How to Delete Instagram Account on PC & Mobile

Last Updated on May 7, 2026 by Himanshu Rawat

Instagram is a very popular app where people share pictures and videos. Many use it to keep in touch with friends. But sometimes, you might want to stop using Instagram. Maybe you want a break, want to delete your account for good, or simply want more privacy while still using Instagram. In that case, you can also learn how to turn off your active status on Instagram so others cannot see when you are online.

This guide will help you do that. You will learn how to delete your Instagram account permanently and how to turn off your account for a while if you just want a break. You will find easy steps for using a computer, Android phone, and iPhone.

We will also show you how to save your Instagram pictures and videos before you delete your account. Plus, we will give some ideas on how to stay connected with friends without Instagram.

Temporary Deactivation vs Permanent Deletion

Before you do anything, decide which option fits your situation. The difference matters deletion cannot be undone after 30 days.

• Temporary deactivation means your account is just hidden. No one can see your photos, videos, or profile, but nothing is lost. When you’re ready to come back, you can log in, and everything will be there again.
• Permanent deletion means your account is gone forever. All your photos, videos, comments, and followers will be deleted. You can’t get them back, and you won’t be able to use that account again.

If you are not sure, deactivate first. You can always come back and delete later, but you can never undo a permanent deletion after 30 days.

Export Your Instagram Data Before Deleting

Before deleting your Instagram account, it’s recommended to export a copy of your data. This includes your photos, videos, messages, profile information, and more. Once your account is permanently deleted, this data cannot be recovered.

Steps to export your Instagram data:

• Open your Instagram profile and tap the menu (three lines) in the top right corner.
• Tap Accounts Center.

• Go to Your information and permissions.

• Tap Export your information.

• Tap Create export.
• Select the profile you want to export data from and tap Next.
• Choose one of the following options:
  • Export to device (download a copy to your device)
  • Export to external service (transfer data to another platform)

If you choose “Export to device”:

• Select the type of data you want to export
• Choose the date range, file format, media quality, and notification email
• Tap Start export

If you choose “Export to external service”:

• Select the service and connect your account
• Choose how often you want to export
• Enter your Instagram password
• Customize format and notification settings
• Tap Start export

Instagram will process your request, which may take some time (up to 30 days). Once ready, you’ll receive a notification and email. Your exported files will be available for download for 4 days in the Available downloads section.

If you’re concerned about privacy but don’t want to delete your account, you can also choose to limit interactions.

How to Delete or Deactivate your Instagram Account Permanently

If you’re sure you want to leave Instagram forever, you can delete your account using a computer, an Android phone, or an iPhone. Just remember: once it’s deleted, all your posts, followers, and messages will be gone and can’t be recovered.

From Your Computer

• Log in to your Instagram account

• Click More in the bottom left corner.

• Select Settings.

• Click Accounts Center (on the left side).

• Now click Personal details.

• Click Account ownership and control.
• Select Deactivation or deletion.
• Click the Instagram account you want to delete.
• Choose Delete account, then click Continue.

Instagram will delete your account after 30 days unless you log in again.

From Your Android Device (Using the Instagram App)

• Open the Instagram app on your Android phone.
• Tap Profile or your profile picture at the bottom right.

• Tap the three lines (more options) in the top right corner.

• Tap Accounts Center.

• Tap Personal details.

• Tap Account ownership and control.

• Tap Deactivation or deletion.
• Select the Instagram account you want to delete.
• Tap Delete account, then tap Continue.

From Your iOS Device (iPhone or iPad – Using the App)

• Open the Instagram app on your iPhone or iPad.
• Tap your profile picture at the bottom right.
• Tap the three lines at the top right.
• Go to Settings and privacy.
• Scroll down and tap Account Center.
• Tap Personal details > Account ownership and control.
• Tap Deactivation or deletion.
• Choose your Instagram account.
• Select Delete account, then tap Continue.
• Follow the steps to confirm your deletion.

Instagram gives you 30 days in case you change your mind. If you don’t log in during that time, your account will be deleted forever.

How to Deactivate Your Instagram Account Temporarily

If you just want a break from Instagram, you don’t have to delete your account forever. You can deactivate it instead. This hides your profile, photos, likes, and comments until you decide to come back. When you log in again, everything will be just like before.

From Your Computer

• Open Instagram on your browser and log in.
• Click More (the three dots) in the bottom left corner.
• Click Settings.
• Click Accounts Center.
• Click Personal details.
• Click Account ownership and control.
• Click Deactivation or deletion.
• Select the account you want to deactivate.
• Click Deactivate account, then click Continue.
• Follow the steps to confirm your choice.

Your account is now hidden and can be reactivated anytime by logging back in.

From Your Android or iOS Device (Using the Instagram App)

• Open the Instagram app on your phone.
• Tap Profile or your profile picture at the bottom right.
• Tap the three lines (more options) in the top right corner.
• Tap Accounts Center.
• Tap Personal details.
• Tap Account ownership and control.
• Tap Deactivation or deletion.
• Select the Instagram account you want to deactivate.
• Tap Deactivate account, then tap Continue.

Your account will be hidden until you log back in, and you can reactivate it anytime by simply logging in again.

Note: Instagram limits how often you can deactivate your account. You generally cannot deactivate more than once per week.

Summary

If you need a break from Instagram or want to leave it for good, you have two main choices:

• Temporarily deactivate your account if you just want to step away for a while. This hides your profile and content but keeps everything safe.
• Permanently delete your account if you’re sure you don’t want to use Instagram anymore. This removes everything forever and can’t be undone.

You can do both from a computer or through your phone — either using a browser or the Instagram app. Just remember to export your data first if you want to keep your photos, messages, and other info.

And if you’re leaving Instagram but still want to stay connected, there are plenty of other ways to keep in touch with friends and followers — like email, messaging apps, or other social platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I recover my Instagram account after deleting it?

You can recover your account only within 30 days of requesting deletion by logging back in. After 30 days, the account and all data are permanently deleted and cannot be restored.

2. What happens to my photos and messages after deleting my account?

All your photos, videos, comments, messages, and followers are permanently removed. That’s why it’s recommended to export your data before deleting your account.

3. How is deactivation different from deletion?

Deactivation is temporary and hides your profile and content until you log back in. Deletion is permanent and removes everything after 30 days.

4. Can I use the same username again after deleting my account?

Yes, your username may become available after 30 days of deletion, but there is no guarantee it won’t be taken by someone else.

5. How long does Instagram take to process data export requests?

Instagram may take up to 30 days to prepare your data. Once it’s ready, you’ll receive a download link that is usually available for 4 days.