Temporarily deactivating or permanently deleting an Instagram account

For a break, deactivation is enough: the profile disappears, but logging in restores everything. Permanent deletion becomes irreversible after 30 days, together with photos, followers and the username. Both can be started in Accounts Center.

Deactivate or delete?

• Temporary deactivation: the profile, posts, comments and likes stay hidden, and the account cannot be found in search. There is no time limit: logging in restores everything. Deactivation is only possible once a week.
• Permanent deletion: after a 30-day grace period, the account, posts, followers and messages are deleted irreversibly. Complete removal from Meta's systems may then take up to 90 days, but others can no longer see the content in the meantime.

Steps to deactivate

Accounts Center can also be opened directly in a browser: accountscenter.instagram.com. In newer versions it may also be called “Meta account”; the menu items are in the same place.

1. In the app, tap the profile picture in the bottom right corner, then the menu icon (three lines) in the top right corner. In a browser, choose “Settings” from the “More” menu at the bottom left.
2. Open “Accounts Center”.
3. Follow the path “Personal details” → “Account ownership and control” → “Deactivation or deletion”.
4. If a Facebook account is also listed in Accounts Center, select the Instagram account.
5. Choose the “Deactivate account” option, then the “Continue” button. Instagram also asks for the password.
6. Give a reason and confirm the deactivation. The account is then logged out, and the profile disappears.

Steps to delete permanently

The deletion can be cancelled for 30 days: logging in to the account and using the option offered is enough. After the deadline, the account cannot be restored, and it is not possible to return with the same account; the username may even belong to someone else.

1. It is best to download the photos and data first: in Accounts Center, request a data download in the section about information and permissions. Meta sends a link by email when the file is ready.
2. On the same path (“Deactivation or deletion”), choose the “Delete account” option.
3. Give the reason for deletion, then enter the password.
4. After confirmation, Instagram shows the date until which the deletion can be cancelled. It is worth noting this date.

What remains of the account after deletion?

• Sent messages: the conversation may remain with the recipients, with a generic label shown instead of the sender's name.
• Other people's content: screenshots, reshares or saves made by others still exist after deletion.
• Data kept for legal reasons: Meta may keep certain data (for example to investigate fraud or violations) even after deletion.
• Username: after permanent deletion it may become free, and someone else may register it.
• Threads profile: deleting the Instagram account also deletes the linked Threads profile; the Threads profile, however, can be deleted separately while keeping Instagram.
• Facebook account: the linked Facebook account remains; deleting it is a separate step: Deactivating or permanently deleting a Facebook account.

Before starting the deletion

• If the account is professional and has linked ads or a Facebook Page, it is best to stop the ads first, otherwise they cannot be managed after the account is deleted.
• If the Instagram account was used to log in to other apps or sites, it is best to set up email login there first.
• If there are several accounts on the same device, check which one is selected: Managing multiple Instagram accounts on one device.
• If the only reason for deleting is public visibility, a private account may be enough: Instagram privacy settings and private accounts.
• If the account is being deleted because of suspicious activity, access and the password have to be secured first; the steps are similar to Facebook's: My Facebook account has been hacked.