How to Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account (2026 Guide)
June 15, 2026 • By TechEvangelist Team
⚠️ Download Your Instagram Data BEFORE Deleting
Once your Instagram account is permanently deleted, all your photos, reels, stories, and messages are gone forever. Always back up first!
Important: Instagram has a 30-day grace period after you request deletion. If you log in during this time, the deletion is cancelled. After 90 days, all data is permanently erased.
Temporary Deactivation vs Permanent Delete
| Action | Description | Recovery? |
|---|---|---|
| Temporarily Disable | Hide your profile - data preserved | Yes, anytime by logging in |
| Permanent Delete | Full removal after 90 days | No, after 90 days |
Step 1: Download Your Instagram Data
Before deleting, save your photos, reels, stories, comments, and messages.
- Go to your profile and tap the menu (three lines)
- Tap "Your Activity" → "Download your information"
- Enter your email address and tap "Request download"
- Instagram will email you a link to your data (may take up to 48 hours)
- Download the ZIP file before proceeding
Step 2: Delete Your Instagram Account
On Desktop/Web
- Go to instagram.com and log in
- Click your profile picture → Settings
- Click "Accounts Center" → "Personal details"
- Click "Account ownership and control" → "Deactivation or deletion"
- Select your Instagram account
- Choose "Delete account" and follow the prompts
On Mobile (Instagram App)
- Go to your profile → tap the menu (three lines)
- Tap "Settings and privacy" → "Accounts Center"
- Tap "Personal details" → "Account ownership and control"
- Tap "Deactivation or deletion"
- Select your account and choose "Delete account"
- Confirm your choice
What Gets Deleted vs What Remains
Will Be Deleted
- • Your profile and bio
- • All your photos and reels
- • Your stories and highlights
- • Your comments and likes
- • Your followers and following lists
May Remain
- • Direct messages you sent (in recipient's inbox)
- • Tags in other people's posts
- • Server logs (up to 2 years)
How to Cancel Deletion
Changed your mind? You have 30 days:
- Log in to Instagram with your credentials
- Your account will be automatically restored when you log in
- No need to click anything - just logging in cancels the deletion
Note: After the deletion completes (90 days), there is no way to recover your account or any of your content. Download your data first.
FAQ
What's the difference between temporarily disabling and permanently deleting Instagram?
Disabling hides your profile but Instagram keeps all your data. Deleting removes everything permanently after a 30-day grace period.
How long does Instagram take to permanently delete my account?
After you request deletion, Instagram gives you 30 days to change your mind. Complete deletion can take up to 90 days after that.
Can I recover my Instagram account after starting deletion?
Yes, within the 30-day grace period. Just log in to your account and the deletion will be cancelled automatically.
Will deleting Instagram also delete my Threads account?
Yes, deleting your Instagram account will also delete your Threads account since Threads is linked to Instagram.
What data should I download before deleting my Instagram account?
Download your photos, reels, stories, comments, profile info, and direct message history. Use the "Download your information" tool in Settings.