How To Delete An Instagram Account In 2023 [Step-by-step Guide]

by Manas Chowdhury
6 minutes read

If you are considering deleting or deactivating your Instagram account but are unsure of the process, fear not! 

We totally understand the need for a social media break or any privacy concerns you may have. Rest assured, deleting your Instagram account is a straightforward procedure. 

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process to delete Instagram account with easy-to-follow steps. Whether you seek a temporary hiatus or wish to permanently remove your account, we have all the information you need. So, let’s start!

It’s crucial to understand that when you initiate the process of deleting your Instagram account, it will undergo a 30-day period before being permanently closed. Throughout this duration, your account and information will be inaccessible to others, but it will still be governed by Instagram’s policies. Once the 30 days have passed, everything will be irrevocably erased. 

Important Reminders Before Deleting Your Instagram Account

  • The process of deleting an Instagram account is the same across different devices and platforms.
  • Instagram currently does not allow creating a new account with the same name as a deleted account. To retain the name or use it for another account, make sure to change the account’s name before permanently deleting your Instagram account.
  • If you create an Instagram account using an email address and later decide to permanently delete the account, you will not be able to create a new account with the same email address, even if you choose a different name on Instagram.
  • Once you delete your Instagram account, it cannot be restored. While Instagram retains your information for up to 90 days for copyright and complaint-related purposes, it is important to note that this information cannot be retrieved by you.

Reasons To Delete Your Instagram Account Today

Enhanced Productivity: Bid adieu to the time-consuming distractions of endlessly scrolling through Instagram and concentrate on more important tasks that drive your success.

Reclaimed Time: Bid farewell to wasting precious hours on mindless browsing, posting, and editing on Instagram, allowing you to regain control of your day.

Embrace the Present: Immerse yourself fully in the moments and experiences without the constant pressure to document and share everything on social media.

Break Free from Validation Seeking: Shift your perspective from seeking external validation through likes and comments to valuing your own life, accomplishments, and self-worth.

Focus on Personal Growth: Release yourself from the cycle of comparison on Instagram and prioritize your own personal development and progress.

Enhance Sleep Quality: Improve your overall well-being by reducing the negative impact of late-night Instagram scrolling on your sleep patterns.

Avoid Scams and Fraud: Safeguard yourself against potential fraudulent activities and scams that can occur within the Instagram platform.

Nurture Meaningful Connections: Redirect your energy towards building authentic, face-to-face relationships that go beyond the superficial connections found on social media.

Boost Self-Esteem: Free yourself from the harmful effects of constantly comparing yourself to meticulously curated and filtered content on Instagram.

Discover Happiness Beyond Likes: Uncover genuine happiness by focusing on real-life experiences and meaningful connections rather than relying on validation through social media metrics.

How To Delete Your Instagram Account Permanently?

Step 1: Log in to Your Account

Launch a web browser and visit the dedicated Instagram account deletion link. Add your login credentials and click on the “log in” button.

How to delete Instagram account permanently?

Step 2: Select a Reason for Deleting Your Account

A drop-down menu will appear, offering you eight distinct options to choose from, each representing a reason for deleting your account. Simply pick the one that aligns with your motive.

Step 3: Enter Your Password and Confirm Account Deletion

Upon selecting your reason, proceed by entering your account password. Once completed, your Instagram account will be rendered invisible to other users, including your followers. 

Remember, should you have a change of heart within 30 days, you can reverse the deletion by logging back in using your username and password.

What Happens After Deleting Your Instagram Account?

When you choose to delete Instagram account, all your account history will be permanently erased. This includes your photos, videos, stories, messages, likes, and followers. There is no way to recover this data once it’s deleted as if it never existed in the first place. Additionally, if you wish to create a new account using the same username, Instagram does not allow it. You will need to create a completely new account with a different username.

Can You Recover Your Deleted Instagram Account?

According to Instagram’s policy, once you delete your Instagram account, it cannot be recovered. However, if you have only temporarily disabled your account, you can recover it. That’s why it’s crucial to carefully consider your decision before proceeding. 

How Do I Delete An Instagram Account That I Can’t Log Into?

If you find yourself unable to access your login credentials on Instagram, deleting your account can pose a challenge. Instagram, for privacy reasons, requires you to log in to confirm your request for account deletion. If you are facing difficulties logging into your account, here are a few helpful suggestions:

Reset Your Forgotten Password: Use your email address, phone number, or Facebook account to reset a forgotten password. Simply go to the login page and click on “Forgot Password.” Instagram will provide you with a code that you can enter to regain access.

