Here’s a clear, up‑to‑date guide on how to delete your Instagram account, plus a few quick notes about temporary deactivation so you don’t accidentally go further than you meant to.

1. Two options: delete vs deactivate

Before you tap anything, decide what you actually want:

  • Delete account (permanent)
    • Your profile, photos, videos, comments, likes, and followers are scheduled for permanent removal after a grace period (usually about 30 days, during which the account is disabled/hidden).
* If you log back in during that grace window, the deletion is canceled and the account is reactivated.
  • Deactivate account (temporary)
    • Your profile is hidden and you’re logged out, but your data stays stored.
* You can come back any time by logging in again.

If you just want a break, deactivation is safer; if you’re done with Instagram for good, choose deletion.

2. How to permanently delete your Instagram (phone app)

The exact wording can move around slightly with updates, but the flow is very similar on both iPhone and Android.

  1. Open the Instagram app and log in to the account you want to delete.
  1. Go to your profile (bottom right profile picture).
  1. Tap the three‑line menu (☰) in the top right.
  1. Tap Settings if needed, then open Accounts Center (this is Meta’s central hub for IG/Facebook).
  1. In Accounts Center, tap Personal details.
  1. Tap Account ownership and control.
  1. Tap Deactivation or deletion.
  1. Select the Instagram account you want to delete (important if you have multiple accounts).
  1. Choose Delete account , then tap Continue.
  1. Pick a reason for leaving, then tap Continue (you might see suggestions like “take a break” instead).
  1. Read the info about what happens when you delete, then scroll and tap Continue.
  1. Enter your Instagram password, tap Continue , then tap Delete account to confirm.

After you finish:

  • You’re logged out and your profile is disabled/hidden for about 30 days.
  • If you do not log in again during that time, your account and data are permanently deleted after the grace period.

3. How to delete Instagram from a computer (browser)

If you’re on a laptop or desktop, you can do it through Instagram’s web interface with nearly the same flow.

  1. Go to Instagram.com in your browser and log in.
  1. Click your profile and then the three‑line menu (or More at the bottom left, depending on layout).
  1. Click Settings , then open Accounts Center.
  1. Click Personal details.
  1. Click Account ownership and control.
  1. Choose Deactivation or deletion.
  1. Select the Instagram profile you want to remove.
  1. Select Delete account and click Continue.
  1. Choose a reason, then continue through the prompts.
  1. Enter your password and finalize by confirming Delete account.

Again, your account is disabled first, then permanently deleted after the 30‑day window if you don’t sign back in.

4. If you only want a break (deactivate instead)

To temporarily deactivate instead of permanently deleting, you follow the same path but pick the other option at the end.

On the app or browser:

  1. Go to Accounts Center → Personal details → Account ownership and control → Deactivation or deletion.
  1. Choose the account you want to pause.
  1. Select Deactivate account instead of Delete.
  1. Tap or click Continue , follow the prompts, and confirm.

Your profile becomes invisible and you’re logged out, but re‑logging in reactivates it.

5. Quick tips before you delete

If you’re going for a full delete, a couple of smart steps:

  • Download your data first
    Use Instagram’s data download option (via Settings/Privacy) to get your photos, videos, messages, and more before they’re gone.
  • Check linked apps and logins
    If you used “Log in with Instagram” on other services, update those to another login method so you don’t get locked out.
  • Think about the 30‑day window
    If you think there’s any chance you’ll change your mind, remember you can simply deactivate, or at least treat the 30 days as a cooling‑off period.

If you tell me whether you’re on iPhone, Android, or a computer, I can rewrite this as a super short, device‑specific checklist you can follow step by step.