Instagram is not for everyone. If the latest changes in Instagram are not what you are looking for, then this step-by-step process on how to delete your Instagram account is for you.
Once you click on that button, your profile, photos, videos, comments, likes, and followers will all be permanently deleted from the app.
Before proceeding, keep in mind that deleting your account cannot be undone. Be sure to backup your account data, write personal notes to engaged followers, and update your analytics. If you’re deleting a business Instagram account, you’ll probably want to create a filing with the SEC or FINRA.
Now, if you’re ready, get started following these simple instructions, or jump to the section below to find what you’re looking for:
But first, let’s look at why you might want to delete Instagram, especially if you’re a brand.
Why delete Instagram?
Deleting Instagram sounds scary, especially if you’re a small business using Instagram for marketing, but there are some instances when deleting your Instagram account is a great option.
(And if you’re deleting Instagram for personal reasons, there are countless benefits: better mental health, fewer comparison opportunities, and better time management. I rest my case.)
However, for businesses, deleting Instagram should be strategic. Here are some reasons you may want to consider:
- wrong target audience: Your social media marketing efforts cannot be successful if you are talking to the wrong target audience. If you’ve noticed that your audience has declined on Instagram, it may be worth focusing on new platforms or channels where your audience is more active.
- declining engagement: Low likes, comments, and shares may be a sign that your target audience is not on Instagram. Rather than attempting to recover a stalled account, it may be a good option to deactivate or delete it so that you can gradually recalibrate your social media strategy.
- Brand Image and Reputation Issues: Ideally, if you are under attack or going through a PR problem, you should have a crisis management plan. But if negative Instagram comments and bad reviews become too many, deleting your account may minimize the potential damage. It will also allow you to reorganize and potentially re-establish your brand’s online presence on a new platform.
- better ROI: If Instagram isn’t providing good social media ROI compared to other channels, it’s time to give up and focus your efforts elsewhere.
Now that we’ve figured out why you might want to delete Instagram, let’s look at how you can do this – for yourself or your brand.
How to delete your Instagram on iPhone
- Log on to your Instagram app on your iPhone.
- Go to your account, then tap the menu in the upper left corner of your profile.
- Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Account’.
- Scroll down the list of options, and select ‘Delete account’.
- Scroll to the ‘Deactivate Account’ button and click ‘Delete Account’.
- Click ‘Continue to delete account’.
- ‘Why do you want to delete your account?’ Select an option on the drop-down menu.
- Type the password again.
- Click on the ‘Delete’ button.
1. Log on to your Instagram app on your iPhone.
2. Go to your account, then tap the menu in the upper left corner of your profile.
3. Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Account’.
4. Scroll down the list of options, and select ‘Delete account’.
5. This section includes two alternatives to Instagram. First, you can deactivate your account. If you deactivate, Instagram will hide your account but you can reactivate it whenever you want. More information on this is given below.
If you still want to delete your Instagram account, scroll down to the ‘Deactivate Account’ button and click ‘Delete Account’.
6. A pop-up will appear, giving you a time limit as to how long you have to reactivate your account if you change your mind after deleting your account. Click ‘Continue to delete account’.
7. This section ‘Why do you want to delete your account?’ Starts with the drop-down menu. Choose the best option.
Once you choose, Instagram will offer other recommendations related to your choice. For example, if your choice is ‘Too busy/too distracting’, instructions will appear to temporarily delete the app from your phone.
8. Keep scrolling, then enter your password again.
9. Click on the ‘Delete’ button.
Once you complete this step, your account will no longer be available on Instagram. If you change your mind you have 30 days to reactivate it. After that, your account is permanently deleted.
How to permanently delete Instagram on Android
The Instagram app on Android doesn’t give you any way to delete your account from the app on your mobile phone. But you can open Instagram on your browser and delete your account instead.
1. Log on to Instagram.com from a web or mobile browser.
2. Enter in the address bar of your browser. There’s no way to navigate to this page from Instagram.com, so you’ll have to enter this URL directly after logging in.
