If we talk about the most popular social media platform all over the world, then Instagram is one of those platforms. Many people in this world create new accounts, but on the other hand many people deactivate and delete their accounts.
In your time of scrolling, a stage will come when you come to know that you have to focus on many other things and you make a decision to delete or deactivate your account. It can also be a privacy reason, or sometimes you are getting sick after watching videos with larger content platforms.
Deleting or deactivating Instagram is a free straightforward decision, sometimes you need a break from social media or you cut out through the social media world. In this post we will guide you step by step on How to delete an Instagram account.
Why Delete Your Instagram Account?
Why is it necessary to delete an Instagram account, it is important to know for users why they are deleting or deactivating their instagram account.
- Privacy Concerns: Instagram collects your personal data and also it shows the videos or reels and also posts you liked, which means Instagram does not keep your likes private. Due to many other reasons, people feel unsafe and because of privacy concerns they delete or deactivate their accounts.
- Social media detox: Many instagram users think that Instagram is a burden to them and they are wasting their time in watchin cringe or scrolling reels. This is one of the main reasons that people want a break from their social media world.
- Too Many Distractions: Social media is a totally addictive thing for everyone. Excessive use of Instagram can cause distractions from your real life and you can lose your real life inspiration. So, many users deactivate their accounts to take a break or permanently delete their account.
- Multiple Accounts: Handling multiple accounts is also a tricky thing. Many people have a private account and then a public account just to keep an eye on every aspect. Many users have more than four to five accounts for different purposes, which make them uncomfortable after a while. So having multiple accounts is also a main reason to delete or deactivate your account.
Difference Between Deactivating and Deleting Instagram
There are two ways to remove your presence from Instagram:
- Deactivating your account – Deactivating your account is a temporary option and you can deactivate your account just for break. Your profile, posts, and followers will be hidden until you log back in. When you log in, you can use your account just like before. People deactivate their accounts just to focus on their real life problems.
- Deleting your account – Deleting your account is a permanent option and once you delete your account then there is no coming back. All your data, including posts, followers, and messages, will be removed forever. No one can find your account, and other users can not even find any posts from your account.
If you’re unsure, it’s best to deactivate your account first before making a final decision.
How to Delete Your Instagram Account Permanently
Step 1: Go to the Instagram Account Deletion Page
Instagram does not allow you to delete your account directly from the mobile app. You must visit the Instagram Account Deletion Page through a web browser:
Go to Instagram’s Account Deletion Page
Step 2: Log into Your Instagram Account
- Enter your username and password to access your account.
- If you have two-factor authentication enabled, enter the verification code sent to your email or phone.
Step 3: Select a Reason for Deleting Your Account
Instagram will ask you to select a reason for leaving, such as:
✔ Privacy concerns about your personal life
✔ Too many ads
✔ Want to take a break from social media
✔ Another reasons or some healh issues
Choose the most relevant option from the dropdown menu.
Step 4: Enter Your Password Again
For security reasons, Instagram requires you to re-enter your password before proceeding with deletion.
Step 5: Confirm and Permanently Delete Your Account
- Click on “Delete [Your Username]”
- Instagram will display a message informing you that your account will be permanently deleted after 30 days.
- If you change your mind, you can log back in within this period to cancel the deletion.
After 30 days, your Instagram account will be permanently deleted, and you cannot recover any data.
How to Deactivate Your Instagram Account (Temporary Option)
If you don’t want to delete your account permanently, you can deactivate it instead. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open Instagram on a Web Browser
- Instagram does not allow deactivation from the mobile app.
- Go to Instagram.com and log in to your account.
Step 2: Access Account Settings
- Click on your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Select “Settings” > “Edit Profile”.
Step 3: Deactivate Your Account
- Scroll down and click on “Temporarily disable my account”.
- Choose a reason for deactivation from the list.
- Re-enter your password and click “Temporarily Disable Account”.
Your account will be hidden until you log back in. To reactivate it, simply sign in again.
Things to Consider Before Deleting Your Instagram Account
Download Your Instagram Data
If you have important photos, videos, or messages, download your Instagram data before deleting your account:
- Open the Instagram app and go to Settings.
- Tap Security > Download Data.
- Enter your email and request a download. Instagram will send you a file with all your data.
Your Username May Become Available
Once your account is deleted, your username may be taken by someone else. If you plan to return, consider changing your username before deletion.
Linked Accounts Will Be Affected
If your Instagram is linked to Facebook, Twitter, or other apps, those connections will be lost.
FAQs
1. Can I recover my Instagram account after deleting it?
No. Once the 30-day grace period is over, your account is permanently deleted, and you cannot recover it.
2. Can I delete my Instagram account from the app?
No, Instagram does not allow deletion through the mobile app. You must use a web browser.
3. How long does Instagram keep my data after deletion?
Instagram retains your data for 30 days in case you change your mind. After that, it is permanently erased.
4. What happens to my messages if I delete my account?
Your direct messages (DMs) will disappear, but they may still be visible to the people you messaged.
5. Can I use the same email to create a new Instagram account after deletion?
Yes, you can use the same email and phone number to create a new Instagram account after deleting the old one.