How to Delete Instagram Account in 2025: A Step-by-Step Guide
Thinking about stepping away from Instagram? Or if you’re looking for a social media detox or permanently leaving the platform, knowing how to delete your Instagram account properly is essential. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process step by step. Plus, I’ll share some important things you should know before you say goodbye to your account to reduce later regret!
Why You Might Want to Delete Your Instagram Account
I get it—thinking about deleting your Instagram account isn’t something that comes out of nowhere. You’re not alone. It happened to me in the past as well.
In fact, many people are stepping away for a variety of reasons, and honestly, it’s not a bad idea if Instagram isn’t serving you anymore. Especially when it comes to privacy concerns, mental well-being, or just wanting a break from the endless scrolling, hitting that delete button can feel like a fresh start.
Privacy Concerns
Let’s face it—Instagram collects a ton of personal data. From tracking your browsing habits to suggesting ads that feel eerily accurate, it can get overwhelming. If you’re worried about your digital footprint or simply get tired of feeling watched, deleting your account might be a step toward reclaiming your privacy.
Mental Health Benefits
Social media can be exhausting. That’s true. Those constant comparisons, endless notifications, and the pressure to stay updated can take a toll on your mental well-being—if you’re not careful. Stepping away can help you so much to refocus on what really matters to you.
Productivity Boost
Two years ago, while I was so focused on my creation project, I ended up deleting my Instagram account for 6 months. I think that might have been the most productive time for me.
Instagram is a time sink. Cutting it off can free up so much space for more meaningful activities—whether it’s work, hobbies, or just spending time with your family and friends.
Re-Evaluating Your Online Presence
Sometimes, you just outgrow platforms. Whether you're shifting your focus, changing careers, or simply want a more private life, deleting Instagram can be a way to align your digital presence with your current goals.
At the end of the day, it’s all about what works best for you. If Instagram isn’t adding value to your life anymore, it might be time for you to take action and move on.
Things to Consider Before Deleting Your Instagram Account
Here’s your draft with the necessary corrections:
It’s easy to hit delete in frustration, but once it’s gone, it’s gone—so it’s worth taking a moment to consider your options. Here are a few things to think about before taking that final step.
Permanent vs. Temporary Deactivation
Do you really want to delete your account forever, or do you just need a break? Instagram lets you temporarily disable your account, which means your profile and content are hidden, but you can come back anytime. Permanent deletion, on the other hand, wipes everything—your photos, messages, and followers—without a way to recover them.
Backing Up Your Data
If you’ve been using Instagram for years, chances are you’ve got a lot of memories stored there. Before deleting your account, consider downloading your data, including photos, videos, and messages. It’s easy to request a full data download through your account settings.
Impact on Other Accounts
Many people forget that their Instagram is connected to other services—Facebook, WhatsApp, or even third-party apps. Deleting your account could disrupt those connections, so it’s worth checking what else might be affected.
Losing Access to Your Username
Once your account is deleted, your username is up for grabs. If you think you might return or want to keep your social identity, it’s better to disable the account instead.
Is There an Alternative?
If Instagram feels overwhelming, sometimes adjusting your usage—unfollowing certain accounts, setting screen time limits, or turning off notifications—can help without going all-in on deletion.
Take the time to think about your options before making a final decision. It’s always better to take a pause before making an important decision. I thought about it for 2 weeks, imagining what would be better, what I might lose (like contact with people), but also gaining more time to focus on myself, etc.
How to Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account
Deleting your Instagram account permanently is a big step, and once it’s done, there’s no turning back. If you're sure about leaving the platform for good, follow these steps to make sure you do it the right way.
Step 1: Log in via a Web Browser
You can’t delete your Instagram account from the mobile app—Instagram requires you to use a web browser. Simply go to Instagram’s account deletion page and log in with your credentials.
Step 2: Choose a Reason for Deleting
Instagram will ask you why you're leaving. You'll see options like privacy concerns, too much time spent on the app, or wanting a break. Choose the reason that fits best (or just select “Something else” if none apply).
