How to Delete Instagram Account: Android and iPhone [2025]

“Are You Ready to Take a Break from Instagram? Here’s How to Do It Right!” Instagram is a major part of our lives, but it can sometimes feel overwhelming. The endless scrolling, constant updates, and pressure to keep up can take a toll on your mental well-being. If you’re considering stepping back from Instagram, you’re not alone. Many people are choosing to deactivate or delete their accounts to regain control, reduce distractions, and prioritize privacy.

Deleting your Instagram account doesn’t just remove posts or pictures—it gives you the freedom to focus on what truly matters. Whether you need a temporary break or a permanent goodbye, this guide will show you how to delete or deactivate your Instagram account step by step for Android, iPhone, and desktop. Ready to take control of your digital life? In that case, You might also want to check out: How to Create Instagram Account: Step-By-Step Guide [2025]

How to Delete Instagram Account: A Quick Guide

Thinking of permanently deleting your Instagram account? While the process is straightforward, it’s essential to understand the steps fully to avoid any confusion. Whether you’re using Android, iPhone, or desktop, here’s a user-friendly guide to help you delete your Instagram account with ease:

Step-by-Step Guide to Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account:

1. Log in to Your Instagram Account

2. Open the Settings Menu

3. Go to the Accounts Center

4. Select Personal Details

5. Account Ownership and Control

6. Deactivation or Deletion

7. Confirm Account Deletion

8. Enter Your Password

9. Select a Reason

10. Delete Your Account

Important Reminder:

Once your account is deleted, it cannot be recovered. Make sure to back up any important photos or information before completing the process.

Now that you know the basic steps, let’s dive deeper into device-specific instructions for Android and iPhone users to make it even easier for you to say goodbye to Instagram. Keep reading for detailed, platform-specific guidance!

Remove Instagram Account on Android

If you’re using an Android device and want to permanently delete your Instagram account, the process is straightforward. However, you’ll need to use a web browser since the Instagram app doesn’t provide a direct option for account deletion. Here’s how you can delete your Instagram account step by step:

1. Open Your Profile:

Launch the Instagram app and tap your “Profile Picture” in the bottom-right corner to access your profile page.

2. Access the Menu:

Tap the “Three horizontal lines” (menu icon) in the top-right corner of your profile page.

3. Go to Settings:

Scroll down and select “Settings” at the bottom of the menu.

4. Enter Accounts Center:

In the Settings menu, tap on “Accounts Center” to manage your account preferences.

5. Select Personal Details:

Inside the Accounts Center, tap on “Personal Details” to access account-specific options.

6. Choose Account Ownership and Control:

Under Personal Details, select “Account Ownership and Control.”

7. Pick Deactivation or Deletion:

Tap on “Deactivation or Deletion” to manage the status of your account.

8. Choose the Account to Delete:

If you manage multiple accounts, select the Instagram account you want to “Delete Permanently”.

9. Tap Delete Account:

Select the “Delete Account” option to initiate the deletion process.

10. Confirm Your Decision:

Instagram will ask you to confirm. Tap “Continue” to proceed.

11. Provide a Reason for Deletion:

“Choose a Reason” from the dropdown menu explaining why you’re deleting your account.

12. Finalize Deletion:

After providing your reason, tap “Continue” once again, and your account will be scheduled for permanent deletion.

Important Notes:

Once your Instagram account is deleted, all content and data associated with it will be permanently erased, and you won’t be able to recover it. Make sure to back up any photos or important information before completing this process. Account deletion may take up to 30 days to finalize, but your profile will no longer be visible during this period.

Now that you’ve learned how to delete your Instagram account on Android, keep reading for a step-by-step guide on removing your account from an iPhone. Stay tuned!

Remove Instagram Account on iPhone

If you’re using an iPhone and want to permanently delete your Instagram account, the process is simple and can be completed directly through the app. Here’s a user-friendly, step-by-step guide to help you remove your account with ease:

1. Launch the Instagram App:

Open the “Instagram app” on your iPhone to get started.

