How to Delete an Instagram Account

Permanently delete an Instagram account through Accounts Center, with a 30-day window to change your mind.

  1. Download your data first

    In the Instagram app, open your profile, tap the menu icon, then go to Accounts Center, Your information and permissions, and Download your information. Deletion wipes your photos, messages, and followers for good, so save a copy now.

  2. Open Accounts Center

    From your profile, tap the menu icon, then tap Accounts Center at the top of Settings. On the web, sign in at instagram.com and open Settings, then Accounts Center. The path is the same on iPhone and Android.

  3. Go to Personal details, then Account ownership and control

    Inside Accounts Center, tap Personal details, then Account ownership and control, then Deactivation or deletion. Select the Instagram account you want to remove if you have more than one.

  4. Choose Delete account and confirm

    Pick Delete account rather than Deactivate (deactivation only hides the profile temporarily). Select a reason, enter your password, and tap the final Delete confirmation.

  5. Stay logged out for 30 days

    Instagram holds the account for about 30 days before permanent deletion. Logging back in during that window cancels the request, so do not sign in again unless you have changed your mind.