Before you start
- Your Instagram password
- A copy of your photos, if you want to keep them
Method 1 Download your data first (optional)
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Step 1: Open Download your information
Go to Accounts Center > Your information and permissions > Download your information.
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Step 2: Request it
Choose your Instagram account and what to include (media, messages). Wait for the email and download the file.
Method 2 Delete in the Instagram app
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Step 1: Open Accounts Center
Go to your Profile, tap ☰, then Accounts Center.
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Step 2: Find deletion
Tap Personal details > Account ownership and control > Deactivation or deletion.
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Step 3: Choose Delete account
Select the Instagram account, choose Delete account, tap Continue, give a reason and enter your password.
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Step 4: Confirm
Tap Delete account. You’re logged out and the account is hidden immediately.
Method 3 Delete on a computer
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Step 1: Open Accounts Center
On instagram.com, click More (☰) > Settings > Accounts Center.
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Step 2: Delete
Click Personal details > Account ownership and control > Deactivation or deletion, select the account, choose Delete account and follow the steps.
| What happens | Deactivate (temporary) | Delete |
|---|---|---|
| Profile visible | No | No |
| Can come back | Yes, by logging in | Only within 30 days |
| Photos and followers | Kept | Permanently deleted |
| Username | Kept | Can’t be used again for a new account |
Troubleshooting
I can’t log in to delete it
Recover access first with Forgot password? or instagram.com/hacked, then delete.
The account still appears to others
It can take a short time to disappear everywhere. Search results update within a few days.
Frequently asked questions
Does deleting Instagram delete Facebook?
No. Accounts in Accounts Center are deleted separately.
Can I get the same username back?
No. After deletion you can’t sign up again with the same username or add it to another account.
What happens to my messages?
Messages you sent may stay visible to the people you sent them to.
Summary
Go to Accounts Center > Personal details > Account ownership and control > Deactivation or deletion, choose Delete account and confirm. Download your data first, and remember you have 30 days to change your mind.
