Instagram is the most common form of social media which many use all around the world to share pictures and videos and upload to their friends, families, or businesses. But sometimes, you may want to get away from social media all together or step back from it. Whether it’s for personal reasons, concerns about privacy, or simply wanting to minimize screen time, deleting your Instagram account is a straightforward process—but it does come with certain steps and considerations.
This guide will show you how to permanently delete Instagram account on a computer, Android, or iOS device, and will also help with any problems you might face during the process, like deleting your account without a password or handling a business account.
Steps to Permanently Delete Instagram Account
To permanently delete Instagram account, follow these steps based on your device. Whether you’re using an Android, iOS, or computer, the process is simple and easy to follow. Just log in, navigate to the account settings, and choose the option to delete your account. Each device has slightly different steps, but you’ll be guided clearly throughout the process:
From Your Computer
Sign In:
Open a web browser like Safari, Chrome etc. on your Mac and visit Instagram. Account you want to delete your Instagram account.
Account Deletion:
- Tap More in the bottom-left corner, then tap Settings.
- Tap Accounts Center, then tap Personal Details.
- Tap Account Ownership and Control, then tap Deactivation or Deletion.
- Choose the account you want to delete Instagram account.
- Tap Delete Account, then tap Continue.
From Your Android Device
Log In:
Open Instagram and tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner to go to your profile.
Go to Deletion Settings:
- Tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top right.
- Tap Accounts Center, then tap Personal Details.
- Tap Account Ownership and Control, then tap Deactivation or Deletion.
- Select the account you’d like to delete Instagram account.
- Tap Delete Account, then tap Continue.
From Your iOS Device (iPhone/iPad)
Log In:
Open Instagram and tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner to go to your profile.
Navigate to Deletion Settings:
- Tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top right.
- Tap Accounts Center, then tap Personal Details.
- Tap Account Ownership and Control, then tap Deactivation or Deletion.
- Select the account you’d like to permanently delete Instagram account.
- Tap Delete Account, then tap Continue.
Direct Link for All Devices (Mac, Computer, iOS, Android)
Permanent account deletion on IG needs access via a web browser to the account deletion page. It’s possible to delete accounts through the page using any device, such as an Android, iOS, or computer.
Here is the direct link to access the deletion page on all devices:
Instagram Account Deletion Page
At the end of all these steps, finally, your IG account will be permanently deleted. There also is a 30-day grace period wherein you can undo it in case you change your mind all of a sudden. How to
How to Delete an Instagram Account Without a Password?
If you forgot your password to Instagram but want to delete your account, you can do so. You can recover your account by resetting your password and will then follow steps that will lead you in deleting your account:
- Reset Your Password:
- On the login page, click Forgot Password.
- Enter your registered email address or phone number to receive a password reset link.
- Follow the instructions to reset your password and log in.
- Delete the Account:
- Once logged in, follow the steps mentioned above to delete your account on Instagram.
Note: Deletion is not possible without access to the email or phone number associated with your account. For help, contact Instagram Support.
How to Delete an Instagram Business Account?
This process is quite similar for an Instagram business account compared to a personal one. However, before deleting the account, first, take any important business data like posts, insights, and customer interactions for backup so that the same does not get lost.
- Backup Business Data: Download important insights, posts, or customer interactions before deletion
- Delete the Account: The steps for deletion remain the same as above.
Now that you have backed up your business data, you can delete your account on Instagram by following the steps provided below.
How to Recover Deleted Instagram Account?
Do not worry if you have deleted your account and want to recover it; there is still time within the next 30 days. Here’s how you can recover your account during this period.
Log Back In:
- Open up the Instagram application or website.
- Enter your username and password for the deleted account.
Cancel Deletion Request:
- If the 30-day period has not expired, you’ll see an option to cancel the account deletion. Follow the on-screen instructions to reactivate your account.
After 30 Days:
- Once the 30-day grace period ends, the account and all associated data are permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.
Note: In case you fail to login or recover the account, please enter the right login credentials or contact Instagram support for more help.
