At times, taking a break from social media and online culture can be beneficial. If you’re considering distancing yourself from Instagram, don’t worry – it’s easy to delete an Instagram account.
Follow this step-by-step guide to either permanently delete an Instagram account or temporarily deactivate it on an iPhone or Android app, as well as on a computer.
It’s essential to be aware of certain factors before you proceed with deleting your account, which we’ll cover in this comprehensive guide.
Are you ready to bid Instagram farewell? Keep reading to learn how to delete an Instagram account via the mobile app, computer, or mobile web browser.
How To Delete An Instagram Account On Any Device
How to Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account on iOS Devices
Step 1: Open the Instagram app and access your account. Then, click on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) located in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.
Step 2: Navigate to your account settings and select the “Account” option.
Step 3: Choose the “Delete Account” option.
Instagram may prompt you to deactivate your account instead of deleting it. Keep in mind that deactivation will only hide your account and can be reversed at any time. If you are certain you want to permanently delete your account, proceed with selecting the “Delete Account” option.
Step 4: Confirm the deletion process.
Instagram will double-check with you to make sure you are sure about this decision.
Step 5: Confirm the deletion process again.
Instagram will take you through a few steps to ensure you really want to delete your account. Some may find this process annoying, but it is in place to prevent accidental deletions.
When prompted, provide the reason for deleting your account. This information is required, as is entering your password. Once you click the “Delete @username” button, your account will be permanently deleted.
Your account will no longer be visible on Instagram. However, you will have a 30-day window to change your mind and reactivate your account. After 30 days, the account will be permanently deleted.
How to Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account on Android Devices
Strangely, the Android version of the native Instagram app doesn’t currently allow you to delete your account like its iPhone counterpart. However, there’s no need to worry – just follow the steps below using your phone’s browser.
How to Permanently Delete An Instagram Account on Your Computer
If you’re unable to access the app on your phone or you’re an Android user, you can still delete your Instagram account using any web browser. The steps below can also be followed on web browsers such as Safari, Chrome, or Firefox.
Here’s how to do it (The steps below also work for mobile browsers on your phone):
- Step 1: Sign in to your Instagram account by visiting www.instagram.com
- Step 2: Visit the Delete Account page.
- Step 3: Confirm that you want to delete your Instagram account.
Make sure that the username matches the account you want to delete. If not, click Log out on the right side of the screen to go back to Instagram and sign in to the correct account.
Next, fill out the reason for deleting your Instagram account and enter your password. Finally, tap Delete @username at the bottom of the page to permanently delete your Instagram account.
How To Deactivate Your Instagram Account Temporarily
If you need a break from Instagram, but don’t want to delete an Instagram account, you can temporarily Deactivate your profile and return when you’re ready. Follow the steps below to temporarily deactivate your Instagram account.
- Click on “Profile” on the left side of the screen.
- Select “Edit profile.”
- Choose “Temporarily deactivate my account.”
- Select a reason for deactivation.
- Re-enter your password for security.
- Click “Temporarily deactivate account” to confirm.
When you’re ready to reactivate your account, simply log back into the Instagram app using your username and password.
Reasons For A Business to Delete An Instagram Account
If you’re uncertain about permanently deleting your Instagram account, consider temporarily deactivating it instead. A deactivated account can be easily recovered, while a deleted one is gone forever after a 30-day grace period.
For most businesses, temporary deactivation is the better option, even if you leave it that way for a long time. It achieves the same purpose – nobody can see or find your account without the risk of regret.
Another choice is to switch to a private account. Private accounts don’t show up in search results and don’t make your posts publicly viewable on your profile. People can request to follow you, but you don’t have to approve them. Your current followers will still be able to see your posts and content.
To switch to a private account, go to Settings in the app, then Privacy, and slide the toggle next to “Private Account” to the “On” position.
Here are some specific situations where deleting your Instagram account may be appropriate, although you could still temporarily deactivate your account for these:
Overwhelmed by Instagram Management?
Being overwhelmed is a common feeling, but it’s not a valid reason to delete an Instagram account. Instead, save time and get organized with Instagram automation tools. These tools can help you schedule and publish your content, manage your DMs from all your social media platforms in one inbox, and even collaborate with your team to approve draft content. Don’t let Instagram management stress you out – automate it!
Your Target Audience Does Not Use Instagram
You may have the best Reels, carousels, and Stories, but if your target audience isn’t seeing them, then all your effort is going to waste. Social media platforms are only as effective as your marketing strategy. If your target customer is over 80 years old, some may be on Instagram, but it’s probably not the best use of your time or budget.
Dealing with Duplicate Brand Accounts
Did someone in your company accidentally create a second account? Unless it has a massive following, it’s best to delete an Instagram account to avoid confusion among your audience. Duplicate or erroneous accounts can lead to followers following the wrong account, especially if your main profile lacks a blue check mark that verifies its authenticity. To eliminate any confusion, delete any unused profiles.
Instagram Is Not Meeting Your Business Goals
Are you achieving your business goals through Instagram? Have you set business goals for your Instagram account and are you measuring them regularly? If not, it may not be the best platform for you. However, if you’re uncertain, it’s worth revising your Instagram marketing strategy first to see if it can provide a positive return on investment for you.
Why People Might Delete or Deactivate Instagram
Although Instagram is a popular social network with over a billion users worldwide, it can also pose risks to our well-being and cybersecurity. Below are some reasons why users might choose to leave the platform.
Privacy Concerns
Privacy concerns are a common reason why some people leave Instagram.
Time-Wasting
Some people feel like they waste a lot of time scrolling through endless photos and reels on Instagram.
Instagram Scams
Scammers on Instagram are always looking for ways to exploit the app and its community by stealing sensitive information, accounts, and money, which can cause some users to leave the platform.
Mental Health And Well-Being
Some people often leave Instagram due to concerns about their mental health and well-being. Seeing influencers on social media who always appear happy and beautiful can lead to negative comparisons, depression, loneliness, and social anxiety, despite the fact that social media does not always reflect reality.
Cyberbullying
Users on Instagram face various forms of cyberbullying, which can be a significant factor in their decision to leave the platform.
Wrap Up
Instagram is an incredibly popular social media platform that can be quite addictive. However, if you’re looking to cut back on your Instagram usage, there are a couple of options available to you: delete an Instagram account or deactivate your account.
It’s important to note that deleting your account is a permanent action while deactivating is temporary and allows you to log back in at a later time. You can take either of these steps using a web browser on your desktop or mobile device. Additionally, if you’re an iPhone user, you can even delete an Instagram account directly from the Instagram app.
