How to Delete Your Instagram Account on Mobile & Desktop

Instagram is a great platform for sharing photos, connecting with friends, and even growing a business. But sometimes, you may feel the need to take a break or permanently remove your account. If that’s the case, this guide will walk you through how to delete Instagram account on both mobile and desktop, while also covering Instagram’s policies regarding account deletion. Recently, Instagram has introduced new policies that emphasize data privacy and security, giving users more control over their personal information. These updates ensure that account deletions are handled more efficiently, with improved options for data retrieval before permanent removal.

Overview of Instagram’s Account Deletion Policy

Before jumping into the step-by-step process, let’s take a quick look at Instagram’s account deletion policies. Instagram gives you two options:

1. Temporary Deactivation – If you just need a break, you can temporarily disable your account. This hides your profile, posts, and comments until you log back in.
2. Permanent Deletion – This erases all your data, including posts, followers, likes, and messages. Once deleted, there’s no way to recover your account.

Instagram also states that once you request permanent deletion, your details will be deleted within 30 days, but some information might remain in backups for up to 90 days.

Now, let’s move on to how you can delete your account.

How to Delete Instagram Account on Your Mobile

If you’re using a smartphone, either Android or IOS, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Instagram App

Make sure you are signed into the account you wish to remove when you launch the Instagram app on your phone.

Step 2: Go to Settings

1. In the lower right corner, click the symbol for your profile.
2. Tap on the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top-right corner.
3. Select Settings and Privacy.

Step 3: Navigate to the Help Section

1. Scroll down and select Help.
2. Tap on to Help Center.
3. Click the appropriate article after searching for “Delete Account” in the search field.

Step 4: Choose “Delete Your Account”

1. Click on the Delete Your Account page link.
2. Select the reason why you’re deleting your account.
3. Enter your password to confirm.
4. Tap Delete Account.

Your account will be programmed for deletion in 30 days. If you change your mind, you can log back in within that period to cancel the deletion.

How to Delete Instagram Account on a Desktop

If you prefer to use a computer, the process is slightly different but just as simple.

Step 1: Open Instagram in a Browser

Go to the official Instagram website and log in.

Step 2: Access the Delete Account Page

Since Instagram doesn’t provide a direct link in settings, you need to visit the official Delete Your Account page manually by searching for it in the Help Center or using this direct link.

Step 3: Select Your Account and Reason

1. If you have multiple accounts logged in, ensure you select the right one.
2. Choose a reason from the dropdown menu.
3. Enter your password.

Step 4: Confirm Deletion

Click on the Delete Account button, and your account will be deactivated and deleted after 30 days. Again, if you log in within that period, you can cancel the deletion process.

Alternative: Temporarily Disabling Your Instagram Account

If you’re unsure about deleting your account forever, you can temporarily disable it instead or you can deactivate Instagram account. This will make your profile invisible without losing your data.

Steps to Temporarily Disable:

1. Log into Instagram.com on a desktop (this option is not available in the app).
2. Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner.
3. Select Settings > Edit Profile.
4. Scroll down and click Temporarily disable my account.
5. Select a reason and enter your password.
6. Click Temporarily Disable Account.

You may always log back in to reactivate your account.

What Happens After Deleting Your Instagram Account?

Once your account is deleted, your profile, photos, videos, comments, and followers will be gone forever. You won’t be able to recover your account, and another person will be allowed to use your username. However, messages you sent to other people might still be accessible in their inboxes. If you have linked your Instagram account to Facebook or other social media platforms, those connections will be lost as well.

Things to Do Before Deleting Your Account

Before you say goodbye to Instagram, there are a few important steps you should take. First, consider downloading your data to save your photos, videos, and messages. You can do this by going to Settings > Your Activity > Download Your Information, entering your email, and requesting a download link. This ensures that you have a copy of all your content before deletion.

Next, unlink third-party apps that you may have connected to your Instagram account, such as shopping services or business tools. Removing these connections beforehand can help avoid issues with linked services. Finally, if you run a business or influencer account, it’s a good idea to inform your followers about your decision. Let them know in advance through a post or story so they’re aware of your absence or any alternative platforms where they can follow you.

Conclusion 

Whether you’re doing it for mental health reasons, privacy reasons, or just a change of pace it becomes significant that, role of how to delete Instagram account is crucial. If you’re not 100% sure, try temporarily disabling your account instead. Whatever you decide, now you have all the information you need to make the process smooth and hassle-free!