How to Delete Instagram Account [Goodbye, Filters]

Instagram, known for its visual narrative and connectedness, dominates social media. However, privacy concerns, a social media detox, or better time management may drive one to delete their Instagram account. This post provides a complete approach on permanently deleting your Instagram account to help you decide.

Understanding the Difference Between Deleting and Deactivating

Before proceeding to delete your Instagram account, it’s crucial to understand the difference between deactivating and deleting. Deactivating your account is a temporary measure. It hides your profile, photos, comments, and likes, but allows you to restore all this information if you choose to reactivate your account. On the other hand, deleting your account is a permanent action. Once deleted, your account, along with all your content and followers, will be permanently removed, with no option for recovery.

To Temporarily Deactivate Your Account: check this article. How to deactivate your Instagram account temporarily

Backing Up Your Data

Before you delete your account, it’s wise to back up your data. Instagram allows you to download a copy of your photos, comments, profile information, and more. To do this, go to your Instagram settings, find the ‘Download Data’ request, enter your email, and within 48 hours, you will receive a link to download your data.

Delete your Instagram account for android.

To permanently delete your account from Accounts Center:

1. Tap  or your profile picture in the bottom right to go to your profile.
2. Tap  in the top right, then tap Settings and privacy.
3. Tap See more in Accounts Center, then tap Personal details.
4. Tap Account ownership and control, then tap Deactivation or deletion.
5. Tap the account you’d like to permanently delete.
6. Tap Delete account, then tap Continue.

Delete your Instagram account for computer.

To request the permanent deletion of your account from your computer:

1. Go to the Delete Your Account page. If you’re not logged into Instagram on the web, you’ll be asked to log in first.
2. Select an option from the dropdown menu below Why do you want to delete [account name]? and re-enter your password. The option to permanently delete your account will only appear after you’ve selected a reason from the menu and entered your password.
3. Click Delete [username].

If you’d like to delete a different account:

1. Click the username in the top-right of the Delete Your Account page.
2. Click  next to Edit profile and select Log out.
3. Log back in as the account you want to delete and follow the directions above.

To permanently delete your account from Accounts Center:

1. Click More in the bottom left, then click Settings.
2. Click Accounts Center, then click Personal details.
3. Click Account ownership and control, then click Deactivation or deletion.
4. Click the account you’d like to permanently delete.
5. Click Delete account, then click Continue.

Delete your Instagram account for iphone

To request the permanent deletion of your account from your Instagram app:

1. Tap  or your profile picture in the bottom right to go to your profile.
2. Tap  in the top right, then tap Settings and privacy.
3. Tap Account, then tap Delete account at the bottom.
4. Tap Delete account then tap Continue deleting account.
5. Select an option from the drop-down menu below Why do you want to delete [account name]? and re-enter your password. The option to permanently delete your account will only appear after you’ve selected a reason from the menu and entered your password.
6. Tap Delete [username] then tap OK to confirm.

To permanently delete your account from Accounts Center:

1. Tap  or your profile picture in the bottom right to go to your profile.
2. Tap  in the top right, then tap Settings and privacy.
3. Tap See more in Accounts Center, then tap Personal details.
4. Tap Account ownership and control, then tap Deactivation or deletion.
5. Tap the account you’d like to permanently delete.
6. Tap Delete account, then tap Continue.

Delete your Instagram account for mobile browser

To request the permanent deletion of your account from your mobile browser:

1. Go to the Delete Your Account page. If you’re not logged into Instagram on the web, you’ll be asked to log in first.
2. Select an option from the dropdown menu below Why do you want to delete [account name]? and re-enter your password. The option to permanently delete your account will only appear after you’ve selected a reason from the menu and entered your password.
3. Tap Delete [username].

If you’d like to delete a different account:

1. Tap the username in the top-right of the Delete Your Account page.
2. Tap  next to Edit profile and select Log out.
3. Log back in as the account you want to delete and follow the directions above.

To permanently delete your account from Accounts Center:

1. Tap  at the top.
2. Tap See more in Accounts Center, then tap Personal details.
3. Tap Account ownership and control, then tap Deactivation or deletion.
4. Tap the account you’d like to permanently delete.
5. Tap Delete account, then tap Continue.

What Happens After Account Deletion

Once you delete your account, you will lose access to all your Instagram data permanently. This includes your photos, comments, likes, and followers. Instagram cannot reactivate deleted accounts, and the username may become unavailable for future use by you or anyone else.

Important Considerations

• Think Before You Delete: Ensure you are making a well-considered decision, as account deletion is irreversible.
• Impact on Linked Accounts: Deleting your Instagram account may affect other services where you use your Instagram login. Be prepared to update login information on these services.

Alternatives to Account Deletion

If you’re unsure about deleting your account, consider these alternatives:

• Temporarily Disable Your Account: This option hides your profile, photos, and comments until you choose to reactivate it by logging back in.
• Adjust Privacy Settings: You can change your account to private and control who follows you or sees your posts.
• Curate Your Feed: Unfollow or mute accounts that don’t positively contribute to your experience.

Conclusion

Deleting your Instagram account is a significant decision with irreversible consequences. This guide aims to help you understand each step of the process and its implications. Be sure that this decision aligns with your digital well-being and online presence goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I reactivate my account after deleting? No, once deleted, an Instagram account cannot be reactivated.
• How long does Instagram take to permanently delete my account? After initiating deletion, Instagram typically takes 30 days to permanently delete your account.

Remember, the decision to delete your Instagram account is personal and should be made after careful consideration of all factors involved.