3. Once you reach the page, click on ‘Why do you want to delete your account?’ Select an answer from the drop-down menu.
4. After selecting an answer, you will be asked to re-enter your password.
5. A prompt to permanently delete your account will appear.
How to deactivate your Instagram
- Log on to Instagram.com.
- Click on the person icon in the upper right corner.
- Click on ‘Edit Profile’ on your profile.
- Scroll down to ‘Temporarily deactivate my account’.
- ‘Why are you deactivating your account?’ Select an answer from the drop-down menu.
- Type the password again.
- Click ‘Temporarily deactivate your account’.
1. Log on to Instagram.com from a web or mobile browser. You can also disable your account on your iPhone. You won’t be able to disable your account from within the Instagram app on Android.
2. Click on the person icon in the upper right corner to go to your profile.
3. Click on ‘Edit Profile’ on your profile.
4. Scroll down until you see the option to ‘Temporarily deactivate my account’.
5. Once you reach the page, click on ‘Why are you deactivating your account?’ Select an answer from the drop-down menu.
6. After selecting an answer, you will be asked to re-enter your password.
7. A prompt to temporarily deactivate your account will appear.
how to reactivate Instagram
If you’ve deleted your Instagram account, I have good news: You can reactivate your account during 30 day grace period.
It’s quite simple:
1. Open the Instagram app or go to the Instagram website.
2. Log in with your Instagram username and password. In some cases, Instagram may require you to verify your login, so make sure you still have access to the email or phone number associated with your Instagram profile.
3. That’s all! You have reactivated your account after deletion, and remember that if you have deactivated your account, you can still login after the 30-day period.
I recommend taking two more steps:
- Review your account settings. Remember that you deleted Instagram for a reason. Adjust privacy, notification preferences, and other account details to suit your preferences.
- Reconnect with your audience, After reactivating your profile, connect with your audience, reconnect with friends and followers, and resume using Instagram like you did before deactivating your account.
It is important to note that once the 30-day grace period passes, reactivation will not be an option, and your account will be permanently deleted. So, if you change your mind after 30 days, you will have to create a new Instagram account.
Deleting vs Deactivating Your Instagram Account
As we’ve already covered, you have two options for managing your Instagram presence: deleting or deactivating.
If you’re not sure which to choose, here’s when each option is best suited.
Deleting your Instagram account
Deleting your Instagram account permanently removes it from the platform along with all your photos, videos, comments, and followers.
This action is irreversible except during the 30 day grace period. If you decide to rejoin Instagram in the future, you’ll need to create a new account from scratch.
It is best to delete your account when:
1. You no longer want your presence on Instagram: This is the simplest reason. If you have no intention of returning to Instagram, deleting your account ensures that all your data and activity is completely removed from the platform.
2. You are concerned about privacy: If you have concerns about the security of your personal information or want to make sure that your data is no longer in Instagram‘s possession, deleting your account is the more sure-fire option.
deactivating your Instagram account
Deactivating your Instagram account temporarily disables it, making your profile and content invisible to other users.
While your data is intact and recoverable, your account will not be accessible until you reactivate it. It is best to deactivate your account when:
1. You are taking a vacation: If you need a temporary break from Instagram but you plan to return, deactivating your account allows you to step away without permanently losing your content and followers.
2. You want to maintain privacy: If you want to temporarily reduce your digital footprint, deactivating your account can provide a level of privacy while preserving your data.
3. You want to test not having Instagram: Maybe you’re unsure about permanently deleting your account, but want to reduce your social media usage experimentally. Deactivating your account lets you address no longer having Instagram without deleting it.
Now it’s time to deactivate or delete Instagram
There are many reasons why Instagram is one of the most popular apps in the world. But if it’s not right for you, it’s easy to deactivate or delete your profile.
You may find that it’s not a good fit for your audience or growth goals. Or you’re streamlining your professional accounts to reduce duplicate messaging or management burden.
No matter why you’ve decided to make the cut on Instagram, you have the resources you need. Review these instructions, delete or deactivate your account, and continue.
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in March 2018 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.