If you no longer use your Instagram account, you can permanently delete it. Keep in mind you will lose all your photos, videos, and data, so you should back them up before proceeding. You'll be able to deactivate and delete your account using Instagram's official request page on a mobile or desktop browser. This wikiHow will show you how to permanently delete your Instagram account using your computer, iPhone, iPad, or Android device.
Permanently Deleting Instagram
- Go to https://instagram.com/accounts/remove/request/permanent/ .
- Log in to your Instagram account.
- Select a reason, re-enter your password, and click or tap "Delete [username]".
- After 30 days, your deletion will be permanent.
Steps
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Go to the Delete Your Account page in a mobile browser. Instagram is available for iOS in the App Store and for Android in the Google Play Store , but you'll need to use a web browser to delete your account. [1] X Research source
- This method will permanently delete your Instagram account. If you're unsure, consider disabling your account temporarily .
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Sign into your account. Enter your phone number, username, or email address along with your password. Then, tap Log in .
- You'll be taken to the Delete your account page.
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Select a reason for deleting. Tap the drop-down menu and tap a reason for deleting. This will not affect your ability to delete your account.
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Re-enter your password. Use the field below the drop-down menu to enter your password again.
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Tap Delete [username] . You'll see your projected deletion date above and below the button. You will have 30 days until your account is permanently deleted.
- If you change your mind, simply log back into your Instagram account on the app to reactivate your account and cancel the deletion.
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Go to the Delete Your Account page in a web browser. This method will permanently delete your Instagram account. Be sure to back up any photos or data you want to keep.
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Sign into your account. Enter your phone number, username, or email address along with your password. Then, click Log in .
- You'll be taken to the Delete your account page.
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Select a reason for deleting. Click the drop-down menu and click a reason for deleting. This will not affect your ability to delete your account.
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Re-enter your password. Use the field below the drop-down menu to enter your password again.
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Tap Delete [username] . You'll see your projected deletion date above and below the button. You will have 30 days until your account is permanently deleted.
- If you change your mind, simply log back into your Instagram account on the app to reactivate your account and cancel the deletion. You'll be able to use Instagram normally.
Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow can you be sure your Instagram is completely erased?A.J. Aldana is a social media specialist who has been using platforms such as Tik Tok, Instagram, and YouTube for over 5 years. A.J. has worked with brands to curate content that has garnered thousands of interactions for various social media campaigns and is passionate about contributing to innovative and trending articles on wikiHow. He holds a BS in Product Design from Stanford University.If you want to make sure that all of your digital footprints are erased from Instagram, go through and delete each post individually before you delete your account.
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QuestionIs disabling my account the same thing as deleting it?Community AnswerYou won't be permanently deleting your account. Disabling your account just removes your account from anyone being able to view it. You can log back in and use as normal!
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QuestionWill it immediately be gone?Community AnswerIt will be gone as soon as you hit the delete button. Even if you have logged in to your Smartphone's Instagram app, you will be logged out immediately.
Tips
wikiHow Video: How To Permanently Delete Instagram Account
References
About This Article
To delete your Instagram account on your phone or tablet, open Instagram and tap the profile icon at the bottom-right corner. Tap the menu at the top-right corner and select Settings
. Tap Help
in the menu, and then select Help Center
. Tap Managing Your Account
to open your account options, then tap Delete Your Account
. If you think you'll want to reactivate your Instagram account someday, tap How do I temporarily disable my Instagram account?
, select a reason, and then tap Temporarily Disable Account
to confirm. If you'd rather delete your account permanently, tap How do I delete my Instagram account?
and review the conditions. Tap Delete Your Account
, select a reason, and then re-enter your Instagram password to confirm. Last, tap Permanently delete my account
and then OK
to confirm.
To delete your Instagram account on a computer, navigate to help.instagram.com. Click Managing Your Account
, then click Delete Your Account
. If you just want to disable your account temporarily, click How do I temporarily disable my Instagram account?
, select a reason, and then click Temporarily Disable Account
to confirm. If you'd rather delete your account permanently, click How do I delete my Instagram account?
and review the terms. Click Delete Your Account
and select the reason you're deleting. Enter your Instagram password and click Permanently delete my account
. Click OK
to confirm.
Reader Success Stories
- "Got on Instagram to see what my grandson was involved in. It's of no interest to me. I couldn't figure out from Instagram how to delete it (their help page wouldn't load). This page showed me how." ..." more