Permanent deletion removes your account, photos, and profile from Instagram forever
When you permanently delete an Instagram account, Meta removes your profile, all your photos, captions, comments, and followers list from their servers. This is different from deactivating, which hides your account temporarily but keeps everything intact if you change your mind. Permanent deletion cannot be undone — once the process completes, you cannot recover your username, photos, or any data associated with that account.
The deletion process takes about 30 days. During this time, your account is invisible to other users, but Meta still holds your data in case you contact them to stop the deletion. After 30 days pass, the deletion becomes final and irreversible.
Key Takeaways
- Permanent deletion takes 30 days to complete, and you cannot undo it after that period ends.
- You must use a web browser (not the mobile app) to access the permanent deletion option in your account settings.
- Instagram will ask you to re-enter your password and may send a confirmation code to your email or phone before processing the request.
- If you change your mind during the 30-day window, you can contact Instagram support to cancel the deletion before it becomes final.
- Deactivating your account is reversible and hides your profile without deleting your data; permanent deletion is the only way to remove everything.
Steps to permanently delete your Instagram account
Go to Instagram.com on a web browser and log into your account. The permanent deletion option does not appear in the mobile app, so you must use a computer or tablet with a browser.
Click your profile icon in the top right corner, then select Settings and privacy. Scroll down and tap Help, then select Help Center. In the Help Center, search for "delete account" or navigate to the account deletion page directly by typing this URL into your browser: instagram.com/accounts/remove/permanent/delete-account/
On the deletion page, select your account from the dropdown menu if you manage multiple accounts. Instagram will ask you to choose a reason for deletion from a list of options (such as "I don't find it useful," "I'm concerned about privacy," or "Something else"). Select the reason that applies to you.
Re-enter your password when prompted. Instagram requires this step to confirm you own the account and are not deleting it by accident. Click Continue.
Instagram may send a confirmation code to your email address or phone number associated with the account. Enter this code on the next screen. This extra verification step protects your account from unauthorized deletion.
Review the final confirmation message, which will remind you that deletion is permanent and cannot be reversed. Click Delete [username] to confirm. Your account is now scheduled for permanent deletion.
What happens during the 30-day deletion window
After you submit the deletion request, your account becomes invisible to other Instagram users immediately. Your profile will not appear in search results, your photos will not show up on other people's feeds, and no one can visit your profile page. However, comments you left on other people's posts may still be visible, though they will show as posted by a deleted account.
During these 30 days, Meta keeps your data on their servers. If you log back into your account before the 30 days end, the deletion will cancel automatically and your account will return to normal. This is the only window in which you can recover your account.
After 30 days pass, Meta permanently removes all your data from their systems. At this point, your username becomes available for someone else to use, and there is no way to recover your photos, followers, or any other information.
How to cancel deletion before it becomes final
If you change your mind within the 30-day window, simply log back into your account using your username and password. Instagram will recognize the deletion request and ask if you want to cancel it. Select yes, and your account will be restored with all your data intact.
If you cannot remember your password, use the "Forgot password?" option on the login screen to reset it. You will need to verify your identity using your email address or phone number before you can create a new password and log in.
Once you log in successfully, your account is no longer scheduled for deletion. You can continue using Instagram normally, and the 30-day countdown stops.
Difference between deactivation and permanent deletion
Deactivation hides your account temporarily. Your profile, photos, and followers list disappear from Instagram, but Meta stores all your data. You can reactivate your account at any time by logging back in, and everything returns exactly as it was. Deactivation is useful if you want a break from Instagram but might return later.
Permanent deletion removes your account and all associated data from Meta's servers after 30 days. This is irreversible. Choose permanent deletion only if you are certain you will never want to use Instagram again and do not need your photos or data.
If you are unsure whether you want to leave Instagram permanently, deactivate first. You can always delete later, but you cannot undo permanent deletion.
What to do before you delete your account
Download your photos and data before starting the deletion process. Go to Settings and privacy, select How you use Instagram, then tap Download your information. Instagram will prepare a file containing your photos, captions, followers, and other account data. This download may take several hours or days depending on how much data you have. You will receive an email with a link to download the file once it is ready.
Tell your followers or contacts that you are leaving, especially if they follow you for business or personal reasons. You might post a final story or message with your contact information or alternative social media accounts where they can reach you.
If you use your Instagram account to log into other apps or websites, change those login methods first. Some apps use Instagram as a sign-in option, and deleting your Instagram account will prevent you from accessing those services through Instagram. Log into each app separately and update your password or sign-in method before you delete Instagram.
Check if you have any active ads or business accounts linked to your personal Instagram. If you run ads or manage a business page, those may be affected by deleting your personal account. Contact Meta Business Support if you need help separating your business account from your personal account before deletion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else use my username after I delete my account?
Yes. After the 30-day deletion period ends, your username becomes available for anyone to claim. If you think you might want to use that username again in the future, consider deactivating instead of permanently deleting. With deactivation, your username stays reserved as long as your account exists.
Will deleting my Instagram account also delete my Facebook account?
No. Instagram and Facebook are separate accounts, even if they are linked. Deleting your Instagram account does not affect your Facebook account. However, if you use your Facebook login to access Instagram, you will no longer be able to do so after Instagram deletion.
What if I cannot access the email or phone number linked to my account?
If you cannot receive the confirmation code, try logging in from a device where you have already logged into Instagram before. Instagram may skip the code verification for trusted devices. If that does not work, contact Instagram Support through the Help Center and explain that you cannot access your recovery email or phone number. They can help you verify your identity through other means.
Does Instagram delete my account immediately or after 30 days?
Your account becomes invisible to other users immediately after you submit the deletion request, but Meta does not permanently remove your data until 30 days have passed. During those 30 days, you can cancel the deletion by logging back in. After 30 days, the deletion is permanent and cannot be reversed.
Can I delete my account if I have an active business or creator account?
Yes, but you should separate your business account from your personal account first if you want to keep the business account running. Go to your business account settings and change the linked personal account before you delete your personal account. If you delete your personal account while it is linked to a business account, the business account may lose access to certain features.