How to Delete or Deactivate Your Instagram Account

Log in to the Instagram account you want to delete or disable. You have to use a web browser as the app does not have this option.

You can back up your Instagram posts by saving them from your web browser.

1. Open your Instagram Profile.
2. Choose the gear icon.
3. Go to Privacy and Security.
4. Look for a section titled Data Download.
5. Click Request Download.
6. You will be prompted for an email address. Instagram will send a link to this email to download your post data within 48 hours. Enter the email address you want to use.
7. Confirm your Instagram password.
8. When the email arrives, click Download Data.

You can also request a backup of your Instagram posts using the mobile app.

1. Open the Instagram mobile app.
2. Go to your profile.
3. Open the Main Menu.
4. Go to Settings.
5. Select Security.
6. Choose Download Data.
7. You will be prompted for an email address. Instagram will send you an email within 48 hours containing a download link of your account post history.
8. When the email arrives, click Download Data.

If you’re not sure about deleting your account, temporarily disabling it might be your best option. This gives you the chance to reactivate the account if you change your mind.

1. While logged into the account you want to disable, go to the main account profile.
2. Choose Edit Profile.
3. Click Temporarily disable my account in the bottom right-hand corner.
4. Provide a reason for disabling the account.
5. Confirm your password.
6. Choose Temporarily Disable Account.

In some cases, you'll need to completely remove an Instagram account. This process cannot be reversed.

1. Access the Delete Your Account page.
2. Choose a reason for deleting your account from the drop-down menu.
3. Confirm your Instagram password.
4. Click Permanently delete my account.

You're all done! Next, learn how to delete your Facebook account.