2. Go to Your Profile:

Tap your “Profile Picture” located in the bottom-right corner to access your profile page.

3. Access the Menu:

In the top-right corner of your profile, tap the “Three horizontal lines” (menu icon).

4. Open Settings:

From the dropdown menu, select “Settings” at the bottom.

5. Navigate to Account Settings:

Inside the Settings menu, tap on “Account” to access account-specific options.

6. Select Delete Account:

Scroll down and look for the “Delete Account” option. Tap it to proceed.

7. Choose Deactivation or Deletion:

Instagram will give you two options: deactivate your account temporarily or delete it permanently. Choose “Deletion.”

8. Provide a Reason for Deleting Your Account:

“Select a reason” from the dropdown list explaining why you’re deleting your account. This step is mandatory to proceed.

9. Enter Your Password:

For security purposes, Instagram will prompt you to “Re-enter” your account password.

10. Confirm Account Deletion:

Tap “Delete Account” and then hit “Continue” to confirm your decision.

Important Things to Know Before Deleting:

Permanent Action: Once your account is deleted, you won’t be able to recover your photos, followers, or any content.

Backup Your Data: Before deleting your account, consider downloading a copy of your Instagram data, including photos, videos, and messages, via Instagram’s Download Your Information tool.

Deletion Timeline: Instagram keeps your data for up to 30 days after you request deletion. During this time, you can log in to cancel the deletion process if you change your mind.

Now that you know how to delete your Instagram account on your iPhone, keep reading to learn how to complete this process through a desktop or web browser.

Remove Instagram Account on a Desktop

Deleting your Instagram account on a desktop is straightforward, and there are two ways to do it. You can either use a direct link to the deletion page or navigate through the account settings on Instagram’s website. Both methods are simple, and this guide will walk you through each step so you can choose the one that’s most convenient for you.

Method 1: Delete Instagram via Direct Link

This is the quickest way to delete your account as it takes you straight to the deletion page. Here’s how:

1. Visit the Instagram Account Deletion Page:

Open your web browser and go to the Instagram Account “Deletion Page”.

2. Log In to Your Account:

Enter your username and password to “Access your account”.

3. Select a Reason for Deletion:

From the dropdown menu, “Choose the reason” for deleting your account.

4. Re-enter Your Password:

For confirmation, Instagram will ask you to input your “Password” again.

5. Click “Permanently Delete My Account”:

Once confirmed, your account and all associated data will be “Permanently removed”.

Method 2: Delete Instagram via Settings

If you prefer navigating through Instagram’s website, follow these steps:

1. Log In to Instagram:

Open “Instagram.com” in your browser and log in with your credentials.

2. Go to Your Profile:

Click on your “Profile picture” in the top-right corner to access your profile page.

3. Open Settings:

Click on the gear icon or “Settings” option located next to the “Edit Profile” button.

4. Navigate to Privacy and Security:

In the settings menu, click on “Privacy and Security” to access account management options.

5. Find the Account Deletion Section:

Scroll down to the section labeled “Account Deletion” and click the provided link to delete your account.

6. Follow the Deletion Prompts:

“Select a reason” for deletion from the dropdown menu and re-enter your password to confirm.

7. Click “Permanently Delete My Account”:

Confirm your choice to “Permanently delete” your account.

Is it Possible to Deactivate Your Instagram Account?

Yes, you can absolutely deactivate your Instagram account if you’re not ready to delete it permanently. Deactivating your account is a temporary solution that allows you to step away from the platform while keeping your data intact. When you deactivate, your profile, photos, comments, and likes are hidden from others but not permanently removed.

How to Deactivate Instagram on Android

If you’re looking to step away from Instagram but don’t want to delete your account permanently, deactivating it is a simple and effective option. When you deactivate your account, your profile, photos, comments, and likes will be hidden from other users, but all your data will remain saved. You can reactivate it anytime by logging back in. Follow these steps to deactivate your Instagram account on Android:

1. Launch the Instagram App:

Open the “Instagram app” on your Android device and log in to your account.

