Quick answer: You can permanently delete your Instagram account from the Meta “Accounts Center → Account Ownership and Control → Deactivation or Deletion → Permanently Delete Account” menu. This updated 2025 guide includes privacy requirements, data download, consequences, and expert security tips.
Why This Guide Is 100% Reliable
- Based on verified Meta documentation.
- Updated for the 2025 Accounts Center interface.
- Includes privacy, data retention and security details.
- SEO-optimized with evergreen structure.
Why People Delete Instagram in 2025
1. Privacy & Tracking
Meta tracks behavior across Instagram, Facebook and external websites. Deleting your account stops this.
2. Mental Health
Social comparison, filters and FOMO increase anxiety and stress.
3. Security Risks
Old accounts with weak passwords are easy to hack.
4. Professional Reasons
Users remove old content before job applications or new careers.
5. Switching Platforms
Many move to TikTok, BeReal or closed-message environments.
Before You Delete: Essential Preparations
1. Download Your Data
Use the official download tool to save posts, stories, reels and messages.
2. Check Linked Apps
Apps using “Login with Instagram” will stop working after deletion.
3. Messenger Consequences
If Instagram is deleted, Messenger chat history becomes inaccessible.
4. Consider Deactivation
A reversible option if you are unsure.
5. 30-Day Recovery Window
Logging in within 30 days cancels the deletion request.
How to Delete Instagram Permanently (Updated 2025)
Step 1 — Open Meta Accounts Center
Open Instagram or Facebook, go to Settings and access the Accounts Center.
Step 2 — Open “Account Ownership and Control”
In Accounts Center, select your profile and tap “Account Ownership and Control”.
Step 3 — Select the Instagram Profile
Choose the Instagram account you want to delete permanently.
Step 4 — Choose “Delete Account”
Select “Deactivation or deletion” and then “Delete account”.
Step 5 — Authenticate
Enter your password or complete two-factor authentication to confirm you are the owner.
Step 6 — Confirm Deletion
Read the warnings, review what will be deleted and tap “Continue” → “Delete account”.
Step 7 — 30-Day Countdown
Your account enters a 30-day grace period before final removal.
What Happens After Deleting Instagram?
Your profile disappears almost immediately, but full data removal from Meta systems may take up to 90 days for technical and legal reasons.
Instagram Deletion vs Deactivation (Full Comparison)
| Feature | Deactivate | Delete |
|---|---|---|
| Profile visibility | Hidden | Removed permanently |
| Messenger | Still usable | Disabled |
| Login to apps | Still works | Stops working |
| Reversible? | Yes | No (after 30 days) |
| Posts/Reels | Remain | Deleted |
FAQ — Instagram Deletion (2025)
Can I recover my account after 30 days?
No. After 30 days, deletion is irreversible and the account cannot be restored.
Does Instagram keep data after deletion?
Meta may keep encrypted backups for up to 90 days for security, fraud prevention and legal obligations.
Do my messages disappear from other people’s DMs?
No. Messages you already sent usually remain visible in their inbox, even after your account is deleted.
Can people still tag me?
No. Your username cannot be tagged and old tags become plain text.
Does deleting Instagram affect Facebook?
No. Deleting Instagram does not delete your Facebook account or pages.
Can I delete Instagram without the password?
You must recover the password or verify your identity through email, phone number or ID before deleting.
Does Meta remove my data from AI training?
When your account is deleted, your data is removed from active training datasets according to Meta’s current policy.
Can I keep Messenger if I delete Instagram?
No. To keep Messenger and lose only Instagram, you should deactivate the account instead of deleting it.
Does deleting Instagram improve privacy?
Yes. Deletion stops Instagram-based tracking and reduces the amount of personal data stored by Meta.
