Deleting your Instagram account is a permanent decision that removes your profile, photos, videos, comments, likes, and followers. Once deleted, you won’t be able to recover your account after the grace period ends. This guide walks you through the official process using both mobile and web methods.
Before You Delete Your Instagram Account
Instagram allows you to export your information before deleting your account. This includes posts, stories, profile info, and more. To export your data, go to Settings → Accounts Center → Your Information and Permissions → Export Your Information. Instagram may take up to 48 hours to prepare your data, and once your account is deleted, you won’t be able to use this tool again.
Delete From Accounts Center (Mobile & Web)
The easiest way to delete your Instagram account is through Meta’s Accounts Center: Settings → Accounts Center → Personal Details → Account Ownership and Control → Deactivation or Deletion. Choose the account you want to remove and select Delete Account. Confirm your password and reason for deletion, then continue to complete the process.
In many cases, Instagram will open a deletion page in your browser to finish the request. This is the same page you’d use in a desktop browser.
Delete Using a Web Browser
If you prefer or if the mobile app redirects you, you can delete your account directly in a browser: instagram.com/accounts/remove/request/permanent/ . Log in, select your reason for leaving, enter your password, and click Delete Account to schedule deletion.
What Happens After You Delete Your Account?
After you request deletion, Instagram places your account in a 30-day grace period, during which your account and content are hidden from other users but can still be recovered if you log back in. Once the 30 days are over, Instagram permanently deletes your account and you won’t be able to restore it.
Although content is removed from public view after 30 days, Instagram notes that it can take up to 90 additional days to fully delete your data from their systems. Backups may remain longer for disaster recovery or legal purposes.
Sign Up Again?
After your account is deleted, you may be able to sign up again with the same username or a different account using the same email address — provided someone else hasn’t claimed your old username by then.
Alternative: Temporarily Deactivate Your Account
If you don’t want to permanently delete your account, you can temporarily deactivate it instead. Deactivation hides your profile, photos, and activity until you return by logging in again. This option is also found under Account Ownership and Control → Deactivate Account.
Final Tips
For security reasons, Instagram cannot delete your account for you — you must log in to request deletion. If you’ve forgotten your password or username, use Instagram’s recovery tools before attempting to delete your account.