How to Completely Remove or Delete Your Instagram Account

Instagram is a popular social media platform worldwide. However, many people want to delete their accounts. Some feel it takes too much time. Others want better privacy and digital well-being. If you also want to delete your Instagram account, follow this guide.

also read: How to See Someone’s Instagram Username Change History: A Step-by-Step Guide

Why Delete Your Instagram Account?

Many users decide to delete their Instagram accounts. Some reasons include:

• Too much time spent scrolling – Instagram can be addictive.
• Privacy concerns – Users worry about data and personal security.
• Mental health – Social media sometimes affects mental well-being.
• Fake news and misinformation – Many misleading posts circulate.
• Productivity issues – Social media reduces work efficiency.

No matter your reason, deleting Instagram can help. If you are unsure, try deactivating first.

Download Your Instagram Data Before Deleting

Deleting your Instagram account removes all your data forever. It is important to download your information first. Here’s how:

1. Open Instagram on your phone or PC.
2. Go to Your Activity in the menu.
3. Tap Download Your Information.
4. Select All Data or specific files.
5. Choose HTML format and high media quality.
6. Tap Create File and wait for an email.
7. Download the data from the email link.

This backup includes photos, videos, messages, and more. Keep it safe for future use.

How to Permanently Delete Instagram on iPhone

If you are ready to delete your account forever, follow these steps:

1. Open Instagram and go to your profile.
2. Tap the three-line menu at the top.
3. Select Accounts Center from the list.
4. Tap Personal Details under Accounts Center.
5. Choose Account Ownership and Control.
6. Tap Deactivation or Deletion.
7. Select the account you want to delete.
8. Tap Delete Account and continue.
9. Choose a reason for deleting.
10. Enter your password and confirm deletion.

Instagram keeps your account for 30 days. If you don’t log in, it is deleted permanently.

How to Permanently Delete Instagram on Android

Android users can also delete their accounts. Follow these steps:

1. Open Instagram and go to your profile.
2. Tap the three-line menu in the top-right.
3. Go to Accounts Center under settings.
4. Select Personal Details.
5. Tap Account Ownership and Control.
6. Choose Deactivation or Deletion.
7. Select the account you wish to delete.
8. Tap Delete Account and continue.
9. Choose a reason and enter your password.
10. Confirm deletion by tapping Delete Account.

Your account will be removed after 30 days if you don’t log in.

How to Permanently Delete Instagram on the Web

You can delete your account using a web browser:

1. Log in to Instagram on your computer.
2. Click More Options in the bottom-left.
3. Go to Settings and open Accounts Center.
4. Select Personal Details and Account Ownership and Control.
5. Tap Deactivation or Deletion and choose your account.
6. Click Delete Account and select a reason.
7. Enter your password and confirm deletion.

Your profile, posts, and data will be erased after 30 days.

How to Temporarily Deactivate Your Instagram Account

If you don’t want to delete your account permanently, you can deactivate it. Your profile, posts, and comments will be hidden. Follow these steps:

Deactivate Instagram on iPhone

1. Open Instagram and go to your profile.
2. Tap the three-line menu at the top.
3. Go to Settings and Privacy.
4. Select Account and tap Delete Account.
5. Tap Deactivate Account.
6. Choose a reason from the list.
7. Enter your password and tap Temporarily Deactivate Account.

Deactivate Instagram on Android

1. Open the Instagram app on your phone.
2. Tap your profile picture in the bottom-right.
3. Open the three-line menu in the top-right.
4. Go to Accounts Center under Settings and Privacy.
5. Tap Personal Details and then Account Ownership and Control.
6. Select Deactivation or Deletion.
7. Choose the account you want to deactivate.
8. Tap Deactivate Account and confirm.

Deactivate Instagram on a Web Browser

1. Log in to Instagram from a computer.
2. Go to Profile and select Edit Profile.
3. Scroll down and tap Temporarily Deactivate My Account.
4. Select a reason and enter your password.
5. Tap Temporarily Deactivate Account to confirm.

Your profile will disappear but can be restored anytime by logging back in.

How to Download Instagram Data on Mobile and PC

It is smart to keep a copy of your Instagram data. You can download your information easily on both mobile and PC.

Download Instagram Data on Mobile

1. Open Instagram and go to your Profile.
2. Tap the three-line menu and select Your Activity.
3. Tap Download Your Information.
4. Enter your email if not linked already.
5. Tap Request Download and enter your password.

Download Instagram Data on PC

1. Open Instagram on a web browser.
2. Go to Settings and select Privacy and Security.
3. Click Data Download and tap Request Download.
4. Choose a format (HTML or JSON) and confirm.
5. Enter your password and submit the request.

You will receive an email with a download link within a few hours.

Using Digital Wellbeing Tools to Reduce Instagram Usage

If you don’t want to delete Instagram but need a break, try these tools:

• Screen Time (iPhone) – Set app limits.
• Digital Wellbeing (Android) – Restrict daily usage.
• Third-party apps – Use Digital Detox for blocking access.

These tools help manage your screen time and improve productivity.

Reconnecting Later: Tips for a Fresh Start on Instagram

If you delete your Instagram but want to return, follow these tips:

Set Up a New Account Mindfully

• Choose a secure password and enable two-factor authentication.
• Limit notifications to avoid distractions.
• Follow only useful accounts to stay productive.

Build a Positive Feed

• Follow accounts that inspire and educate you.
• Regularly unfollow accounts that no longer interest you.
• Mix personal and informative content for balance.

Set Social Media Boundaries

• Use Screen Time or Digital Wellbeing to limit usage.
• Create a posting schedule to control time spent online.
• Set offline days to stay away from social media.

Stay Connected Without Overuse

• Prioritize friends and family over strangers.
• Be mindful about sharing personal details.
• Set check-in times to control scrolling.

Adjust Privacy Settings

• Make your account private for better security.
• Restrict comments and direct messages from strangers.
• Disable activity status to appear offline when needed.

Returning to Instagram with a clear purpose makes social media healthier.

As We Conclude

Deleting your Instagram can be a big step towards digital well-being. If you want a break, try deactivating your account. If you prefer complete removal, follow deletion steps carefully.

Always download your data before deleting to keep memories safe. If you return later, manage your time wisely. Use Instagram with a purpose to avoid distractions.