How to Delete Instagram Account Permanently: A Step-by-Step Guide

In today’s digital world, Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms, connecting people through photos, videos, and stories.

However, there may come a time when you decide that you no longer want to use Instagram.

Whether you’re concerned about privacy, tired of social media distractions, or simply looking to declutter your digital life, permanently deleting your Instagram account might be the solution.

Permanently deleting your Instagram account is a significant step, as it means all your data, including photos, videos, likes, and followers, will be gone forever.

Unlike temporarily disabling your account, where you can come back later, permanent deletion is irreversible. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to delete your Instagram account permanently, ensuring a smooth process.

Things to Know Before Deleting Your Instagram Account

Before you proceed with deleting your Instagram account, it’s important to understand the implications of this action. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Permanent Data Loss: Once your account is deleted, you cannot recover your photos, videos, followers, comments, or messages. Everything associated with your account will be lost permanently.
2. No Turning Back: Unlike deactivating your account, deleting it permanently means there is no way to restore it. If you ever decide to use Instagram again, you will need to create a new account from scratch.
3. Download Your Data: If you want to keep a copy of your photos, videos, and other information before deleting your account, Instagram allows you to download your data. Make sure to do this before proceeding with the deletion.

Step-by-Step Guide to Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account

Deleting your Instagram account permanently cannot be done through the mobile app—it must be done using a web browser. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your account is deleted properly:

Step 1: Log In to Instagram via a Web Browser

To begin the deletion process, you need to log in to Instagram through a web browser. You can do this on a desktop, laptop, or mobile browser like Safari or Chrome. Go to the official Instagram website and enter your username and password.

Step 2: Navigate to the Instagram Account Deletion Page

Instagram doesn’t make the deletion option readily accessible through the app or general settings. To find it, go to the Instagram Account Deletion Page directly. You can access this by clicking here.

You may be prompted to log in again if you’re not already signed in on the browser.

Step 3: Choose a Reason for Deleting Your Account

Once on the deletion page, Instagram will ask you why you want to delete your account. A drop-down menu will appear with several options like:

• Privacy concerns
• Too busy/distracting
• Trouble with getting started
• Another reason

Select the option that best fits your reason. If none of the provided reasons apply, choose “Something else” as your response.

Step 4: Re-enter Your Password

For security purposes, Instagram will ask you to enter your password again after selecting a reason for deletion. This step ensures that no one can delete your account without your permission.

Step 5: Permanently Delete Your Account

After entering your password, you’ll see a button that says “Permanently Delete My Account.” Click this button to finalize the deletion. Instagram will display a warning that your data will be permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.

Once you click confirm, your account and all its data will be deleted.

How to Download Your Instagram Data Before Deleting Your Account

If you want to keep a copy of your data, Instagram allows you to download all the information associated with your account, including photos, videos, and messages. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Instagram in a Web Browser: Log in to your Instagram account using a web browser.
2. Go to Settings: Click on your profile icon, then click on the gear icon or “Settings.”
3. Select ‘Privacy and Security’: In the settings menu, navigate to “Privacy and Security.”
4. Request Data Download: Scroll down to the section that says Data Download, and click on Request Download.
5. Enter Your Email Address: Instagram will ask for an email where it will send a link to download your data.
6. Enter Your Password: For security, you will be required to enter your password to confirm the request.
7. Receive the Download Link: Instagram will send you an email with a link to download your data within 48 hours. The download will include your photos, videos, and more in a ZIP file.

Make sure you complete this process before proceeding with permanently deleting your account, as once the account is deleted, the data cannot be retrieved.

What Happens After You Delete Your Instagram Account?

Once you delete your Instagram account permanently, here’s what happens:

• Account Deletion: Your profile, photos, videos, likes, comments, and followers are permanently removed from Instagram.
• Account Recovery: You will not be able to recover the deleted account. If you decide to return to Instagram in the future, you will need to create a brand-new account.
• Profile Removal Time: Instagram usually takes about 30 days to completely remove your account from its servers. During this time, your account will not be visible to others, but the data may still exist on Instagram’s servers.
• Search Engine Results: Your Instagram profile may still show up in search engine results for a short time after deletion. However, once the account is fully deleted, it will no longer appear.

Alternatives to Deleting Your Instagram Account

If you’re unsure about permanently deleting your account, Instagram offers a few alternative options that might suit your needs better:

1. Temporarily Disable Your Account: If you just want a break but aren’t ready to delete your account forever, you can temporarily disable it. This option hides your profile, photos, and comments until you log back in to reactivate it.
2. Adjust Privacy Settings: If privacy concerns are motivating your decision, you can make your account private, limit who can see your posts, or block unwanted users.
3. Manage Screen Time: If you’re trying to cut back on usage, consider setting time limits for Instagram on your phone through built-in screen time management tools.

Conclusion

Permanently deleting your Instagram account is a serious decision, but it can provide relief if you’re looking to simplify your digital life, protect your privacy, or step away from social media for good. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your account is permanently deleted with all the data removed.