Learn how to deactivate your Instagram account temporarily or delete it permanently using the official mobile app for iPhone and Android or your favorite web browser.
Deleting vs. deactivating
Deleting an Instagram account is an irreversible action. If you’d like to take a break from Instagram without losing any posts and followers, you can instead temporarily disable your account. Doing so will temporarily hide your pictures, videos, reels, comments, likes, followers, following, and more, not delete them. After the account is reactivated, those interactions will become visible again.
What happens after deleting an Instagram account?
Deleting your Instagram account is a permanent action that has the following consequences:
- Your profile, photos, videos, and reels are removed without chance of recovery—download your Instagram reels before deleting the account.
- Your Instagram posts embedded on websites won’t show.
- Your follower list is deleted. If you create a new account in the future, you’ll need to tell your old followers to follow your new account.
- Your comments and likes will be removed from other people’s posts.
Deactivate your Instagram account
1) Open the Instagram app on your iPhone or Android handset and go to your profile page, then hit the menu icon in the top-right corner and choose Accounts Center.
2) Tap Personal Details on the Meta Accounts Center, then choose Account Ownership and Control.
3) Choose Deactivation or Deletion, and then select your Instagram account.
4) The account deactivation option is selected by default, so tap Continue. For security reasons, you must enter your Instagram account password. Then, tap Continue.
5) Select a reason for account deactivation from repopulated choices and hit Continue, then tap Deactivate Account to confirm.
The account deletion option is also accessible through the Accounts Center in a web browser on a computer.
Reactivate your Instagram account
If you would like to use Instagram again, you can reactivate a perviously deactivated account by signing in with your credential in the mobile app or web interface. Doing so will reinstate your account so you can pick up right where you left off. Forgot your Instagram password? Visit Instagram Support for help.
Delete your Instagram account
You can nuke your Instagram account out of orbit for good. But first, download an archive of your Instagram account data so you have a copy of your photos, videos, reels and so on. With that done, you can proceed with the folowoijng steps to delete your Instagram account permanently.
1) Go to your profile page in the Instagram app, hit the menu icon in the top-right corner, and choose Accounts Center.
2) Tap Personal Details, then choose Account Ownership and Control.
3) Hit Deactivation or Deletion and select your Instagram account.
4) Tap the button next to Delete Account and hit Continue. Tell Meta why you’re deleting your Instagram account by choosing from repopulated reasons and hit Continue.
5) Depending on the reason given, Instagram will try to talk you out of deleting the account. To proceed anyway, hit the Continue button. You’ll now see options to download your Instagram information, transfer this data to another service, or deactivate the account. We want to delete, so tap Continue at the bottom.
6) Enter your Instagram password to confirm the action. Read the details on this last screen and, when ready, tap Delete Account.
Cancel a pending account deletion request
Instagram will show you the cut-off date when the account will be permanently deleted from its systems. You have 30 days to change your mind. Simply log in to Instagram with your username and password within this 30-day window to cancel account deletion. After 30 days have passed, Meta will permanently delete your Instagram account.
Can I create a new Instagram account with my old username?
Yes. After Meat has permanently deleted your Instagram account, you’ll be able to use your old username for your new account provided no one has taken it. You can also use your old username as a new username for your existing Instagram account. Keep in mind that creating a new Instagram account with your old username will not bring back your followers, following list, posts, likes, comments, or anything else.
Can Instagram or someone else delete my account?
No. Neither Instagram nor third parties can delete your Instagram account. Your Instagram account’s username and password are required to flag the account for deletion.
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