How to Delete Your Instagram Account Permanently (2026 Guide)

[June 9, 2026] – Whether you are trying to cut down on screen time, prioritize your mental health, or simply move on from social media, deleting your Instagram account is a significant step. Meta frequently updates its app layout, and the process for deleting your account has moved recently. It is no longer hidden in the help center; it is now located directly within the new Accounts Center.

Before you pull the plug, it is essential to understand the difference between temporarily deactivating and permanently deleting your account, and how to save your precious photos before they disappear forever.

Here is the most up-to-date, step-by-step guide on how to delete your Instagram account on your phone or computer.

⏸️ Deactivating vs. Deleting: Which should you choose?

Instagram gives you two distinct options when you want to leave the platform:

Deactivate Account (Temporary): This hides your profile, photos, comments, and likes from everyone. It looks like your account is gone, but the data is safely stored on Instagram’s servers. You can come back at any time simply by logging back in.
Delete Account (Permanent): This is the nuclear option. Your profile, photos, videos, comments, likes, and followers will be permanently erased. Once the deletion process is complete, you cannot retrieve your data, and you may not be able to sign up with the same username again in the future.

📥 Step 1: Download Your Data Before You Delete

If you are choosing to permanently delete your account, we highly recommend downloading a backup of all your photos, stories, and messages first.

Open Instagram and go to your Profile.
Tap the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the top right.
Tap on Your activity.
Scroll down to the bottom and select Download your information.
Tap Request a download, select your account, and choose where to send the file. Instagram will compile your data into a ZIP file and email you a link (this can take up to 48 hours).

📱 Step 2: How to Delete Instagram on the Mobile App (iPhone & Android)

Meta has unified its settings, meaning the steps are now identical whether you are using an iPhone or an Android device.

Open the Instagram app and tap your Profile picture in the bottom right corner.
Tap the three horizontal lines in the top right to open Settings and activity.
At the very top of the menu, tap on Accounts Center.
Under the “Account settings” section, tap on Personal details.
Select Account ownership and control.
Tap on Deactivation or deletion.
Select the Instagram account you wish to delete (if you have multiple accounts linked).
Choose the Delete account option and tap Continue.
Instagram will ask for a reason why you are leaving. Select an option from the list and tap Continue.
Enter your password to verify your identity and tap Continue.
Finally, tap the Delete account button to confirm.

💻 Step 3: How to Delete Instagram on a Computer (PC or Mac)

If you prefer to use a web browser, the process within the Accounts Center is very similar.

Go to Instagram.com and log into your account.
Click the More icon (three lines) in the bottom left corner, then click Settings.
In the left-hand menu, click on Accounts Center.
Navigate to Personal details > Account ownership and control.
Click on Deactivation or deletion and select your account.
Select Delete account and click Continue.
Choose your reason for leaving, re-enter your password, and click the final Delete account button.

⏳ The 30-Day Grace Period

Once you hit that final delete button, your account does not instantly vanish from Instagram’s servers.

Instagram implements a 30-day grace period. During this month, your profile will become completely invisible to the public and your followers. However, if you experience regret, you can simply open the app, log back in with your username and password, and cancel the deletion request to restore your account fully.

If you do not log in within those 30 days, your account and all its data will be wiped permanently.