Why Can’t Delete My Instagram Account?
You cannot delete the account from Instagram for the following reasons. There are common problems you may experience, which will prevent you from deleting your account. Among them, there are the following:
- Wrong Login Credentials: Double-check whether you are typing in the right email address as well as the right login and password.
- Technical Issues: You cannot delete your account if you can’t open the page, try deleting from a different web browser or device.
- Accounts Connected: If you used Facebook to join you will be prompted to break the connection to accounts from the Accounts Center that are connected. You can then proceed.
If these issues persist, try troubleshooting the steps or contact Instagram Support for assistance with deleting your account.
How Long Does it Take to Remove an Instagram Account?
After clicking the button, the account-deletion process begins right away. Nevertheless, IG offers a 30-day grace period. During this period, your account will be disabled but not fully deleted. When the grace period is over at 30 days, all information associated with your account is completely wiped out and unrecoverable.
How to Temporarily Deactivate Instagram Account?
You want to temporarily deactivate your Instagram account instead of deleting it. You can hide your profile, photos, comments, and likes until you are ready to reactivate it by logging back into your account.
- Open up a web browser and log into your Instagram account.
- Tap the profile and select “Edit Profile.”
- Scroll down and select “Temporarily Disable My Account.”
- Choose the reason for deactivation from the dropdown menu.
- Enter your password again and confirm.
- Your account will not be visible to others until you log in.
By following these simple steps, you can easily deactivate your account and return whenever you’re ready to reactivate it, without losing any of your content.
Alternatives of Deleting the Instagram Account
Also, ways of account deletion on which you might regain your control over the experience through maintaining an active account.
Control over privacy settings
- Make your account private such that only approved followers see your post
- Control people who can post comments on that post or receive a direct message
Follow/Unmute Accounts
- Cancel those accounts in which value contributions to your experiences are minimal.
- Use the “mute” feature to stop seeing posts and stories without having to unfollow someone.
Set Usage Limits
- Utilize in-app features for Instagram to monitor and limit time spent on the app. On the Settings, click Your Activity > Time Spent and then enable daily reminders.
Take a Social Media Break
- Log out of the account and clear the app off the devices for a little while to see if that fulfills the need for a break.
Changing your privacy settings, managing your feed, and using some usage limit tools can let you have an easier, less messy, and therefore enjoyable Instagram life without deleting it.
What Happens After Deletion?
If you still want your Instagram account to be deleted, you should understand that if you have a change of heart soon after deletion has taken place, the company grants you a grace period of 30 days to completely delete permanently.
- 30-Day Grace Period. In fact, your Instagram account is deactivated for 30 days, in which case, your account will not be deleted permanently. At such a time, you log into the account and retract your deletion request.
- Permanent Deletion: Once you have used up the 30-day grace period, your account and all the data related to it will be permanently deleted. It cannot be undone.
- Content Removal: Posts, comments, likes, followers, and other data that are connected to your account will no longer be accessible or retrievable.
After this grace period, all data will be permanently erased and cannot be recoverable, therefore be fully prepared before you permanently delete your Instagram account.
Conclusion
Deleting your Instagram account is a simple process, but it’s essential to be fully aware of the 30-day grace period that allows you to recover your account if you change your mind. Whether you are permanently deleting your account or simply taking a break by deactivating it, there are clear steps to follow. If you’re unsure, consider adjusting privacy settings, muting accounts, or setting usage limits to make your Instagram experience more manageable. Just remember, once the 30-day period ends, all your data will be permanently erased, so ensure you’re ready before making this final decision.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I recover my account after it’s been deleted?
A: No, after you pass the 30 days mark from your deletion grace period, all data associated with your account will be deleted and will not be retrieved again.
Q: What happens to my messages if I delete my account?
A: All the associated messages that you must have sent to other members can be accessed from their inbox when you delete your account.
Q: Can I use that email or username for a new account the next time I join?
A: Yes, during the grace period, your same e-mail address or username could have been used by another account. But if your account has been deleted, you can definitely reuse it when your account has permanently been deleted.
