How long does the deletion process actually take?

Your account is deactivated immediately after you confirm deletion. Your profile becomes invisible to other users right away. However, Instagram keeps your data for 30 days in case you change your mind. After 30 days pass without you logging in, all your data is permanently deleted from Instagram's servers.

What happens to my photos and videos?

All content you've posted—including photos, videos, stories, IGTV, Reels, and archived posts—will be permanently deleted after the 30-day grace period. Other users will no longer be able to see this content immediately after you deactivate. Make sure to download anything you want to keep before deleting your account.

Will my direct messages be deleted?

Your copy of all conversations will be permanently deleted. However, messages you sent to other users may still appear in their inbox. Your account will display as 'Instagram User' instead of your username in their conversation list.

Can someone else use my username after I delete my account?

No. Instagram permanently retires usernames from deleted accounts. This policy prevents impersonation and protects user identity. Neither you nor anyone else will be able to create a new account using your old username.

What if I'm locked out and can't log in to delete my account?

You must be able to log into your account to delete it through official channels. If you've lost access, first use Instagram's account recovery process to regain access. If you cannot recover your account through official means, it will remain inactive but not deleted.

How to Delete Your Instagram Account - Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Written & Verified By

Delete.Directory Content Team

Our team of privacy advocates and former social media employees verify every deletion process through hands-on testing.

This guide helps you permanently delete your Instagram account. We believe in digital autonomy: your right to leave any platform should be as easy as joining it. Follow these verified steps to ensure complete account deletion.

How We Verified This Guide

Methodology: Hands-on testing with live accounts

Quick Information

Time Required

5 minutes

Difficulty

easy

Steps

4 steps

Official Resources

Instagram Help Center - Delete Your Account

Official deletion guide from Instagram

Additional Resources

[1]

Instagram Data Download

Official guide for downloading your Instagram data before deletion

[2]

Instagram Privacy Policy

Details about how Instagram handles your data

Step-by-Step Guide

Navigate to the Account Deletion Page

Open your web browser and go directly to instagram.com/accounts/remove/request/permanent/. You must use a web browser for this process.

Tips

•Bookmark this page if you want more time to think about your decision
•Make sure you're logged into the correct account

Select a Reason for Deletion

Instagram will present you with a dropdown menu asking why you're deleting your account. Select the option that best describes your reason.

Tips

•Your selected reason is for Instagram's internal feedback only
•This information is not shared publicly

Re-enter Your Password

For security purposes, Instagram requires you to enter your account password before proceeding with deletion.

Tips

•Make sure caps lock is off
•If you've forgotten your password, reset it before attempting deletion

Confirm Permanent Deletion

Review the information on the screen carefully. When ready, click the red 'Permanently delete my account' button.

Warnings

•This action begins the permanent deletion process
•You have 30 days to change your mind by logging in

Important Warnings

30-Day Grace Period

Your account is deactivated immediately, but Instagram retains your data for 30 days. Logging in during this period will restore your account. After 30 days, deletion is permanent and irreversible.

Permanent Data Loss

All your photos, videos, stories, IGTV videos, Reels, comments, likes, and followers will be permanently deleted after the grace period. There is no way to recover this content.

Username Becomes Unavailable

Once deleted, your username is permanently retired. Neither you nor anyone else can create a new account using that username in the future.

Messages May Remain Visible

While your copy of all conversations will be deleted, messages you sent to others may still appear in their inbox as 'Instagram User'.

Facebook Account Unaffected

If you've linked your Instagram account to Facebook, deleting Instagram will not affect your Facebook account. They remain separate.

Alternatives to Consider

Temporary Deactivation

easy

Instagram offers a temporary deactivation option that hides your profile, photos, comments, and likes until you reactivate by logging back in.

Pros

•Fully reversible at any time by simply logging in
•Your data, followers, and username are preserved
•Others cannot see or search for your profile while deactivated
•No time limit on how long you can stay deactivated

Cons

•Your username remains taken
•Your data continues to be stored on Instagram's servers
•You may receive email notifications depending on your settings

3 min

Download Your Data First

easy

Before deleting your account, you can request a complete copy of your Instagram data including all photos, videos, stories, messages, and profile information.

Pros

•Keep a personal archive of all your content
•Review exactly what data Instagram has collected about you
•Includes data that's not visible in the app interface
•Free service provided by Instagram

Cons

•Takes up to 48 hours to receive your data download link
•Large file size if you have extensive content history
•Requires a separate request before deletion

5 min

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but only within the first 30 days after deletion. If you log into your account during this grace period, Instagram will restore your account with all your data, followers, and content intact. After the 30-day period expires, deletion becomes permanent and your account cannot be recovered under any circumstances.

References & Citations

[1]
Instagram Data Download
Official guide for downloading your Instagram data before deletion
https://help.instagram.com/181231772500920
[2]
Instagram Privacy Policy
Details about how Instagram handles your data
https://help.instagram.com/519522125107875

All citations verified as of 11/4/2025. We regularly review and update all external links to ensure accuracy.

Found incorrect information?

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Quick Navigation

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Critical Warnings

30-Day Grace Period
Your account is deactivated immediately, but Instagram retains your data for 30 days. Logging in dur...
Permanent Data Loss
All your photos, videos, stories, IGTV videos, Reels, comments, likes, and followers will be permane...
Username Becomes Unavailable
Once deleted, your username is permanently retired. Neither you nor anyone else can create a new acc...

Last Updated

November 4, 2025

Tags

social-media