2 Quick Ways to Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account

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Learn how to permanently deactivate your Instagram account on mobile or desktop

Co-authored by A.J. Aldana and Rain Kengly

Last Updated: February 21, 2024 Fact Checked

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Using Mobile

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Using Desktop

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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.

Things You Should Know

Go to https://instagram.com/accounts/remove/request/permanent/ in a mobile or desktop browser. Log into your account.
Select a reason, re-enter your password, and click or tap "Delete [username]".
If you change your mind, log back into your Instagram account within 30 days to cancel deletion.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Mobile

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1
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]
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- This method will permanently delete your Instagram account. If you're unsure, consider disabling your account temporarily.
2
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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Tap the drop-down menu and tap a reason for deleting. This will not affect your ability to delete your account.
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.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using Desktop

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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.
2
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.
Click the drop-down menu and click a reason for deleting. This will not affect your ability to delete your account.
Use the field below the drop-down menu to enter your password again.
5
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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How can you be sure your Instagram is completely erased?

A.J. Aldana
Social Media Specialist
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.

A.J. Aldana

Social Media Specialist

Expert Answer

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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Question

Is disabling my account the same thing as deleting it?

Community Answer

You 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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Question

Will it immediately be gone?

Community Answer

It 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.

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