If you’ve decided to stop using Instagram and want to permanently delete your account, this guide will walk you through the process. Whether you’re in the process of rebooting your life, focusing on your mental health, or you just don’t want to be on the platform anymore, deleting your Instagram account is almost as easy as pie. In this article, we’ll talk about the steps you should go through to be sure that your account is permanently deleted.
Why Delete Your Instagram Account?
Instead of immediately providing you with the necessary steps, it is better to start by saying some of the main reasons why people go for the elimination of their Instagram accounts:
- Protection of personal information: unplugging your online presence.
- Maintaining good mental health: cutting down social media to feel better.
- Time management: not getting diverted, getting more work done.
- Starting fresh: Making a different persona on a new account.
Important Notes Before Deleting Your Account
- Permanent Action: A clear reminder of the fact that by deleting your Instagram account, you are making a decision that is final and irreversible. Once you have made a decision to remove your account, you have no chance to retrieve your account, photos, videos, followers, or even data.
- Temporary Deactivation: If you are not sure about deleting your account permanently, it is better to suspend it for some time. For example, deactivating is more reasonable because you will be able to recover your account at a later time.
- Download Your Data: To avoid losing out on the data in your Instagram account after deleting it, you can download your copy of Instagram data, which includes the photos, videos, and messages that you have sent. Please go to Settings > Security > Download Data to contact us to get a copy of the data about you we store.
Steps to Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account
Method 1: Delete Your Account via the Instagram App or Website
- Log in to Your Account
- Open the Instagram app or go to instagram.com and log in with your credentials.
- Navigate to the Accounts Center
- Click on your profile picture (which is bottom right on your mobile or as your profile icon from the top right on your desktop) or tap the profile icon at the top.
- Access More > Settings > Accounts Center.
- Select Personal Details
- On the Accounts Center page, your personal details will be visible. Set it by clicking on Personal details.
- Choose Account Ownership and Control
- Scroll down and click on Account ownership and control to proceed.
- Select Deactivation or Deletion
- Opt for deactivation or deletion.
- Choose the Account to Delete
- Pick the Instagram account that you prefer to delete from the list that may appear here.
- Tap Delete Account
- Do the next step by choosing the Delete account button. After that, tap the Continue option.
- Verify Your Identity
- Type the password to confirm your identity.
- Select a Reason for Deletion
- Choose from the drop-down menu the reason for deleting your account.
- Confirm Deletion Click the Tap Continue button and then tap the Delete account to finally remove your Instagram account permanently.
- Click the Tap Continue button and then tap the Delete account to finally remove your Instagram account permanently.
Method 2: Submit a Permanent Removal Request
Apart from not being able to enter your account or desiring a different method, you could also make a permanent removal request by using the Instagram help center:
- Go to the Delete Your Account page.
- Log in to your account if required.
- Choose a reason for the deletion of your account.
- Then type password and click on “Permanently delete my account.”
What Happens After Deleting Your Account?
- Immediate Shutting Down: Your profile, photos, videos, comments, likes, and followers would be deleted forever.
- Username Availability: It is possible that your user name will no longer be associated with your account and may be given to others who wish to use it.
- Data Retention: The company Instagram states that it may take up to 90 days to get rid of all your data off of its servers.
Alternatives to Permanent Deletion
Whether you have any doubts regarding your decision to cancel your account permanently, it is advised to take the options described below into consideration:
- Inactivity: proceed to Settings > Account > Temporarily suspend my account.
- Using Limits: On the Activity Dashboard of Instagram, you can manage and reduce your screen time.
- Stop Sharing Personal Information: If someone you don’t know asks you to click on a link that contains information about yourself, you should not do it. Besides, remember to educate your children to only interact with people their parents know and trust.
Final Thoughts
Deleting your Instagram account for good is a big move, but it is much easier to do it when you are sure it is the right thing to do. Make sure you delete your account the right way by following the steps listed above. Don’t forget to organize your content in order to save it for future reference.