Ensure Correct Username Format: When entering your username, avoid including the “@” symbol. Enter only the username itself.

Check for Email Notifications: Check your email inbox for any messages from Instagram regarding changes made to your account information.

Report the Issue: If you are still unable to recover your account, report the situation to Instagram for further assistance.

Seek Support: Visit the Instagram login support page for additional tips and guidance.

By following these steps and seeking appropriate support, you can navigate the challenges of account deletion when you don’t have access to your login credentials.

How To Temporarily Disable Your Instagram Account?

If the idea of permanently deleting your account seems too final, you have the alternative option of temporarily deactivating your Instagram account, which allows for reactivation at a later time. Similar to the account deletion process, this can be done through your computer’s web browser or a mobile browser.

Step 1: Go to Account Center

Step 2: Click On Account ownership and control

Step 3: Select Deactivation or deletion

Step 4: Select Deactivate account

Step 5: Click Continue

By following these steps, your Instagram account will be temporarily disabled. This means it won’t appear in search results for other users, and you won’t be able to log back in unless you reactivate it.

How To Deactivate An Instagram Account On An iPhone?

To deactivate your Instagram account on an iPhone, you will need to follow these steps, as the native Instagram app does not provide this option:

Step 1: Launch the internet browser on your iPhone (e.g., Safari, Chrome).

Step 2: Visit Instagram.com.

Step 3: Log in to your Instagram account and navigate to your profile page.

Step 4: Tap on “Edit Profile.”

Step 5: Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and locate the option “Temporarily disable my account.”

Step 6: Provide the appropriate response in the box next to “Why are you disabling your account?”

Step 7: Re-enter your password to verify your identity.

Step 8: Tap on “Temporarily disable my account” once again.

By following these steps through your iPhone’s internet browser, you can successfully deactivate your Instagram account.

What Happens When You Deactivate Your Instagram?

When you choose to deactivate your Instagram account, it undergoes a complete disappearance. This means that your profile, photos, and posts will no longer be visible to your followers, and they won’t appear in searches based on hashtags or geotags. While Instagram retains all your data and images, they won’t be accessible on the app or website. Additionally, your username will vanish from the follower and following lists of others as if your account never existed.

It’s important to note that deactivating your Instagram account is a temporary measure. Once you log back in, all your data, including photos, will be restored, and they will reappear in the feeds of your followers as before.

How Long Can You Temporarily Disable Your Instagram?

You can deactivate your Instagram account for as long as you like without worry. Your information will be there when you are ready to access it again. You just have to log in using the appropriate credentials.

Do You Lose Followers When You Deactivate Your Instagram Account?

During the deactivation of your Instagram account, all your information is temporarily removed from the platform. This means that your followers won’t be able to find your account and cannot unfollow you. Additionally, you won’t have the ability to follow or unfollow other users while your account is deactivated.

Deactivating your account becomes particularly beneficial if you plan on taking a prolonged break from Instagram. It helps ensure that you don’t lose any followers during your absence, providing you with a seamless transition when you decide to return.

What Happens To Instagram Direct Messages When You Temporarily Disable Your Account?

While your Instagram account is deactivated, you won’t have access to your direct messages. However, once you log back into your account, all of your messages will be restored and available for you to access again.

Are You Ready To Take The Leap?

Deleting your Instagram account is a personal decision that requires careful consideration. We have walked you through the step-by-step process and provided valuable insights into the implications and benefits of account deletion. Whether you are seeking a break from social media, prioritizing your privacy, or simply looking to regain control of your time, deleting your Instagram account can be a liberating choice.

Remember, once you delete your account, it’s gone for good. Take a moment to evaluate your reasons and weigh the potential consequences. However, if you are ready to say goodbye to Instagram and embark on a new digital journey, take that leap and reclaim your freedom.

So go ahead, make a bold move, and delete that Instagram account. Embrace life beyond the filters and hashtags, and rediscover the joy of being present in the real world. 

Say goodbye to Instagram and start living life on your own terms. It’s time to break free from the virtual world and embrace the limitless possibilities of the offline realm. 

Delete your account and unlock a new chapter filled with genuine connections, personal growth, and unforgettable experiences. Step into the real world and let your true self shine. Don’t let Instagram hold you back any longer. Take the plunge and see where life takes you. Are you ready to delete and discover?