What happens when you delete Instagram permanently
When you permanently delete your Instagram account, Meta removes your profile, photos, videos, comments, and likes from their servers within 90 days. During those 90 days, your account is in a deletion queue — no one can see your profile or search for you, but the data still exists on Meta's systems. After 90 days, the deletion is final and cannot be reversed.
This is different from deactivating, which temporarily hides your account but keeps all your data intact. With permanent deletion, there is no way to reactivate the account or recover your content. If you have a business account, followers, or years of photos you might want later, understand this distinction before you proceed.
You can only delete through Instagram's website — the mobile app does not have a deletion option. You will need your login credentials and access to the email address or phone number tied to your account.
Key Takeaways
- Permanent deletion removes your profile, photos, and all activity from Instagram within 90 days, and the process cannot be undone.
- You must delete through Instagram's website at instagram.com/accounts/remove/permanent, not through the mobile app.
- During the 90-day deletion window, your account is invisible but your data still exists on Meta's servers.
- If you are unsure, deactivate your account first — deactivation hides everything but lets you reactivate within 30 days if you change your mind.
- Before deletion, read your photos and data through Instagram's read tool if you want to keep copies.
read your data before deleting
Instagram lets you read a copy of your photos, videos, captions, and messages before permanent deletion. This is the only way to keep your content after the account is gone. The read takes 24 to 48 hours to prepare, so start this step before you begin the deletion process.
Go to Settings and Privacy, then scroll to Account Center. Select read Your Information, then choose Instagram from the list of Meta apps. Select read or Transfer, then choose read Your Information. Pick the date range (usually "All time"), select the file format (HTML is easiest to view), and request the read. Instagram will email you a link when the file is ready.
The file includes your photos, videos, stories, reels, captions, comments you have made, likes, followers and following lists, and direct messages. It does not include other people's photos you are tagged in — those remain on their accounts.
Steps to permanently delete your account
Open a web browser and go to instagram.com/accounts/remove/permanent. You cannot do this on the mobile app. Log in if you are not already signed in.
Instagram will ask you to choose a reason for deletion from a dropdown menu. The options include "It's not useful to me," "I do not have enough privacy controls," "It is too time-consuming," "I am concerned about my privacy," and "Other." Select the reason that applies to you — this choice does not affect the deletion process, but Meta uses the feedback to improve the platform.
Re-enter your password to confirm your identity. Instagram will then show you a final warning: your account will be deleted within 90 days, and you cannot undo this. All your photos, videos, comments, and likes will be removed. If you have a business account, any ads or promotions tied to it will stop running.
Click the red "Delete Account" button. Your account is now scheduled for permanent deletion. You will receive a confirmation email at the address tied to your account.
What to do during the 90-day deletion window
For 90 days after you request deletion, your account is invisible to everyone but still exists on Instagram's servers. No one can find your profile, see your posts, or message you. If you change your mind during this window, you can log back in and cancel the deletion — your account will be restored with all content intact.
If you do log back in during the 90 days, the deletion request is cancelled when ready. Your profile, posts, and followers will all return to normal. You will need to request deletion again if you still want to delete.
After 90 days, the account and all associated data are permanently removed from Meta's systems. At that point, the email address and username become available for someone else to use.
Deactivation as an alternative
If you are not certain about permanent deletion, deactivate your account instead. Deactivation hides your profile, photos, and activity from public view, but keeps everything on Instagram's servers. You can reactivate within 30 days by logging back in, and your account returns exactly as it was.
Deactivation is useful if you want a break from Instagram but might return, or if you want to test what it feels like to not have the account visible. It takes only a few seconds and requires no read of data — everything is preserved automatically.
To deactivate, go to Settings and Privacy, select Account, then Deactivate or Delete Account. Choose Deactivate Account, select a reason, and confirm. Your account is now hidden but not deleted.
What happens to your username and email after deletion
After the 90-day deletion period ends, your username becomes available for anyone else to register. If you had a recognizable or valuable username, someone else could claim it. There is no way to reserve or protect your old username after deletion.
The email address tied to your account can be used to create a new Instagram account when ready after deletion is complete. If you want to prevent someone else from using your email to create an account, change the email address on your account before you request deletion — though this step is optional and does not affect the deletion itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my account from the Instagram app?
No. Instagram only allows permanent deletion through the website at instagram.com/accounts/remove/permanent. The mobile app has a deactivation option but not a permanent deletion option. You must use a computer or mobile browser to access the deletion page.
What if I forget my password before deleting?
You will need to reset your password before you can delete. Go to instagram.com/accounts/password/reset and enter your username or email. Instagram will send a password reset link to your email. Once you have reset your password, you can log in and proceed with deletion.
Can someone else delete my account if they have my password?
Yes. If someone has your login credentials, they can delete your account from the permanent deletion page. To protect your account, use a strong unique password and enable two-factor authentication. If you suspect someone has access to your account, change your password when ready and review your login activity in Settings.
Will deleting my Instagram account also delete my Facebook account?
No. Instagram and Facebook are separate accounts, even though Meta owns both. Deleting your Instagram account does not affect your Facebook account. If you want to delete both, you must delete them separately through each platform's settings.
How long does it take for my account to be completely removed?
Instagram removes your account from public view when ready after you request deletion, but the data stays on their servers for 90 days. After 90 days, the account and all associated data are permanently deleted. You cannot reverse the deletion after this 90-day window closes.