Step 3: Enter Your Password
To confirm it’s really you deleting the account, Instagram will ask for your password. Make sure you remember it, or reset it beforehand if necessary.
Step 4: Confirm Deletion
Once you’ve entered your password, click the “Delete” button. Instagram gives you a 30-day grace period to change your mind, but after that, your account is gone forever.
Step 5: What Happens Next?
After deleting, your profile, photos, comments, and followers will be permanently removed. You won’t be able to get them back, so if you think you might want to return someday, consider deactivating instead.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind:
- Download your Instagram data before deleting, so you don’t lose valuable photos or conversations.
- Once deleted, your username may become available to others.
- If you have linked accounts (like Facebook), deleting Instagram won’t affect them, but double-check your settings to be sure.
Deleting your Instagram account can feel like a fresh start. Just make sure you're fully prepared before you take the plunge.
FAQs About Deleting an Instagram Account
I think it’s important to know some more situations you might never have thought about before deleting your Instagram account. Here’s a list of a few common questions people ask before taking that final step.
1. Can I recover my account after deletion?
No, once your account is permanently deleted, it’s gone for good. Instagram provides a 30-day grace period during which you can reactivate your account by logging back in. But after that, there’s no way to recover your profile, photos, or followers.
2. How long does it take for Instagram to delete my account?
Instagram typically deletes your account within 30 days after your request. During this time, your profile won’t be visible, but the data is still stored in case you change your mind. After the 30 days, everything is permanently erased.
3. Will my followers be notified if I delete my account?
No, Instagram doesn’t notify your followers when you delete your account. However, if they search for your profile, they won’t be able to find it, and it will appear as if you’ve disappeared from the platform.
4. What happens to my photos and comments after deletion?
All your photos, videos, likes, and comments will be permanently removed. If your posts were shared by others, they will remain on their accounts, but your original profile and content will no longer exist.
5. Can I delete my account without logging in?
No, you need to log into your account to request deletion. If you’ve forgotten your password, you can reset it using your email or phone number before proceeding with deletion.
6. Is there a way to delete my Instagram account via the app?
Currently, Instagram doesn’t allow you to delete your account directly from the app. You’ll need to visit the deletion page through a web browser on your phone or computer.
7. Can I use the same email or username to create a new account later?
Once your account is deleted, your email and username may become available for new users. However, there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to reclaim them, so consider deactivation if you’re unsure.
8. What if I only want a break from Instagram?
If you’re not ready to delete your account permanently, you can choose to temporarily deactivate it. This way, your profile will be hidden, but you can return whenever you want.
9. Will deleting Instagram affect my linked Facebook account?
No, deleting Instagram won’t affect your Facebook account or any other linked services, but it’s a good idea to check your linked accounts and make adjustments if needed.
10. What should I do before deleting my Instagram account?
Before deleting, download your data, notify your contacts, and unlink any connected apps to avoid issues in the future. Once deleted, there's no going back.
If you’re ready to delete your account, make sure you’ve considered all your options and are making the best choice for your situation.
Final Thoughts on Deleting Instagram
Deleting Instagram isn’t simply about hitting a button—it’s about taking control of your online presence and making a choice that aligns with your personal goals. Especially when you’re managing your life, stepping away for privacy reasons, mental health, or simply because you're too overwhelmed with all the social media. So it’s important to think about what you really want—and then give it a try, because you do have a 30-day return option.
The important thing is not to forget to back up your media. And don’t overthink it too much. We want the end result, not to add more frustration to our lives. Right? When I first considered deleting my old account, I hesitated and overthought it too much, worried I’d miss out or lose touch. But honestly, once I left, I realized it’s not like I thought it would be. Life has become much lighter and clearer. I spend more time focusing on real life and meeting new people.
If you ever feel like you need to get back on social media, you can always create a new account. But, at the end of the day, it’s your decision. If Instagram isn’t adding value to your life anymore, it might be time to move on—and that’s perfectly okay.