Ready to get off Instagram for good (or just for a while)? I’ll show you the simple steps to either temporarily deactivate or permanently delete your account — no fluff, just what you need to do.
Step 1: Back up anything you want to keep
- Open Instagram in a web browser (desktop or mobile). Tap your profile, then go to Settings > Privacy and Security or Security depending on the layout.
- Choose Download Data (sometimes labeled Request Download). Enter the email and your Password, then request the download. Instagram will email you a copy of your photos, videos, profile info — this can take up to 48 hours.
- Save anything else manually (saved captions, DMs, contact details). Once your account is gone, a lot of that is gone for good.
Step 2: Temporarily disable (if you want a break)
- Log into the account you want to disable in a browser — this option isn’t always visible in the mobile app.
- Go to your profile, click Edit Profile, scroll to the bottom and click Temporarily disable my account.
- Pick a reason from the menu, re-enter your Password, then click Temporarily Disable Account. To get back in, just log in again.
Step 3: Permanently delete your account
- You must use a web browser. Instagram doesn’t show the permanent delete option inside the app. Log into the correct account in the browser.
- Go to Instagram’s Delete Your Account page (search for “Delete Your Account Instagram” if you can’t find it in the Help Center).
- From the dropdown, pick the reason you’re leaving, re-enter your Password, then click Permanently delete my account.
- After you confirm, Instagram starts the deletion process — you won’t be able to access the account after that confirmation step.
What happens after you delete
- Instagram usually gives a short grace period (about 30 days) during which the account is scheduled for deletion — you can’t access the account during this time but some content may still be visible while the process completes.
- After deletion, content is removed from Instagram. Backups may remain on Instagram’s servers for up to 90 days for recovery and legal reasons.
- Permanently deleting means you lose followers, messages, and any access to that username — it may not be available again.
Common mistake people make
- Trying to delete the account from the mobile app and freaking out when they can’t find the option. Always check in a browser and make sure you’re logged into the right account (many folks have multiple accounts and delete the wrong one).
Pro Tip
- If you might come back later but want a fresh start, choose Temporarily disable first. Also, unlink any third-party apps and disconnect Facebook login before you delete, so you don’t run into login or data-sharing surprises if you create a new account later.
Warning
- Permanently deleting is irreversible. If you haven’t downloaded your data, you can’t get your photos, DMs, or followers back. Double-check the account and email before you hit delete.