How to Permanently Deactivate Instagram Account!

Instagram is great, no question. But sometimes the never-ending scrolling, unrealistic photos, and constant notifications can be overwhelming. Perhaps you’ve had enough of the social media drama, need a hiatus, or just want to fade away from the online world. If you want to permanently deactivate your Instagram account, you’ve come to the right place. But wait this isn’t merely about pressing one button. Instagram ensures you don’t want to leave before allowing you to leave. Here’s how you exactly do it.

1. Twice Before Deleting Think

It doesn’t work like deactivating your account for a little while. When you delete it completely, everything your photos, videos, reels, messages, and followers vanish forever. There is no going back. If you’re simply fed up with the app but don’t mind losing everything, think about deactivating your account rather than deleting it. Your profile will be gone, but you can come back as and when you please by simply logging in again. But if you’re certain about deleting it permanently, read on.

2. Back Up Your Data First

Don’t delete that button just yet until you’re sure you’ve backed up all your data. Perhaps you have memories stored in your DMs, past posts you may need someday, or simply some dope pics you forgot to save. Instagram allows you to download all of your information before you close your account. To do this, go to Settings > Security > Download Data and provide your email. Instagram will send you a file with all that you’ve ever posted, including stories, photos, videos, and messages. It may take an hour or so, or even a day, so just wait.

3. Use a Browser Not the App

Somehow, Instagram won’t allow you to delete your account through the app. You have to delete it through a web browser. Open up Chrome, Safari, or whatever browser you use, and navigate to the Instagram Account Deletion Page (just type in “Delete Instagram Account” on Google, and it’ll come up). Log in if you haven’t already, and you’ll be brought to a page where it will ask you why you want to leave.

4. Select a Reason and Confirm

Instagram doesn’t want to give it up that quickly, so they’ll prompt you to say why you’re leaving. You’ll have choices such as “Too busy/distracting,” “Privacy concerns,” or “Created a second account.” Select any reason that suits you (or simply select “Something else” if you don’t want to explain). Instagram will then prompt you that your account deletion is irreversible and encourage you to deactivate it instead. But if you’re still certain, re-type your password and select Delete.

5. Wait for 30 Days, You Can Still Change Your Mind

Once you deactivate your account, Instagram doesn’t delete it right away. They provide you with 30 days in case you decide to change your mind. If you log in during that time, your account will be reactivated. But once those 30 days pass, everything goes completely away, and there’s nothing you can do to restore it. If you want to break up with Instagram, don’t log in during this time frame, or the process of deletion will be undone.

6. Uninstall the App from Your Phone

Even if you delete your account, the Instagram app will remain on your phone, inviting you to return. To ensure that you don’t get pulled back in, go ahead and uninstall the app. On Android, long-press the app and choose Uninstall. On the iPhone, hold the app until it jiggles, then tap the X to remove it. If you don’t wish to uninstall the app but desire a break, log out and turn off notifications instead.

7. Check Other Linked Accounts

If you logged in to other apps (such as Facebook, Spotify, or Tinder) using your Instagram account, you may find it difficult to access them after deletion. Review your connected accounts and change your login credentials before deleting Instagram. Otherwise, you may end up locked out of other apps without even knowing it.

8. Have a Digital Detox Instead

If deleting Instagram is too drastic, start with a digital detox. Stay away from social media by disabling your account rather than deleting it permanently. You may also mute notifications, unfollow toxic accounts, or restrict screen time. If you feel better without Instagram, then delete it outright. But if you miss it, you can always recover your account with no loss.

9. Is It Worth It?

Social media is enjoyable, but it can also be exhausting. If Instagram is no longer bringing value to your life, deleting it may be the way to go. But if you’re just feeling overwhelmed, a break may be all you need. Either way, the choice is yours. Now that you know how to delete your Instagram account for good, the decision is yours.