How to Delete (or Just Deactivate) Your Instagram Account

Leave temporarily or permanently with a few simple steps

By
Elise Moreau
Elise Moreau
Elise Moreau
Freelance Contributor
  • University of Ontario
  • George Brown College
Elise Moreau is a writer that has covered social media, texting, messaging, and streaming for Lifewire. Her work has appeared on Techvibes, SlashGear, Lifehack and others.
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Updated on July 31, 2022

What to Know

  • To delete: From the account deletion page choose a reason, enter PW, select Permanently delete my account.
  • To deactivate: Edit Profile > Temporarily disable my account > choose a reason > Temporarily Disable Account.

This article explains how you can temporarily deactivate or even permanently delete your Instagram account. You'll need to do this from Instagram in a web browser.

How to Deactivate an Instagram Account

Here's what to do if you want to disable your Instagram account for a temporary break.

Instagram doesn't currently let users deactivate accounts from within its mobile app.

  1. Navigate to Instagram.com in a web browser (Firefox, Chrome, Safari, or other) and sign in to your account.

    Instagram.com in a web browser with account sign-in page.

  2. Select your profile picture or icon.

    Select your profile picture or icon.

  3. Select Edit Profile.

    Select Edit Profile

  4. At the bottom of your profile account page, select Temporarily disable my account.

    Select Temporarily Disable My Account

  5. Next to Why Are You Disabling Your Account, click the drop-down arrow, then select a reason for disabling your account.

    Select a reason for disabling your Instagram account

  6. Enter your password, then select Temporarily Disable Account.

    Enter your password, then select Temporarily Disable Account.

  7. Instagram confirms that it temporarily disabled your account. To reactivate your account, log in again at Instagram.com.

    You may not be able to reactivate your account immediately after disabling it, as it takes a few hours for Instagram to complete the process.

Get Out for Good: Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account

Just like disabling your account, you need to delete your account using Instagram.com in a web browser.

As an alternative to disabling or deleting your account, consider limiting access to your profile by making your Instagram profile private.

  1. In a web browser, navigate to the Instagram Account Deletion page and log in if necessary.

    navigate to Instagram's Account Deletion page and log in if necessary.

    The account deletion page is accessible only through the direct link. You can't get there from your profile.

  2. Next to Why do you want to delete, click the drop-down arrow and select a reason.

    Next to Why do you want to delete?, click the drop-down arrow and select a reason.

  3. Based on your reason, Instagram suggests deletion alternatives that may be a better solution for you. For example, if you selected Too busy/too distracting, Instagram may suggest removing the application from your mobile device instead of deleting your account.

    Instagram will suggest alternative actions to deleting your account

  4. If you want to go ahead with the account deletion, enter your password and select Delete [your account name].

    If you'd like to go ahead with the account deletion, enter your password and select Delete [your account name].

    Deletion is permanent. You can't restore your account and its contents, including photos, videos, and comments.

FAQ
  • What happens when I deactivate my Instagram account?

    While your Instagram account is deactivated, your profile, photos, comments, and likes will be hidden from the public, including your followers.

  • How do I reactivate my Instagram account?

    Just log back in as normal to start using your Instagram account again. If Instagram deactivated your account, you can appeal the decision.

  • How do I forget an Instagram account on my device?

    To forget an Instagram account on your phone, tap your Profile > Menu > Settings > Log Out > Remove Account. On Instagram.com, select your Profile > Log Out > Remove Account. If the browser still stores your login credentials, check the browser's settings for password and autofill options.

  • How many reports does Instagram allow until your account is deleted?

    Instagram doesn't automatically deactivate accounts after a certain number of reports. Account bans are decided on a case-by-case basis.

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