How to Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account
Estimated time: 20 minutes
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Save Your Instagram Content Locally
Before deleting your Instagram account, save all your photos, videos, stories, and reels locally. Open the Instagram app, go to your profile, tap the three-line menu, and select Your Activity. From there, tap Download Your Information. Enter your email address where you want to receive the download link, choose the format (HTML is easier to view, JSON is better for data portability), and tap Request Download. Instagram will compile your archive and email you a link within 48 hours. This archive includes your photos, videos, comments, messages, profile information, and more. Additionally, you may want to manually save any particularly important photos to your device camera roll by opening each post and using the save or screenshot function.
Review Connected Third-Party Apps
Check which apps and services are connected to your Instagram account. In the Instagram app, go to Settings, then Security, then Apps and Websites. You will see three categories: Active, Expired, and Removed. Focus on the Active category and note which services use your Instagram login. For each connected app, visit that service separately and create an independent login with your email and a unique password. Some common apps that use Instagram login include social media management tools, photo editing apps, and various online services. Do not skip this step, as you could permanently lose access to accounts that rely solely on Instagram for authentication. Take screenshots of all connected apps for your records.
Notify Your Followers and Share Alternatives
Post a final story or feed post letting your followers know you are leaving Instagram and how they can reach you going forward. Share your email address, phone number, or your handle on privacy-respecting platforms like Signal, WeTalkin, or other alternatives. If you run a business account, make sure to update your website and other marketing materials to remove Instagram links and replace them with alternative contact methods. Consider sending direct messages to your closest connections with your updated contact details. Give your followers at least a few days to see your announcement. If you have a large following, you might want to post the announcement multiple times over the course of a week to ensure maximum visibility before proceeding.
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Navigate to the Deletion Page on a Web Browser
Instagram account deletion must be initiated through a web browser rather than the mobile app. Open a web browser on your computer or phone and go to instagram.com. Log into your account if you are not already logged in. Navigate to the account deletion page by going to Settings, then selecting Account, then clicking on Delete Your Account at the bottom of the page. Alternatively, you can go directly to the deletion URL provided in Instagram Help Center. Instagram will ask you to select a reason for deleting your account from a dropdown menu. Choose the reason that best applies to your situation. This information is used by Instagram for internal analytics but does not affect the deletion process itself.
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Confirm Account Deletion with Your Password
After selecting your reason for deletion, Instagram will ask you to re-enter your password to confirm your identity. Type your password carefully and click the Permanently Delete My Account button. Instagram will display a confirmation message explaining that your account, including your photos, videos, comments, likes, and followers, will be permanently removed. Unlike Facebook, Instagram may offer a shorter waiting period, but the account will still go through a 30-day grace period before permanent deletion begins. During this time, your account is hidden from other users and your content is not visible. If you change your mind, you can cancel the deletion by logging back into your account within the 30-day window.
Remove Instagram from All Your Devices
After initiating deletion, immediately remove the Instagram app from every device you own. On iOS, press and hold the app icon and select Remove App. On Android, long-press and drag to Uninstall. Do not forget to also remove any Instagram-related apps like Layout, Boomerang, or Threads if you have them installed. Clear your browser history and cookies for instagram.com on all browsers. Remove any saved passwords for Instagram from your browser password manager or keychain. If you use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, remove the Instagram entry to prevent yourself from reflexively trying to log in. The goal is to create enough friction that you do not accidentally reactivate the account during the grace period.
What You Accomplished
By completing this guide, you have successfully worked through 6 steps covering "How to Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account". Here is a summary of what you achieved:
- ✓Save Your Instagram Content Locally
- ✓Review Connected Third-Party Apps
- ✓Notify Your Followers and Share Alternatives
- ✓Navigate to the Deletion Page on a Web Browser
- ✓Confirm Account Deletion with Your Password
- ✓Remove Instagram from All Your Devices
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the "How to Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account" guide cover?
This guide walks you through 6 steps to complete "How to Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account". Before deleting your Instagram account, save all your photos, videos, stories, and reels locally. Open the Instagram app, go to your profile, tap the three-line menu, and select Your Activity. From there, tap Download Your Information. Enter your email address where you want to receive the download link, choose the format (HTML is easier to view, JSON is better for data portability), and tap Request Download. Instagram will compile your archive and email you a link within 48 hours. This archive includes your photos, videos, comments, messages, profile information, and more. Additionally, you may want to manually save any particularly important photos to your device camera roll by opening each post and using the save or screenshot function.
How long does it take to complete "How to Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account"?
This guide is rated beginner difficulty and takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. It covers 6 steps in the delete-accounts category.
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