How to Deactivate or Delete Your Instagram Account in 2025

Instagram has become an essential part of many people’s daily lives. However, there may come a time when you feel the need to take a break or permanently part ways with the platform. Whether you want to temporarily deactivate your account or permanently delete it, this guide will walk you through both processes with the latest and most accurate steps.

Temporarily Deactivate Your Instagram Account

If you need a break from Instagram but aren’t ready to say goodbye completely, temporarily deactivating your account is a good option. When you deactivate your account, your profile, photos, comments, and likes will be hidden from others, but your account can be easily reactivated whenever you choose to return.

Important Note: You can only deactivate your Instagram account from a computer, a mobile browser, or the Instagram app.

Steps to Temporarily Deactivate Your Instagram Account:

1. Log into Instagram: Open Instagram on your computer, mobile browser, or the app. You must be able to log into your account to deactivate it.
2. Go to ‘Settings’:
   In the app, tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom left corner, then tap Settings. On a computer or mobile browser, click on your profile picture in the top right, then click Settings.
3. Access Accounts Center:
   From Settings, click on Accounts Center at the bottom of the screen.
4. Select ‘Personal Details’:
   Under Accounts Center, click Personal details.
5. Go to Account Ownership and Control:
   Click on Account ownership and control, then select Deactivation or deletion.
6. Choose the Account to Deactivate:
   Click on the account you’d like to deactivate.
7. Click ‘Deactivate Account’:
   Select Deactivate account, then click Continue.
8. Re-enter Your Password:
   Instagram will ask for your password to confirm your action. Re-enter your password and click Continue.
9. Select the Reason for Deactivation:
   Choose a reason for deactivating your account and click Continue.
10. Confirm Your Decision:
    Finally, click Deactivate account to confirm.

Once your account is deactivated, it will remain hidden from others, and you can reactivate it simply by logging back in.

Important Note: You can only deactivate your account once a week, so make sure you’re certain before proceeding.

Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account

If you’re sure you want to say goodbye to Instagram forever, you can permanently delete your account. Once deleted, you won’t be able to recover any content, and your account will be removed from the platform after 30 days.

Steps to Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account:

1. Log into Instagram:
   As with deactivation, you must be logged into your account to delete it. You can only do this on a computer or mobile browser.
2. Go to ‘Settings’:
   Access Settings from the menu as described in the deactivation steps.
3. Open Accounts Center:
   Click on Accounts Center in the Settings.
4. Select ‘Personal Details’:
   Click Personal details and then select Account ownership and control.
5. Go to ‘Deactivation or Deletion’:
   Click on Deactivation or deletion.
6. Choose the Account to Delete:
   Click on the account you want to delete permanently.
7. Click ‘Delete Account’:
   Select Delete account, then click Continue.
8. Re-enter Your Password:
   Enter your password again and click Continue to confirm your choice.
9. Final Confirmation:
   Follow the instructions and click Delete account to permanently delete your Instagram account.

After confirming, Instagram will begin the process of deletion. Your account and data will be permanently removed after 30 days. During that period, your content will remain stored, but it won’t be accessible by others.

Important Notes About Deletion:

• 30-Day Grace Period: Your account will be deactivated during the 30-day period, but your data won’t be permanently erased until after those 30 days.
• Data Retention: Instagram may retain some data for legal or technical reasons, including backup storage, which could take up to 90 days to be fully deleted.
• Username: If your account is deleted, you can sign up again with the same username, as long as no one else has taken it.
• Cancellation: If you change your mind, you can cancel the deletion within the 30 days before it’s completed.

Additional Options: Make Your Instagram Account Private

If you don’t want to deactivate or delete your account but simply want more privacy, you can make your account private. This option restricts access to your posts and information to only those who follow you.

How to Make Your Instagram Account Private:

1. Go to Settings:
   Tap on the three horizontal lines and select Settings.
2. Go to Privacy:
   In the Settings menu, select Privacy.
3. Toggle ‘Private Account’:
   Turn on the Private account toggle. This will make your profile and posts visible only to approved followers.
4. Confirm:
   Click Switch to private to confirm the change.

Note: Business accounts cannot be made private. If you have a business profile, you’ll need to switch back to a personal account before making it private.

Choose What’s Right for You

Whether you’re taking a break or completely leaving Instagram, both the temporary deactivation and permanent deletion options give you control over your presence on the platform. If you need a short break, deactivation is a simple and effective option. However, if you feel that Instagram no longer aligns with your lifestyle or goals, deleting your account might be the right choice.

Always remember that once you delete your account, all your photos, messages, and data are gone for good after the 30-day grace period. If you’re unsure, consider making your account private or temporarily deactivating it before making the final decision.