2. Go to Your Profile:

Tap on your “Profile picture” in the bottom-right corner to access your profile page.

3. Open the Menu:

Tap the three “Horizontal lines” (menu icon) in the top-right corner of your profile.

4. Access Settings:

Scroll down and tap “Settings” from the menu options.

5. Navigate to Account Settings:

In the Settings menu, select “Account.”

6. Choose to Deactivate Account:

Scroll down and tap “Temporarily deactivate my account.”

7. Provide a Reason for Deactivation:

Instagram will ask you to “Choose a reason” for deactivating your account. Select one from the dropdown menu.

8. Enter Your Password:

For security purposes, you’ll need to “Re-enter your password” to confirm.

9. Temporarily Deactivate Your Account:

Finally, tap “Temporarily Deactivate Account” to complete the process.

What Happens When You Deactivate Your Account?

• Your profile, photos, and posts will be hidden from other users.
• None of your data will be deleted, and you can return to Instagram by simply logging back in.
• This is a great way to take a break without permanently losing your content or followers.

Now that you’ve learned how to deactivate Instagram on Android, keep reading to discover how to deactivate your account on an iPhone!

How to Deactivate Instagram on iPhone

If you need a break from Instagram but don’t want to delete your account permanently, deactivating it on your iPhone is a simple way to step away temporarily. When you deactivate your account, your profile, posts, comments, and likes are hidden from other users, but all your data remains intact. You can return to Instagram anytime by logging back in. Here’s how to deactivate your Instagram account on an iPhone:

1. Open the Instagram App:

Launch the “Instagram app” on your iPhone and log into your account.

2. Go to Your Profile:

Tap on your “Profile picture” in the bottom-right corner to access your profile.

3. Open the Menu:

Tap the three “Horizontal lines” (menu icon) in the top-right corner of your profile.

4. Access Settings:

Scroll down and tap on “Settings” at the bottom of the menu.

5. Navigate to Account Settings:

In the Settings menu, tap on “Account” to access account-specific options.

6. Choose to Deactivate Your Account:

Scroll down and select “Temporarily deactivate my account.”

7. Select a Reason for Deactivation:

Instagram will prompt you to “Choose a reason” for deactivating your account. Select one from the dropdown menu.

8. Re-enter Your Password:

For confirmation, you’ll need to “Enter your password” to proceed.

9. Temporarily Deactivate Your Account:

Tap “Temporarily Deactivate Account” to complete the process.

What Happens When You Deactivate Your Account?

• Your profile, photos, and posts will be hidden from other users, but none of your data will be lost.
• You can reactivate your account at any time by simply logging back in.
• This option is perfect if you need a break from social media without permanently losing your content or followers.

Deactivating your Instagram account on an iPhone is quick and easy, giving you the flexibility to take a break and return whenever you’re ready. Now that you’ve learned how to deactivate Instagram on an iPhone, let’s explore the steps for doing the same on a desktop!

How to Deactivate Instagram Account on a Desktop

If you’re looking to take a break from Instagram without permanently deleting your account, deactivating it is the perfect option. When you deactivate your Instagram account, your profile, photos, and comments will be hidden until you log back in. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you deactivate your account using a desktop browser:

1. Log In to Instagram:

Open your web browser and go to “Instagram.com”. Enter your username and password to log in to your account.

2. Go to Your Profile:

Once logged in, click on your “Profile picture” in the top-right corner to open your profile page.

3. Select “Edit Profile”:

On your profile page, locate the “Edit Profile” button next to your username and click on it.

4. Find the Deactivation Option:

Scroll down the Edit Profile page until you see the option “Temporarily disable my account” in the bottom-right corner. Click on it.

5. Choose a Reason for Deactivation:

Instagram will ask you to “Select a reason” for deactivating your account. Choose the option that best fits your situation from the dropdown menu.

6. Re-enter Your Password:

For security purposes, Instagram will prompt you to “Enter your password” again to confirm the deactivation request.

