How to Delete Instagram Account (Step-by-Step Guide)

Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms, but not everyone wants to keep their account forever.

Whether you need a break or want to delete your account permanently, the process is simple – but not always easy for everyone.

In this guide, I will show you how to delete Instagram account step-by-step, whether using a phone (Android and iPhone) or a desktop (Windows and Mac).

Many users struggle with this process. My friend also faced this issue for two days before coming to me for help.

Within minutes, I was able to solve his problem.

Let us dive into it.

How to Delete Instagram Account on Phone?

If you are using an Android phone, you cannot delete your Instagram account directly from the app. 

Instead, you need to use a browser. On iPhone, you can delete an account directly from the app.

One year ago, I faced this issue because I was an Android user and did not know how to delete Instagram account on phone through the app. 

In this guide, I will explain how to delete Instagram account on app.

How to Delete Instagram Account on Android?

• Open a browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.) and go to Instagram.
• Log in using username and password.
• Click on the profile in the bottom right corner.
• Click on the menu (☰).
• Go to Account Center > Personal Details.
• Select Account Ownership and Control.
• Choose an account you want to delete.
• Click Delete Account and select a reason.
• Enter your password and click Continue.
• Tap Delete Account to confirm.

Note: Instagram retains an account for 30 days before permanently deleting it. If you log in within this period, your account deletion request will be automatically canceled and remain active.

How to Delete Instagram Account on iPhone?

• Open the Instagram app 
• Go to profile in the bottom right corner.
• Click on the menu in the top-right corner and select Settings.
• Select Account Center and open Personal Details.
• Go to Account Ownership and Control and open it.
• Choose an account you want to delete 
• Click on delete an account.
• Select a reason for deleting an account and click continue 
• Enter your password and click continue.
• Then click an Account to confirm.

Note: If you select Deactivate Instead, an account will be temporarily disabled. You can reactivate it within 30 days by logging in again.

How to Delete Instagram Account on iPhone (Using a Browser)

In this, I will explain how to delete Instagram account on iPhone using a browser. Follow these steps to delete your Instagram account on iPhone using a browser.

• Open a browser and search for Instagram.
• Click on Instagram Login and sign in using your username and password.
• Click on your profile in the bottom right corner.
• Click on the menu in the top right corner.
• Tap on Settings.
• Select Account Center and open Personal Details.
• Go to Account Ownership and Control and open it.
• Choose an account you want to delete.
• Click on Delete Account.
• Select a reason for deleting an account and click Continue.
• Enter your password and click Continue.
• Finally, click Delete Account to confirm

How to Delete Instagram Account on DeskTop?

In this, I will explain how to delete your Instagram account on desktop through the app & browser.

Delete Instagram Account Through App (Desktop)

• Open the Instagram app on your Windows device.
• Check whether you log in or not.
• Click on the More Button and go to Settings.
• Go to Personal Details.
• Click on Account Ownership and Control.
• Select Deactivation or Deletion.
• Click on Delete Account and select a reason for deletion.
• Re-enter your password, then click Continue.
• Click Delete Account, then tap OK to confirm.

Delete Instagram Account Through Browser (Desktop)

• Open a browser and go to Instagram.
• Log in using your username and password.
• Click on More and open Settings.
• Navigate to Personal Details.
• Go to Account Ownership and Control.
• Select Deactivation or Deletion.
• Click on Delete Account and choose a reason for deletion.
• Re-enter your password, then click Continue.
• Click Delete Account, then tap OK to confirm.

How to Delete Instagram Account on Mac?

In this, I will explain how to delete Instagram account on Mac through app & browser.

My sister faced this issue two months ago. She did not know how to delete Instagram account on Mac through an app or browser. I solved this issue by following these steps.

Delete Instagram Account Through App (Mac)

• Open a browser and go to Instagram.
• Log in using your username and password.
• Click on More and open Settings.
• Go to Personal Details.
• Open Account Ownership and Control.
• Select Deactivation or Deletion.
• Click on Delete Account and select a reason for deletion.
• Re-enter your password, then click Continue.
• Click Delete Account, then tap OK to confirm.

Delete Instagram Account Through Browser (Mac)

• Open a browser and go to Instagram.
• Log in using your username and password.
• Click on More and open Settings.
• Go to Personal Details.
• Click on Account Ownership and Control.
• Select Deactivation or Deletion.
• Click on Delete Account and Select a reason for deletion.
• Re-enter your password, then click Continue.
• Click Delete Account, then tap OK to confirm.

How to Delete Instagram Account Without Password?

You cannot delete your Instagram account without the password or email associated with the account.

However, if you have forgotten your password, you can reset it before proceeding with account deletion.

My mom also faced this issue in the past. I have solved this issue by taking these steps.

How to Reset Your Instagram Password

Follow these steps to reset your Instagram password:

• Go to the Instagram password reset page.
• Enter your email address, username, or phone number.
• Click Send Login Link.
• Check your email or phone for a password reset message from Instagram.
• Click on the link to reset your password and change it.
• Enter your new password.
• Click Reset Password.

Once you reset your password, you can log into your account and proceed with deletion.

How to Delete Instagram Account Permanently?

If you want to permanently delete your Instagram account, you must understand the difference between deactivation and permanent deletion before proceeding.

Deactivating vs. Permanently Deleting an Instagram Account

Deactivating an Account (Temporary)

• Entire data is hidden but not deleted.
• If you want to reactivate your account by logging in do it.

Permanently Deleting an Account

• Your entire profile, including posts, followers, and messages, will be permanently removed.
• You cannot recover your account or data once deleted.

Important: After requesting permanent deletion, Instagram gives you 30 days to change your mind.

• If you log in within this period, an account will not be deleted.
• After 30 days, account data will be erased forever and cannot recovered.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Deleting your Instagram account is a simple process, but make sure it is the right decision or not.

If you only need a break, deactivation might be a better option.

Once deleted, your data is deleted permanently after 30 days, and you won’t be able to recover it.

If you ever change your mind, log in before the deadline to cancel the deletion.

Need more guidance? Follow the steps in this guide to delete your account. If you found this helpful, share it with friends who might need it. Stay informed and take control of your social media presence.