How to Delete an Instagram Account

Either go to Instagram's deletion page or use the Accounts Center

What to Know

  • You can only delete your account from Instagram's account deletion page in a browser.
  • Choose a reason, and then enter your password. Then, select Permanently delete my account.
  • Or, in Accounts Center: Personal Details > Account ownership and control > Deactivation or deletion.

This article explains two ways to delete your Instagram account. You can do it through Instagram's deletion page or through Meta's Accounts Center; both methods only work in a web browser.

Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account From the Account Deletion Page

You need to delete your account using Instagram's dedicated site in a web browser. You can't do it from the mobile app.

As an alternative to deleting your account, consider limiting access to your profile by making your Instagram profile private.

  1. In a web browser, navigate to the Instagram Account Deletion page and log in if necessary.

    navigate to Instagram's Account Deletion page and log in if necessary.

    The account deletion page is accessible only through the direct link. You can't get there from your profile.

  2. Next to Why do you want to delete, click the drop-down arrow and select a reason.

    Next to Why do you want to delete?, click the drop-down arrow and select a reason.
  3. Based on your reason, Instagram suggests deletion alternatives that may be a better solution for you. For example, if you selected Too busy/too distracting, Instagram may suggest removing the application from your mobile device instead of deleting your account.

    Instagram will suggest alternative actions to deleting your account
  4. If you want to go ahead with the account deletion, enter your password and select Delete [your account name].

    If you'd like to go ahead with the account deletion, enter your password and select Delete [your account name].

    Deletion is permanent. You can't restore your account and its contents, including photos, videos, and comments.

How to Delete an Instagram Account from Meta's Accounts Center

Another option to delete your Instagram Account is from Meta's centralized Accounts Center. Again, you can only do this through a web browser and not the Instagram app.

  1. Go to the Accounts Center, and sign in if necessary.

    To get to the Accounts Center from the Instagram website, go to More > Settings and choose See more in Accounts Center.

    The "See more in Accounts Center" option in Instagram settings
  2. Select Personal details.

    "Personal details" in the Meta Accounts Center
  3. Click Account ownership and control.

    "Account ownership and control" in Accounts Center personal details
  4. Choose Deactivation or deletion in the pop-up that appears.

    "Deactivation or deletion" in Accounts Center's "Account ownership and control" menu
  5. Choose your Instagram account.

    Account selection in the "Deactivation or deletion" window
  6. Select the bubble to the right of Delete account, and then click Continue.

    "Delete account" and "Continue"
  7. Enter your password.

    Enter your password
  8. Continue following prompts (if necessary) to finish deleting your account.

What Happens When I Delete My Instagram Account?

Unlike deactivating, deleting your Instagram account is permanent. Your handle will become available again, and all of your photos, videos, and connections will go away.

To keep using Instagram, you'll have to start over with a new account.

FAQ
  • What happens when I deactivate my Instagram account?

    While your Instagram account is deactivated, your profile, photos, comments, and likes will be hidden from the public, including your followers.

  • How do I reactivate my Instagram account?

    Just log back in as normal to start using your Instagram account again. If Instagram deactivated your account, you can appeal the decision.

  • How do I forget an Instagram account on my device?

    To forget an Instagram account on your phone, tap your Profile > Menu > Settings > Log Out > Remove Account. On Instagram.com, select your Profile > Log Out > Remove Account. If the browser still stores your login credentials, check the browser's settings for password and autofill options.

  • How many reports does Instagram allow until your account is deleted?

    Instagram doesn't automatically deactivate accounts after a certain number of reports. Account bans are decided on a case-by-case basis.

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