How to Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account
Instagram can be a fun place to share your photos and life moments with your followers. However, there might come a time when you feel that you no longer want to use the platform and want to delete your account permanently. But, how do you do that? The process is not too complicated, and this article will guide you through it step-by-step.
Before we begin, it is essential to note that once you delete your account, you will not be able to recover it or anything you have uploaded on the platform. Therefore, it’s essential to make sure this is what you really want to do. Additionally, if you want to save your photos and videos, it’s recommended that you back them up before proceeding with the deletion process.
Step 1 – Log in to your account and visit the delete account page. You can’t delete your account through the Instagram app, so you’ll need to do it through a web browser. Type the URL ‘www.instagram.com/accounts/remove/request/permanent/’ in your browser address bar and press enter.
Step 2 – Choose a reason for deleting your account from the drop-down menu. Instagram will ask you why you want to delete your account. You can choose from a list of reasons or pick ‘something else’ if your reason is not included in the list.
Step 3 – Re-enter your password. After selecting your reason for deleting your account, Instagram will ask you to enter your password again to confirm that it is really you who wishes to delete the account.
Step 4 – Click on ‘Permanently delete my account.’ Once you have entered your password and selected the reason for deleting your account, you’ll be prompted to click on the ‘Permanently delete my account’ button to complete the process. Congrats! You have successfully removed your Instagram account.
If you follow these steps, your Instagram account will be deleted permanently. Your data, including photos, comments, and likes, will be erased from the platform, and you will not be able to recover them. Therefore, it’s essential to think twice before going through with the process. There is no going back once you complete the deletion process.
Keep in mind that Instagram will keep your data for some time after you’ve deleted your account. This is because they may need to restore it if you change your mind later. The period that Instagram keeps your data may differ from person to person, but it usually takes around 90 days for your data to be entirely deleted from their servers.
That’s it, folks! Hopefully, this guide has helped you delete your Instagram account successfully. Remember, social media can be fun, but it’s essential to take necessary steps to protect your data and privacy online. If you feel that Instagram is not for you, it’s okay to say goodbye and move on to other things.
Table of Contents
Before You Delete Your Account
Before you take the plunge and delete your Instagram account, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, make sure this is really what you want to do. Once you delete your account, you will not be able to recover any of your data, including your photos, comments, and followers.
One way to ensure you have a copy of your photos is to back them up before deleting your account. Instagram allows you to download all of your data, including your photos, comments, and messages. To do this, go to your profile, click on the three lines in the top right-hand corner, click on “Settings,” then “Security,” and finally “Download Data.” It may take several days for Instagram to prepare your download, so be patient.
Another thing to consider is that simply logging out of your account or deleting the app from your phone will not delete your account. You must go through the process of deleting your account permanently.
Finally, think about what will happen to your followers and the accounts you follow. If you have built up a following, consider giving them a heads up before you delete your account. And if there are accounts you are following that you don’t want to lose track of, make sure you have their contact information saved elsewhere.
- Back up your photos before deleting your account.
- Deleting the app from your phone or logging out will not delete your account.
- Consider giving your followers a heads up and saving contact information for important accounts.
Step-by-Step Guide to Deleting Your Instagram Account
If you’ve made the decision to permanently delete your Instagram account, follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Log into your Instagram account from a desktop computer or mobile browser. This cannot be done from the Instagram app.
- Navigate to the following link: https://www.instagram.com/accounts/remove/request/permanent/
- Select a reason for why you’re deleting your account from the dropdown menu.
- Re-enter your password when prompted.
- Click the “Permanently delete my account” button.
It’s important to note that once you delete your Instagram account, all of your data, including your profile, photos, videos, comments, likes, and followers, will be permanently deleted and cannot be restored.
If you have any second thoughts or concerns, Instagram allows you to temporarily disable your account instead of permanently deleting it. This way, you can still access your data and reactivate your account in the future if you change your mind.
Follow these steps to temporarily disable your account:
- Log into your Instagram account from a desktop computer or mobile browser.
- Click on your profile picture in the top right corner of the page.
