How to delete or deactivate your account
You might be seeking more time to spend offline with the people you love and less time oversharing your life online due to the epidemic doomscrolling, the disturbing findings about how harmful Instagram is for teenage girls, or even just your own personal preferences.
You have two options if you’re done with Instagram for whatever reason. Delete your Instagram account permanently without giving anything back or take a break for a while (deactivate your Instagram account with the intention of coming back later like Britney Spears).
Pro tip: Download your info before deactivating or deleting your account. You can use a desktop or mobile browser or an app to request your data. (See the tips below.)
Open a web browser on your phone or PC if you’re ready to uninstall or deactivate your Instagram app. Your Instagram account cannot be deleted or deactivated through the app. then adhere to the steps in this manual.
How to delete your Instagram account:
1. Log into your Instagram account on the website.
2. Visit the page for account termination.
3. Select the justification for account deletion from the drop-down option.
4. Type in your password once more. Click or touch the delete button after that.
The small print: According to Instagram, it will take 30 days for your account and data to be fully deleted. Your Instagram account won’t be visible at that period.
How to deactivate your Instagram account
1. Log into your Instagram account by visiting the website.
2. Select “Edit Profile” by clicking or tapping on your profile image in the top right corner of the page.
3. Click or press “Temporarily disable my account” in the bottom right corner after scrolling down.
4. Enter your password once more and select the reason you’re deactivating your account from the drop-down option next to “Why are you disabling your account?”
5. Choose “Temporarily disable account” from the menu.
The small print: Open the Instagram app and sign in if you wish to revive your account.
How to download your Instagram data
From a computer:
1. After signing into your account, select Settings next to your profile image.
2. Select Security and Privacy.
3. Click Request Download after scrolling to the Data Download section.
4. Type your email address and press the Next button.
5. Type your Instagram password in the box provided and select Request Download.
6. An email with a link to your Instagram data will be sent to you. To complete your information download, click Download Data and then follow the on-screen directions.
In the Instagram app:
1. After logging in, visit your profile.
2. Select Settings by tapping the menu button in the top right corner.
3. Click “Download Data,” then click “Security.”
4. Click “Request download” and enter your email address.
5. After entering your Instagram password, select Next and Finish.
6. An email with a link to your Instagram data will be sent to you. To complete your information download, click Download Data and then follow the on-screen directions.
From a mobile browser:
1. After logging in, visit your profile.
2. Select Settings, then select Privacy and Security.
3. Scroll down and select Request Download under Data Download.
4. After typing in your email address, click Next.
5. Type your Instagram password in the box provided and select Request Download.
6. An email with a link to your Instagram data will be sent to you. To complete your information download, click Download Data and then follow the on-screen directions.