7. Click “Temporarily Disable Account”:

After entering your password, click the “Temporarily Disable Account” button to finalize the process.

Pro Tip:

Before deactivating, consider downloading your Instagram data for safekeeping. This ensures that you have a backup of your photos, videos, and other account-related information. You can do this via Instagram’s Download Your Information tool in the Privacy Settings.

Now that you know how to deactivate your Instagram account on your desktop, let’s explore the key differences between deleting and deactivating your account so you can decide which option is right for you.

How to Reactivate Instagram Account

If you’ve deactivated your Instagram account and are ready to return, the good news is that reactivating it is quick and hassle-free. Once you log back in, your profile, posts, and followers will be restored exactly as they were before. However, Instagram requires your account to remain deactivated for at least 24 hours before you can reactivate it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get back on Instagram:

1. Open the Instagram App or Website:

Launch the “Instagram app” on your mobile device or visit Instagram.com on your desktop browser.

2. Log In with Your Credentials:

Enter your “Username and password” associated with the account you deactivated.

3. Wait for Instagram to Reactivate Your Account:

After successfully logging in, Instagram will automatically “Restore your account”. All your profile details, posts, and followers will be intact.

4. Start Using Instagram Again:

Once logged in, you can begin using your account just as you left it. Post updates, reconnect with followers, and enjoy your Instagram experience.

Important Things to Keep in Mind:

24-Hour Deactivation Period: Instagram requires a minimum of 24 hours before reactivating an account. If you try logging in too soon, you may see an error message.

Forgot Your Password? If you can’t remember your password, use the “Forgot Password” option on the login screen to reset it.

No Data Loss: Reactivating your account restores all content, including photos, videos, followers, and previous messages.

Pro Tip:

If you’re reactivating after a long break, take a moment to update your profile, review your privacy settings, and check for any new features Instagram has introduced. Reactivating your Instagram account is that simple! And remember, if you ever need another break, you can deactivate your account again following the same easy process.

Also Read: How to Reactivate Instagram Account: A Complete Guide [2025]

What’s the Difference Between Deleting and Deactivating Instagram Account?

If you’re looking to take a break from Instagram, you have two main options: deactivating or deleting your account. While both give you a chance to step away from the platform, they differ significantly in terms of impact and permanence. Here’s a clear comparison to help you decide which option is right for you:

Deactivating Your Instagram Account

Temporary Pause: Deactivating your account is like hitting the pause button. Your profile, photos, comments, and likes will be hidden from others, but nothing is permanently deleted.

Account Restoration: You can reactivate your account anytime by logging back in, and everything will be exactly as you left it.

Best for Uncertainty: If you’re unsure about leaving Instagram permanently or just need a short break, deactivation is the better choice. It allows you to step back without losing your content or connections.

Deleting Your Instagram Account

Permanent Action: Deleting your account is a final decision. Once you delete your account, all your photos, videos, followers, comments, and messages are erased permanently.

No Recovery: After deletion, your account and its content cannot be recovered. Make sure to back up any important data before proceeding.

For a Fresh Start: This option is ideal if you’re certain you no longer want to use Instagram or need a clean slate for privacy or other reasons.

Pro Tip:

If you’re not sure which option is right for you, consider starting with deactivation. It’s a flexible choice that lets you test stepping away without losing anything permanently.

Whether you’re looking for a temporary break or a complete goodbye, understanding the difference between these options will help you make the best decision.

Conclusion

Deciding to delete or deactivate your Instagram account depends on your personal needs and goals. If you need a temporary pause to regain focus or reduce screen time, deactivating your account is an excellent option—it hides your profile and content but keeps everything intact for when you’re ready to return. However, if you’ve made the decision to step away from Instagram permanently, deleting your account ensures that all your data, photos, and posts are removed for good.

Before taking action, consider downloading your data to preserve important memories. Both options give you control over your digital presence, and the choice ultimately depends on what feels right for you. Whether it’s for a fresh start or a mental detox, taking a break from social media can be a powerful step toward achieving balance and clarity.