Instagram gives you two ways to stop using your account: deactivation, which is temporary, and deletion, which is permanent
Deactivation hides your profile, posts, and comments from public view for up to 30 days. If you log back in during that window, your account returns to normal. Deletion removes everything permanently after 30 days — your photos, videos, comments, and follower list all disappear and cannot be recovered.
Most people choose deactivation first because it is reversible. You might deactivate if you need a break but think you will return. Choose deletion only if you are certain you will not want your account back.
Key Takeaways
- Deactivation hides your account for up to 30 days and can be undone by logging back in, while deletion is permanent after 30 days.
- You can deactivate or delete through Instagram's Settings menu on your phone or through the web version on a computer.
- Instagram will ask you to confirm your choice and may ask why you are leaving, but these questions are optional.
- If you delete your account, you have 30 days to change your mind by logging back in before the deletion becomes final.
- Deactivating or deleting your Instagram account does not remove you from Facebook if you have a linked account.
How to deactivate your Instagram account on your phone
Open Instagram and go to your profile by tapping the person icon at the bottom right. Tap the three horizontal lines (the menu) in the top right corner, then scroll down and tap Settings and Privacy. Tap Account, then scroll to the bottom and tap Deactivate or Delete Account.
Instagram will show you two options: Deactivate Account and Delete Account. Tap Deactivate Account. The app will ask you to choose a reason from a dropdown menu — this is optional and does not affect whether your account is deactivated. You can leave it blank or select a reason. Enter your password to confirm, then tap Deactivate Account again.
Your account is now hidden. Your profile, posts, comments, and likes will not be visible to other people. If you change your mind within 30 days, simply log back in with your username and password, and your account will be restored exactly as it was.
How to deactivate your Instagram account on a computer
Go to instagram.com and log in. Click your profile picture in the top right corner, then click Settings. On the left side, click Account, then scroll down and click Deactivate Account.
Instagram will show you the same two options. Click Deactivate Account, choose a reason if you want to, enter your password, and click Deactivate Account to confirm. Your account is now deactivated and hidden from other users.
How to permanently delete your Instagram account
Follow the same steps as deactivation — go to Settings, then Account, then Deactivate or Delete Account. This time, tap or click Delete Account instead of Deactivate Account. Instagram will warn you that deletion is permanent and that you have 30 days to change your mind.
Enter your password and tap or click Delete Account. Your account will be scheduled for deletion. For the next 30 days, you can undo this by logging back in. After 30 days, Instagram permanently removes your profile, all photos, videos, comments, and messages. None of this can be recovered.
What happens to your data after deactivation or deletion
When you deactivate, Instagram keeps all your data on its servers. Your messages stay in other people's inboxes, but they cannot see who sent them. Your posts and comments are hidden but not erased. If you reactivate within 30 days, everything comes back.
When you delete, Instagram begins removing your data after 30 days. Some information — like messages you sent — may remain in other people's accounts even after your account is gone. Copies of your data may also exist in Instagram's backup systems for a limited time.
If your account is linked to Facebook
Deactivating or deleting your Instagram account does not affect your Facebook account. The two remain separate. If you want to disconnect them before deactivating or deleting, go to Settings, then Accounts Center, then Accounts, and remove Instagram from the list.
If you do not disconnect them first, your Facebook account stays active and you can still log into other apps using your Facebook credentials. You can reconnect Instagram to Facebook later if you change your mind during the 30-day window.
What to do if you cannot find the deactivate or delete option
The deactivate and delete options only appear if you are using the official Instagram app or website. Third-party apps cannot deactivate or delete accounts. Make sure you are logged into instagram.com or the official Instagram app from Meta.
If you are using a very old version of the Instagram app, update it from your phone's app store. If you still cannot find the option, try using a web browser instead. Go to instagram.com, log in, and follow the computer steps above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deactivate my account without deleting it?
Yes. Deactivation hides your account temporarily without removing any data. You can reactivate by logging back in anytime within 30 days. After 30 days of deactivation, Instagram may delete your account automatically, so log back in before then if you want to keep it.
What happens to my direct messages when I deactivate?
Your messages stay in other people's inboxes, but they will not see your name or profile picture — the sender will appear as "Instagram User". When you reactivate, your name and picture return to those messages.
Can someone else use my username after I delete my account?
Not immediately. During the 30-day deletion window, no one can claim your username. After 30 days, Instagram may make your username available for others to use, though this is not may provide.
Will deleting Instagram remove me from Facebook too?
No. Instagram and Facebook are separate accounts. Deleting Instagram only removes your Instagram profile. Your Facebook account remains active unless you delete that separately.
How do I know if my account was actually deactivated?
Try searching for your username on Instagram. If your profile does not appear, your account is deactivated. You can also log out and try to find your account using the search function — deactivated accounts do not show up in search results.