- Select “Edit Profile.”
- Scroll down and click “Temporarily disable my account” at the bottom of the page.
- Select a reason for disabling your account from the dropdown menu.
- Enter your password when prompted.
- Click “Temporarily disable account.”
By following these steps, you can easily delete or temporarily disable your Instagram account. Just remember to backup any important data before taking action, and always make sure this is what you want to do before permanently deleting your account.
Alternative Option: How to Temporarily Disable Your Instagram Account
If you are not sure you want to delete your Instagram account permanently, an alternative option is to temporarily disable it. Disabling your account will temporarily hide your profile, photos, comments, and likes from Instagram until you reactivate it. Keep in mind that this is different from deleting your account, as your data and account settings will not be deleted.
Here’s how to temporarily disable your Instagram account:
- Open the Instagram app and go to your Profile.
- Tap the three horizontal lines in the top right corner of the screen.
- Tap on Settings at the bottom of the menu.
- Scroll down and tap on Account.
- Tap on Disable Your Account at the bottom of the screen.
- Choose a reason for why you are disabling your account from the drop-down menu.
- Enter your password and tap on Temporarily Disable Account.
When you disable your account, your profile, photos, comments, and likes will be hidden until you reactivate your account by logging back in. To reactivate your account, simply log in with your previous username and password, and your account will be reinstated along with all your data, comments, and likes.
Keep in mind that you can only disable your Instagram account from the app and not from the web. Additionally, you can only temporarily disable your account once a week, so make sure you are ready before taking this step.
What Happens After You Delete Your Account?
Deleting your Instagram account is a big decision, and you may be wondering what happens to your data and content once you take that step. Here are some answers to common questions:
1. Will my data be saved?
No, once you delete your account, all your data will be permanently deleted from Instagram’s servers. This includes your photos, videos, comments, likes, and followers. Instagram will not be able to retrieve this data once it has been deleted, so make sure to back up any important content before deleting your account.
2. Will deleting my account delete my posts and comments?
Yes, deleting your account will permanently delete all your posts and comments. This means that any photos, videos, and captions you have shared on Instagram will be lost forever. Similarly, any comments you have left on other users’ posts will also be deleted.
3. What happens to my likes and followers?
Deleting your account will also remove all your likes and followers. This means that other users will no longer be able to see your profile or interact with your content on Instagram.
4. Can I reactivate my account after deleting it?
No, once you delete your account, it cannot be reactivated. You will need to create a new account if you decide to use Instagram in the future.
5. How long does it take for my account to be permanently deleted?
Instagram may take some time to process your request to delete your account. Once the process is complete, your account and all associated data will be permanently deleted, usually within 90 days.
Deleting your Instagram account can be a drastic step, but if it’s what you truly want, it’s important to understand the consequences. Make sure to back up any important data before deleting your account, and remember that you won’t be able to recover your content or reactivate your account once it has been permanently deleted.
Conclusion
Deleting your Instagram account is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. It is important to consider whether this is the right step for you, and to take the necessary precautions to protect your data before you delete. If you do decide to remove your account, following the step-by-step guide provided here will ensure that the process is as smooth as possible.
Before you delete your account, make sure to back up any photos or data that you wish to keep. Once you delete your account, your data will be permanently deleted, so it is important to take this step seriously. It is also important to consider why you want to delete your account, and whether taking a break or temporarily disabling your account might be a better option.
If you have decided to delete your account, the step-by-step guide provided in this article will walk you through the process. From accessing your settings to confirming deletion, every step is covered to ensure that you are able to delete your account smoothly and completely.
If you are not quite ready to delete your account permanently, you might consider temporarily disabling your account instead. This will allow you to step away from Instagram for a while without losing all of your data. The guide provided in this article also covers how to temporarily disable your account, so you can make the best choice for your needs.
Remember, when using social media, it is always important to take steps to protect your data and stay safe online. Whether you choose to delete your account or not, knowing how to safeguard your information is essential. Keeping these tips in mind, you can stay in control of your social media presence and make informed decisions about your online activity.