ยท Instagram
Uninstalling Instagram or signing out leaves your account in place. Permanent deletion removes the profile, photos, videos, comments, likes, and followers attached to the account.
Before you delete
- Export your photos, posts, and other information before starting deletion.
- Check whether the Instagram account controls a Threads profile or other connected Meta experience.
- Make sure you can log in. Instagram requires the account holder to request deletion.
Delete your Instagram account
- Open Instagram settings and enter Accounts Centre.
- Choose Personal details, then Account ownership and control.
- Open Deactivation or deletion and select the Instagram account.
- Choose Delete account, continue, and complete the confirmation prompts.
What happens next
Instagram says the account and information are permanently deleted after 30 days. The content is not accessible to other Instagram users while deletion is underway, though completion across backups can take longer.
If you only want the profile hidden temporarily, choose deactivation. Do not use deactivation if your goal is permanent deletion.
Check the official instructions
Menus and timelines can change. Confirm the current process in the Instagram Help Centre. If you want a copy first, use Export your Instagram information.
Cleaning up more than Instagram?
Download Breakup for iPhone to find forgotten services connected to Gmail. Breakup scans metadata on your iPhone; you review every service and approve every deletion or closure request before it is sent.
Breakup is not affiliated with Instagram. This guide is general information, not legal advice. See how we research and update these guides.