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Learn how to permanently deactivate your Instagram account on mobile or desktop
Co-authored byA.J. Aldanaand Rain Kengly
Last Updated: February 21, 2024Fact Checked
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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]
- 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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3
Select a reason for deleting. Tap the drop-down menu and tap a reason for deleting. This will not affect your ability to delete your account.
4
Re-enter your password. 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.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:
Using Desktop
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1
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.
3
Select a reason for deleting. Click the drop-down menu and click a reason for deleting. This will not affect your ability to delete your account.
4
Re-enter your password. 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.
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Expert Q&A
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Question
How can you be sure your Instagram is completely erased?
A.J. Aldana
Social Media SpecialistA.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!
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHowYesNo
Not Helpful 31Helpful 100
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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If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHowYesNo
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About This Article
Co-authored by:
A.J. Aldana
Social Media Specialist
This article was co-authored by A.J. Aldana and by wikiHow staff writer, Rain Kengly. 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. This article has been viewed 7,334,177 times.
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Co-authors: 79
Updated: February 21, 2024
Views:7,334,177
Categories: Featured Articles | Instagram Accounts
Article SummaryX
To delete your Instagram account on your phone or tablet, open Instagram and tap the profile icon at the bottom-right corner. Tap the menu at the top-right corner and select Settings. Tap Help in the menu, and then select Help Center. Tap Managing Your Account to open your account options, then tap Delete Your Account. If you think you'll want to reactivate your Instagram account someday, tap How do I temporarily disable my Instagram account?, select a reason, and then tap Temporarily Disable Account to confirm. If you'd rather delete your account permanently, tap How do I delete my Instagram account? and review the conditions. Tap Delete Your Account, select a reason, and then re-enter your Instagram password to confirm. Last, tap Permanently delete my account and then OK to confirm.
To delete your Instagram account on a computer, navigate to help.instagram.com. Click Managing Your Account, then click Delete Your Account. If you just want to disable your account temporarily, click How do I temporarily disable my Instagram account?, select a reason, and then click Temporarily Disable Account to confirm. If you'd rather delete your account permanently, click How do I delete my Instagram account? and review the terms. Click Delete Your Account and select the reason you're deleting. Enter your Instagram password and click Permanently delete my account. Click OK to confirm.
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