Sometimes, you may find that you no longer need your old account. Perhaps you are tired of using this social media platform or desire a fresh start. Fortunately, Instagram offers an option to completely delete any account, erasing all traces of its presence on this platform.
How to delete an Instagram account?
It is not possible to delete an Instagram account using an Android smartphone; you must use a PC instead.
This action will completely and irreversibly delete all photos, videos, and other data associated with the specified account, thereby protecting your privacy. It will also remove any Instagram followers you may have.
Here are all the steps you need to follow to delete an IG account on each of the three most popular operating systems.
Table of Contents
How to delete an Instagram account?
You can begin this process in one of four places, depending on your primary device: the Android or iOS app, PC, or the Instagram Help Center.
Review our step-by-step guide for each of the four systems.
On iOS
1. Find and run the iOS Instagram app
Before you can start deleting an account, you must locate the Instagram app on your iOS device to log in. You can see the icon in the image below:
Once you are logged into your account, tap on your profile icon to continue.
2. Start the account deletion process
First, tap on the profile picture to access a menu with several options. Locate the settings icon, then scroll until you find the option to delete the Instagram account.
3. Confirm your intention to delete the specified account
Account deletion is final and cannot be reversed. Therefore, Instagram will first prompt you to disable your account, and you will need to confirm your intention to have it permanently deleted.
Once you confirm the final prompt, you will be immediately logged out of your account as it is scheduled for deletion. This action will not affect any other Instagram accounts you may have, nor will it uninstall the Instagram mobile app from your iOS device.
On Android
You cannot delete your Instagram account directly through the Instagram app. Therefore, if you are using an Android phone, you will need to delete your account via the Instagram desktop site.
On desktop
Rather than using a dedicated app, you can access any Instagram account through a PC browser. Modern browsers offer all the features available in mobile apps, including the option to delete accounts.
This is what you need to do:
1. Log in to the relevant Instagram profile
First, visit www.instagram.com and log in to your account. This step is important because it ensures you are aware of the specific account you are deleting.
2. Go to the dedicated deletion page
Instagram provides a dedicated page for deleting any account directly through a web browser. Visit the page at the following link, Instagram, and then select the reason for your decision.
3. Confirm Your Intentions
You need to enter the password associated with the account you wish to delete, then click “delete account.”
You will be asked to confirm the decision you made. Once you do, all data will be lost completely. Additionally, deleting your account will free up your Instagram username, making it available to others.
Deleting an Account using the Instagram Help Center
Finally, you have another option for deleting any Instagram account, which can be done on their website.
The website is accessible on both PC and mobile browsers and is regarded as the safest method to delete your account.
1. Access the Instagram Help Center
The simplest way to access the Instagram help center is by using this link, which will open in your web browser. Alternatively, you can also access it through the iOS or Android app.
2. Locate the option that enables account deletion
Once you open the help center, a menu will appear on the left side of the screen.
Click on Manage your account and find the option that allows you to deactivate your Instagram account. This is what you will see after you click on it.
3. Finalize the Process
Click the button to delete your account and carefully review the provided information. Once you have done that, click on the link to the “delete your account” webpage.
To complete the process, you must provide the reason for your decision, enter your account password, and then confirm these choices. Finally, your account will be deleted.
Deleting Your Account in a Reversible Way
Alternatively, if you simply want a brief break from Instagram, whether due to your schedule or another reason, you can choose to temporarily disable your account instead of deleting it entirely by following these steps:
On iOS
If you want to temporarily disable an Instagram account and you have an iOS device, the simplest method is to use the associated app.
1. Launch the app and sign in
First, locate Instagram on your iPhone or iPad and enter your login credentials. After doing so, tap on the profile picture to access the settings menu.
2. Initiate the account deactivation process
Next, scroll down the menu until you locate the option labeled Delete Account. Tap this option to initiate the process.
3. Finalize the Deactivation
Once you tap the button, you will be asked to confirm that you want to disable the account.
Since deactivation is the default option, you will receive a single confirmation prompt, unlike deletion, which requires two. Confirming this decision will log you out, but you can log back in at any time.
On Android
Once again, you cannot deactivate the account directly through the app. If you are using an Android phone, you will need to complete this action via the Instagram website.
On PC
Finally, you can also disable your Instagram account using your PC’s web browser. Follow these simple steps to do so:
1. Open Instagram in your selected browser
Open a browser of your choice and go to www.instagram.com. Use your account credentials to log in. Once the page loads, click on the profile icon located in the top right corner and access the settings.
2. Initiate the deactivation process
At the bottom of your “edit profile” page, there is a button that enables you to temporarily deactivate your account. Click the button to proceed to the next page.
3. Completely disable the account
Before you proceed, you will be prompted to indicate the reason for deactivating your Instagram account, as well as to provide the password associated with it. Confirm all subsequent prompts to deactivate the specified account.
This will hide your account from other users, preserve your data, and prevent anyone else from using the same username you are currently using.
What steps must you take to reactivate the account?
Restoring an Instagram account is quite simple; all you need to do is log back in. This action will fully restore your account, returning the profile to the same state it was in before it was disabled.
You cannot disable the same Instagram account more frequently than once every seven days, so ensure you understand what you are doing.
What Happens When You Fully Delete an Instagram Account?
When your account is permanently deleted, all associated contacts and data are also removed. Therefore, it is advisable to download or back up all your data beforehand.
Additionally, your username will be released for other users, and all your followers and direct messages will be lost.
This also enables you to explore other social media platforms or alternatives to Instagram, such as TikTok and BeReal, introducing you to new experiences.
Conclusion
Given that Instagram has become a permanent fixture in the lives of many young people today, it is essential to understand how to withdraw from this social media platform when desired.
To meet this demand, Instagram has created two distinct options: the first is to disable or deactivate your account, while the second allows you to permanently delete it, severing all ties with anyone who knows you from this platform.
FAQ
Is there a way to delete just one account if you have several?
If you have multiple Instagram accounts, it may be just one that you don’t need. Thankfully, doing so is very easy.All you need to do is to ensure that you aren’t logged in to the wrong account and then submit the request. Doing this will have no effect on your other accounts, even if they are connected via links.
How long does it take for an Instagram account to get deleted after a request?
Once you schedule your account to be deleted, it will become inaccessible immediately. On the other hand, Instagram should take anywhere between 30 and 90 days to remove all your data fully.In most cases, you will have up to 30 days to appeal and attempt to restore the account, though this may not always be possible.
How many reports does it take for an account to get banned?
If you end up getting enough reports, there may be a ban coming your way. The number of reports necessary can vary greatly, and unfounded reports will be disregarded.
How to delete an Instagram account that is linked?
You can submit a request to have your account deleted even if it is linked to Facebook or any other social media, with the process being no different than if there were no links.Simply follow the normal account deletion process, depending on the type of device you are using.
