If you’re ready to delete your Instagram account permanently, this guide walks you through every step—on web and mobile—using the new 2025 Accounts Center flows. Whether you want a fresh start, stronger privacy, or fewer distractions, you’ll find clear instructions below to remove your profile, photos, videos, comments, and followers forever.
Why Choose Permanent Deletion?
Permanently deleting your Instagram account ensures all your data—photos, comments, direct messages, followers—are removed forever. Unlike a temporary deactivation, you cannot log back in without starting over. Choose this method if you:
- Have privacy concerns and want your online footprint erased
- Find Instagram a time‑waster and need to boost productivity
- Prefer a complete break from social media
- Plan to close all linked third‑party apps and services
Step 1: Back Up Your Instagram Data (Accounts Center)
Before deleting, download a copy of everything you’ve shared—photos, videos, profile info, messages—directly from Meta’s Accounts Center (web or mobile).
Direct Link (Web/Desktop):
🔗 https://accountscenter.instagram.com/info_and_permissions/dyi/
- Click the link above (or go to Settings & privacy → Accounts Center → Your information and permissions → Download your information).
- In the modal, choose Download or transfer information, pick your format, date range, and media quality, then tap Request download.
- When your file’s ready, you’ll get an email with a download link.
Mobile (iOS & Android)
- Open the Instagram app and tap Profile (bottom right).
- Tap ☰ → Settings and privacy → Accounts Center.
- Choose Your information and permissions → Download your information.
- Tap Download or transfer information, configure your download, and confirm.
Step 2: Delete or Deactivate via Accounts Center
Instagram’s new flow lives in the same Accounts Center:
Direct Link (Web/Desktop):
🔗 https://accountscenter.instagram.com/personal_info
- Click the link above (or navigate: Settings & privacy → Accounts Center → Personal details → Your accounts and profiles).
- Select your Instagram profile, then in the Deactivation or deletion modal choose Delete account.
- Tap Continue, pick your reason (e.g. “Privacy concerns”), re‑enter your password, then confirm Delete account.
How to Delete Instagram Account Permanently on Mobile
You can also delete instagram account permanently from the official app on iPhone or Android. Steps are nearly identical.
- Open the Instagram app and tap your profile icon (bottom right).
- Tap the three‑line menu (top right) and select Settings and Privacy.
- Scroll to Your Account, then tap Delete Account.
- Choose Delete Account, select your reason, and enter your password.
- Tap Delete Account again to confirm.
If above steps doesn’t match with your current settings, then follow the alternate account center method mentioned below.
Mobile (iOS & Android)
In the app: Profile → ☰ → Settings & privacy → Accounts Center → Personal details → [choose profile] → Delete account and follow the same prompts.
What Happens After You Delete Your Instagram Account?
When you delete your Instagram account permanently, your profile, photos, videos, comments, likes, and followers will be removed permanently. Instagram will retain your data for 30 days after the request in case you change your mind. If you log in during this period, you can cancel the deletion request and restore your account.
However, it may take up to 90 days for Instagram to complete the full deletion process from their servers. Even after 90 days, some backup copies of your content might remain on their systems for legal purposes or disaster recovery.
- 30‑Day Grace Period: Your account is hidden immediately; logging in within 30 days cancels deletion.
- 90‑Day Full Deletion: Instagram removes all backups within 90 days.
- Long‑Term Backups: Some legal/disaster‑recovery copies may remain longer but aren’t publicly accessible.
For more information, check out Instagram’s Help Center here.
Deactivating vs Deleting Instagram Permanently
Some users may only want a temporary break from Instagram instead of permanently removing their accounts. In such cases, you can deactivate your account instead of deleting it.
- Deactivating: Temporarily hides your profile, photos, comments, and likes. You can reactivate your account by logging back in.
- Deleting: Permanently remove your account, and all data will be lost after 30 days. Once deleted, it cannot be recovered.
| Action | Deactivate Instagram | Delete Instagram Permanently |
| Visibility | Hidden until reactivated | Hidden for 30 days, then removed forever |
| Data Restoration | Immediate upon login | Only if you cancel within 30 days |
| Best For | Short‑term break | Final removal of all content |
If you’re unsure about permanently deleting your account, you might want to try deactivating it first to see if it meets your needs.
See official guide on How to Deactivate Your Instagram Account for a time‑limited break.
FAQs
Q1: Can I delete my Instagram account without logging in?
A: Yes. First use the password reset link to regain access, then follow the deletion steps above.
Q2: What if I change my mind after 30 days?
A: Log in before the 30‑day deadline to cancel the deletion request and restore your account.
Q3: Are business accounts deleted the same way?
A: Yes. Business and personal profiles share the same Accounts Center deletion flow.
Final Thoughts on Deleting Your Instagram Account Permanently
Using the new Accounts Center makes it easier than ever to back up your data and delete or deactivate your Instagram profile in one place. Follow the steps above to secure your privacy and take control of your online presence. For more Tigerzplace tutorials on social media privacy and automation, explore our Social Media Tools section.
