How to Deactivate or Delete Your Instagram Account: A Simple Guide

Instagram can be a fun and creative outlet, but sometimes, it may feel overwhelming or even affect your mental health. Whether you’re aiming for a short break or planning to quit for good, Instagram gives you two options: temporary deactivation or permanent deletion

Should You Deactivate or Delete Your Instagram Account?

First, determine your goal.

Deactivate: Temporarily hides your profile, posts, and comments. You can log back in anytime to restore everything.

Delete: Permanently removes your account, along with all your data. Once deleted, there's no way to recover it. You may be able to use the same username again—if it hasn't been taken.

Backup Your Instagram Data Before You Go

Before deleting your account, it’s smart to download a copy of your data—photos, videos, messages, and more. Once your account is gone, you can’t retrieve anything.

How to Request Your Data in the Instagram App:

1. Go to your profile.

2. Tap the menu icon (three lines in the top right).

3. Tap Your Activity under How you use Instagram.

4. Scroll down and tap Download your information.

5. Tap Download or transfer information.

6. Choose All available information or Some of your information.

7. Select the delivery method (download to device, Google Drive, or Dropbox).

8. Customize the download: select a date range, file format (HTML or JSON), and media quality.

9. Tap Create files to request your data.

How to Request Data from a Web Browser:

1. Go to Instagram’s website and log in.

2. Click the menu (three lines) at the bottom left.

3. Go to Your Activity > Accounts Center.

4. Click Download or transfer information.

5. Choose All available information or pick specific data.

6. Select download or transfer destination.

7. Customize your preferences and click Create files.

How to Deactivate Your Instagram Account

From the Web (Android users must use this method):

1. Visit Instagram.com and log in.

2. Click the menu (three lines) at the bottom left.

3. Choose Accounts Center.

4. Click Personal Details > Account Ownership and Control.

5. Select the account you wish to deactivate.

6. Tap Deactivate Account.

7. Enter your password.

8. Choose a reason for deactivation.

9. Tap Deactivate Account again to confirm.

How to Delete Your Instagram Account Permanently

On iPhone (in-app):

1. Open the Instagram app.

2. Go to your profile and tap the menu (three lines).

3. Tap Settings and Privacy > Account Center.

4. Choose Personal Details > Account Ownership and Control.

5. Tap Deactivation or Deletion.

6. Select your account.

7. Choose Delete Account and follow the on-screen steps.

On Android or Web:

1. Go to Instagram Account Deletion Page.

2. Log in if prompted.

3. Select a reason for deleting your account.

4. Enter your password.

5. Click Delete

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Take Control of Your Time Online

Whether you're stepping away from Instagram to improve your mental health, protect your data, or just reduce screen time, taking a break or quitting entirely is a personal decision. And now, you know exactly how to do it.