How to Delete an Instagram Account

With data breaches and privacy invasions rampant these days, it’s no wonder some people want to go off the grid and shut down all their social media accounts. However, sometimes, that is easier said than done. Sometimes these settings are hidden. You’ve come to the right place to find out how to delete an Instagram account.

What is Instagram

Instagram is a social media platform built on photos. Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger developed it. Unlike many of the usual social connection websites, they wanted something different, so they focused on communication based on photos only. Instagram allows commenting, uploading, and liking, and that’s it. The simplicity of the platform is refreshing, and it has become one of the fastest-growing social media sites in the world. Instagram launched in October of 2010, and Facebook bought it in 2012 for $1 billion. Currently, Instagram has more than 600 million active users.

If you are one of those 600 million users that just had enough and set your account private doesn't do the trick, then it's time to shut it off, here is how to do that.

Deactivating vs. Deleting an Instagram Account

Many of us quickly become consumed with social media and can waste hours, if not days, online scrolling through mindless content. If you are looking to take a break and get away from it all, deactivation is probably the best option for you. That way, after you have taken a sabbatical, you can turn it back on and get caught up with everyone’s Instagram feed. 

If, however, you are just completely tired of the platform and want to detach completely, then you can consider deleting your instagram account. A quick warning: all your videos, profile information, photos, comments, likes, and any other content will be removed along with your deletion. If you are undecided, you might want to try deactivating first. You can always delete your account later.

If you cannot disable or delete your account from inside the app. Follow the instructions below instead:

How to Deactivate an Instagram Account

Deactivating your account is a failsafe so you can get back all your stuff easily if you change your mind.

1. Using a computer or mobile browser, go to Instagram.com. 
2. Log into your account and click the Profile button. 
3. Next to your username, click the Edit Profile link.
4. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and click the Temporarily disable my account link (in blue).
5. You will need to verify your identity by entering your password.
6. Now, click the drop-down arrow next to “Why are you disabling your account?”
7. Make a selection.
8. Once you do that, the Temporarily Disable Account button at the bottom will turn blue and you can click it.

You are all set. You can reactivate your account at any time by logging back in and turning it back on.

How to Delete an Instagram Account Permanently

If you do decide that deleting your account is the way to go. You will want to backup all your data first. You may have pictures on Instagram that exist nowhere else and want to keep them. To download all your data before deleting your account:

From the Instagram App:

1. Go to your profile.
2. Tap the hamburger icon (three lines).
3. Choose Settings.
4. Tap Security.
5. Choose Download Data by tapping on it.
6. Enter your email address and press the button labeled Request Download.

From a Web Browser.

1. Go to Instagram.com.
2. Log in and go to your profile.
3. Click the “Edit Profile” link.
4. Go to Privacy and Security.
5. Look for the “Data Download” section and choose Request Download. 
6. Enter your email address and press the Request Download button to continue.

You will receive an email within 48 hours, alerting you that your download is ready. You must click on the link in the email and retrieve the download within four days, or it will be erased.

Now that you have a copy of all your Instagram content, you are ready to delete your account. Instagram made deleting your account easy with a dedicated web page here. 

1. Log into your account.
2. Use the drop-down where it says, “Why are you deleting your account?” to select a reason.
3. Once you do this, another field will appear for you to enter your password validating your identity.
4. You can then click the “Permanently delete my account” button (in red).

All set, your account, and all your data are now gone! 

To Reactivate Your Instagram Account

If you only deactivated your account above and suddenly had a change of heart, you can easily fix it.

1. Go to Instagram.com on a web browser.
2. Log into your Instagram account.