How to Delete Instagram Account

 

Instagram is one of the world's most popular social media platforms, boasting over one billion users worldwide. While it can be an excellent platform for sharing photos and connecting with friends and family, some may delete their accounts for personal or professional reasons. If this applies to you, this guide will walk you through all the steps to remove your Instagram account.

 

Before we dive in, it's essential to note that the deletion of an Instagram account is permanent. Once it's gone, there will be no way to reactivate or retrieve any of your data - photos, videos, comments, and likes included - so be sure you have backed up all important documents before beginning this process.

 

Step 1: Log in to your Instagram account through either the app or website

To delete an Instagram account, you'll need to log in using either of these methods: if using the app, open it on your mobile device; if using the website, go to Instagram.com.

 

Step 2: Access Your Profile Settings

Once logged in to your account, navigate to your profile by tapping either the profile icon in the bottom right corner of the app or clicking on your picture on the website. Finally, click on those three lines at the top right corner to open a menu.

 

Step 3: Access Security Settings

In the menu, scroll down and click 'Settings' at the bottom. Afterward, click on 'Security' from the options.

 

Step 4: Deleting Your Account

On the Security tab, scroll down and click 'Delete Your Account.' Instagram will ask for a reason for deleting your account; select one from the dropdown menu that best applies to your situation.

 

Step 5: Enter Your Password

Once selected, Instagram will ask for your password to confirm that you own the account. Type in the password and click 'Permanently delete my account' to proceed.

 

Step 6: Confirm Deletion

Once you click the 'Permanently Delete My Account' button, Instagram will ask for confirmation. If you are certain you want to proceed with the deletion, click on the 'OK' button.

 

Step 7: Wait for the deletion process to finish

Once you confirm your deletion request, Instagram will permanently remove your account. This may take up to 90 days when it will remain deactivated but inaccessible to everyone else. Therefore, don't be alarmed if some parts of your profile remain visible for a few days after deletion.

 

Here are some additional considerations when deleting your Instagram account:

 

1. Back Up Your Data

Before you delete your account, back up all important data, such as photos, videos, comments, and likes. Instagram allows downloading all this data from within its platform - this way, you can ensure a copy of all your content remains safe.

 

2. Deactivate vs. Delete

Instagram offers two options for those wanting to take a break from the platform: deactivating and deleting your account permanently. Deactivating disables your account temporarily and hides all content from other users; however, you can reactivate it anytime by logging in again. Conversely, deleting permanently erases all your content with no chance of recovery or reactivation.

 

3. Implications for Other Linked Accounts

If you have linked your Instagram account to other social platforms such as Facebook or Twitter, deleting it could also impact how active you appear. Be sure to unlink your Instagram profile from other platforms before making the necessary deletion.

 

4. Follow Up on Third-Party Apps

If you've used third-party applications to manage or access your Instagram account, ensure they revoke access before deleting it. Doing this will prevent unauthorized access to your data after it has been erased.

 

5. Alternatives to Deleting Your Account

If you're thinking about deactivating your Instagram account but still want to stay connected with friends and family, there are other options you could look into. You could take a break from the platform by deactivating your account, restricting how often you use the app, or restricting what type of content you post on it.