossible after 30 days | Possible anytime |
| Photos and posts | Permanently deleted after 30 days | Preserved |
| Messages | Deleted from your end, but may remain in recipients’ inboxes | Preserved |
| Login required | During the 30-day grace period | To reactivate |
6. Which option should you choose?
Now, the million-dollar question: should you delete or deactivate your Instagram account? Well, that depends on your situation. Here’s my take:
Choose deletion if:
- You’re certain you want to leave Instagram permanently.
- You’re concerned about your data and want it completely removed.
- You want to start fresh with a new account in the future.
Choose deactivation if:
- You need a temporary break from social media.
- You want to hide your profile without losing your data.
- You’re not sure if you want to leave Instagram permanently.
FAQs
Q: Can I delete my Instagram account without logging in?
A: Unfortunately, no. You need to be logged in to delete your account. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized deletions.
Q: Can I use my old username if I create a new account after deleting it?
A: Yes, if you choose the permanently delete account option after the 30-day deletion period has passed. After that, your username becomes available again.
Q: Will deleting Instagram also delete my Facebook account?
A: No, deleting your Instagram account won’t affect your Facebook account, even if they’re linked. They’re separate platforms.
Q: Can I reactivate my Instagram account after 30 days?
A: No, once the 30-day period has passed, your account and all its data are permanently deleted. There’s no way to recover it after this point.
