How to delete Instagram account (step-by-step guide)

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to delete an Instagram account.

• By Ashish Kumar -
Last Updated: October 17, 2023

There can be instances when you might feel the need to get rid of your Instagram account. Whether it's due to privacy concerns, a need for a digital detox, or any other reason, deleting your Instagram account is a simple and straightforward process. In this article, we'll guide you through the all steps to permanently delete your Instagram account from an Android mobile phone, iPhone, and a PC/ laptop. Let's begin.

How to delete an Instagram account on Android phones

Here's how you can permanently delete an Instagram account on an Android mobile phone:

Step 1: Open Instagram

Step 2: Now tap your profile icon from the bottom

Step 3: On the profile screen, select the 3-line menu from the top right corner

Step 4: Now select Settings and privacy

Step 5: On the search bar at the top, type in 'Deletion' and select the 'Deactivation or deletion' option

Step 6: Select your profile on the next screen

Step 7: Tap on 'Delete account' option and hit 'Continue'

Step 8: Select the reason for deleting the account and again press 'Continue'

Step 9: Once done, enter your password and the Instagram account will be deleted and removed shortly

How to delete an Instagram account on iPhones

The process to delete an Instagram account on an iPhone is similar to Android. Let's take a look at the steps.

Step 1: Open Instagram

Step 2: Now tap your profile icon from the bottom

Step 3: On the profile screen, select the 3-line menu from the top right corner

Step 4: Now select Settings and privacy

Step 5: On the search bar at the top, type in 'Deletion' and select the 'Deactivation or deletion' option

Step 6: Select your profile on the next screen

Step 7: Tap on 'Delete account' option and hit 'Continue'

Step 8: Select the reason for deleting the account and again press 'Continue'

Step 9: Once done, enter your password and the Instagram account will be deleted and removed shortly

How to delete an Instagram account on Laptop/ PC

If you don't have your mobile phone around, here's how to delete an Instagram account from a laptop/ PC's web browser.

Step 1: Open the web browser such as Google Chrome on your laptop/ PC

Step 2: Now go to Instagram's account deletion page here

Step 3: Log in with your username/ email ID and password

Step 4: From the dropdown menu, select the reason for deleting the account

Step 5: Now enter your Instagram account's password

Step 6: After that, click the Delete button and the account will be removed from Instagram

When should you delete your Instagram account

Here are the reasons why you may want to delete your Instagram account:

• Time-consuming - You can consider deleting your Instagram account if you often find yourself scrolling through posts and reels and feel it's taking away a good chunk of your time.
• Distraction - Social media platforms are full of distractions due to constant incoming notifications and messages that ruin your focus while you're deep into your work.
• Privacy concerns - If you feel Instagram may not handle your private data and information well, or no longer wish to store your information on the platform, consider deleting your profile.
• Difficulty in using - Even after several tries you're unable to understand the workings of Instagram, deleting your account could be the last resort.

How to save your data before deleting Instagram account

Permanently deleting your Instagram account will remove all of its data, including photos, videos, followers, and more. So, if you wish to delete the Instagram account but also want your data such as photos, comments, profile information, and more, here's how to go about it.

Step 1: Fire up your Instagram app. In case, you are on PC, visit Instagram.com

Step 2: Log in, if you haven't, and tap on your profile icon

Step 3: Choose the 3-line menu and select Settings and privacy

Step 4: Look for Download Data, which is normally under Security, but you can use the search box as well

Step 5: Within Download Data, you will see a 'Request Download' button

Step 6: Select that button to download all your Instagram data before deleting your account 

Once the request to download Instagram data is made, you will get an email with a link to a file consisting of all your photos, comments, profile information and more within 48 hours.

FAQs

Is there a way to get my Instagram account back after deletion?

Technically, the Instagram account once deleted cannot be recovered. However, you can reach out to IG's customer service if your account was hacked and deleted by someone else. To do so, click "Get help signing in" on the login page and follow the subsequent instructions to have a change at getting back your hacked account.

How long does Instagram keep my data after I delete my account?

Instagram holds your data for days after your account is deleted; however, you can't access it after 30 days.

What is the difference between Instagram account delete and deactivate?

While Instagram account delete will remove your record from the platform altogether, deactivate will disable your account until the time you login again. The latter is the safest approach if you are looking for some time off the social media platform as it doesn't delete your account permanently.

If I delete my Instagram account can I use the same email to create a different account in the future?

Yes, you can create a new Instagram account with the same email ID.