If you want to delete your Instagram account, you can either do it with the app or on your PC or Mac. In this practical tip, we explain step by step how to deactivate your account temporarily or delete it completely.
Temporarily deactivate your Instagram account
If you only want to deactivate your account temporarily, you can follow these instructions. The advantage of this option is that your photos can no longer be accessed online by other users, but your photos will not be permanently deleted. Your profile is therefore inactive, but can be reactivated if you change your mind.
- Visit the Instagram website and log in to your account.
- Click on your profile in the top right corner and select the “Edit Profile” category.
- In the bottom right corner you will now find the option “Temporarily deactivate my account”.
- Select any reason and enter your password.
- Using the “Temporarily deactivate account” button, you will be logged out of Instagram.
- Your Instagram profile is now completely invisible. If necessary, you can reactivate it at any time by logging in.
- For a permanent deletion of your Instagram account, use the following link and follow the instructions in the next paragraph.
Instruction: Delete Instagram profile permanently
If you want to permanently delete your profile on Instagram, you will have to take a different route, which is hidden at first glance. Attention: If you permanently shut down your account, all pictures, likes and follower counts will also be deleted.
- Follow this link and you will immediately be taken to the page where you can permanently delete your account.
- Log in with your username and select any reason from the list.
- After you have explained the background for your exit, you will need to enter your password to continue with the process.
- Press the red “Delete my account permanently” button to deactivate your account. After that, your account has been permanently closed.
- Tip: After following these instructions, all your photos will be irrevocably deleted. You can use the Instagram Downloader to create a backup of your photos before you do this.
The awkward way via the app
An Instagram account cannot be deleted directly in the app. You can read how to delete your account using a mobile device here. However, it is much easier to follow the steps from the last paragraph.
- Open the Instagram app and go to your profile page. Open the menu and select “Settings “
- Scroll down in the settings and click on “Help Area” in the “Help” section. The app will automatically redirect mobile users to the Instagram website.
- Click on “Manage your account”.
- Finally select the option “Delete your account”.
- Under “How do I delete my Insstagram account?”, you will find the bold link “Delete your account” at step one. Click on it.
- Follow steps two to five from the paragraph “Instructions: Delete your Instagram profile permanently”. You will no longer need to log in, as you have accessed the page via the app. If you use more than one account in the app, make sure the correct account is selected.
