How To Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account 2024

In the digital age, there may come a time when you want to disconnect from social media platforms permanently. This could be due to a desire for privacy, a need to focus on real-life interactions, or simply to reclaim some of your time. One such platform that people often choose to leave is Instagram.

How To Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account

Here’s a complete guide on how to permanently delete your Instagram account.

Before You Delete Your Instagram Account

Before you decide to permanently delete your Instagram account, it’s crucial to back up your data. Instagram allows you to download all your data, including photos, comments, profile information, and more.

This is an essential step to ensure that your information is protected if you ever want to view it in the future. If you skip this step, you’ll lose your data completely, and it will be irretrievable.

To save your account data, open Instagram and tap the “Profile Icon” in the lower right corner.
Then tap the “Hamburger Icon” (Menu) in the top right corner, followed by “Settings” at the bottom.
Enter your email address and tap “Request Download.“
Within 48 hours, Instagram will email a complete file of your profile to the email address you provided.

How To Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account

Once you’ve backed up your data, you can proceed with deleting your Instagram account. Remember, this action is irreversible. Once deleted, your account and all associated data will be gone forever.

To delete your account, go to the unique Delete Your Instagram Account page on your browser (ensure that you’re logged in).
Select a reason for deletion from the drop-down menu and click or tap the “Delete” button to confirm your decision.
Your account will then become temporarily invisible for 30 days before being permanently deleted.

How To Temporarily Disable Your Instagram Account

If you’re unsure about permanently deleting your account, you can opt to temporarily disable it instead. This action logs you out and hides your profile from your followers.

To disable your account, go to Instagram.com from your browser on any device (you cannot do this from the app).
Log in if prompted to do so, click or tap on the “profile icon” in the upper right-hand corner, scroll down, and tap “Temporarily disable my account” to the right of the “Submit” button.
Select a reason from the drop-down menu, re-enter your password, and click or tap “Temporarily Disable Account.”

FAQs About Deleting Your Instagram Account

How long does Instagram keep my data after I delete my account?

Instagram states that it can take up to 90 days to completely delete your account, meaning Instagram may still have pieces of information about your account stored on its servers.

However, Instagram’s Data Policy also states that the company may retain information about your account beyond 90 days for legal purposes or related to a violation of the company’s Terms of Use.

Can I delete my child’s account?

Unfortunately, you cannot delete your child’s Instagram account without the user’s login information. Instagram’s policy on account deletion states that only the account owner can delete the profile using the instructions above.

How long until Instagram deletes your account?

If you go through the deletion process outlined above, your Instagram account gets deleted after 30 days following the request, and your IG account becomes invisible so nobody can see it. However, all data stored in backups can take up to 90 days to delete.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking to take a break from Instagram or want to permanently delete your account, it’s important to understand the steps involved. Always remember to back up your data before making any final decisions.