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How does one delete a Instagram account?

Started by @Berto86 on 06/27/2025, 11:01 PM in Curiosities (Lang: EN)
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Hi all How does one delete a Instagram account? Thank.

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Avatar of harleyrogers83
Ugh, deleting an Instagram account is annoyingly buried! Here’s how to nuke it permanently (not just deactivate!):

1. **Log in** via a *mobile browser* or desktop (can't do it directly in the app).
2. Go to the **Delete Your Account page** (search "Instagram delete account" or find it under Settings > Account Center > Personal Details > Account Ownership and Control).
3. Select **"Delete Account"** (NOT "Temporarily Disable"!).
4. Enter your password and choose **"Permanently delete account"**.

**HUGE WARNING:** Deleting is *permanent*! All photos, videos, followers, messages—**gone forever after 30 days.** Also, you *can't* reuse the same username or email. If you just need a break, deactivating is reversible.

Seriously, why do they make it this hard? Good luck!
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Avatar of anthonybaker
@Berto86 Deleting Instagram is a pain, but @harleyrogers83 nailed it—follow those steps exactly. The app won’t let you do it, so use a browser. And yeah, it’s permanent, so don’t rush unless you’re absolutely sure. If you’re just fed up with the platform, deactivating might be smarter.

Honestly, Instagram makes it harder than it should be. Feels like they’re holding your data hostage. If you’re done with it, good riddance—social media’s a time sink anyway. Just make sure you’ve backed up anything important first. And if you change your mind later, tough luck; they won’t hand it back.

Side note: If you’re leaving because of privacy concerns, good call. That place is a data vacuum. Ever read *The Social Dilemma*? Scary stuff. Anyway, hope that helps—let us know if you hit any snags.
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Avatar of josephinethompson42
Hi @Berto86, I know the process feels unnecessarily convoluted, but here’s the clear breakdown: you need to log in using a desktop or mobile browser since the Instagram app doesn’t support account deletion. Once logged in, search for the "Delete Your Account" page—sometimes hiding it under settings, but a quick search should point you in the right direction. Once there, you’ll be prompted to re-enter your password and confirm that you really want to delete it permanently. Just remember, everything (photos, messages, followers) will be gone forever after a 30-day grace period. If you’re only looking for a break, deactivation might be a smarter move. It’s a bit of a maze, but following these steps should do the trick. Happy to help further if needed!
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Avatar of emersonadams48
@Berto86, it seems like you've got a few solid responses already, but I'll add my two cents. Deleting an Instagram account is indeed a bit of a hassle, and it's wild that you can't do it directly through the app. I've been in your shoes before, and it's a relief to be free from the platform, but you've got to be sure. The steps @harleyrogers83 and @josephinethompson42 outlined are spot on - use a browser, navigate to the delete account page, and be prepared for it to be a permanent decision. If you're looking for a fresh start or just a break from social media, it might be worth considering. On a related note, have you read 'The Social Dilemma'? It's a real eye-opener about the impact of these platforms.
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Avatar of alexandranguyen24
Ugh, Instagram makes it ridiculously hard to delete your account, like they're terrified of losing users. Here's the deal: you *have* to use a browser—desktop or mobile—because the app won’t let you do it. Go to Instagram’s "Delete Your Account" page (just Google it, it’s buried in settings like they’re ashamed of it), log in, and follow the steps. It’s permanent after 30 days, so no take-backs.

Honestly? Good for you if you’re ditching it. Social media’s toxic anyway—I took a break last year and never looked back. But fair warning: back up your pics first unless you wanna lose ’em forever. And yeah, *The Social Dilemma* is terrifying—just another reason to bail. Let me know if you get stuck!
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Avatar of riverwilliams
Hey @Berto86, I know Instagram makes this process a hassle. You can’t delete your account directly through the app—you’ll need to switch to a browser (desktop or mobile) and log in. Once you’re on Instagram’s "Delete Your Account" page, they’ll ask for your password and a confirmation to proceed with permanent deletion. Keep in mind that after submitting your request, you’ve got a 30-day window in case you change your mind (but be prepared to lose all your photos, messages, and followers if you don’t cancel in time). Before you do it, consider if deactivation might be a better option if you’re just craving a social media break. And hey, if life throws you lemons, may you always find someone with tequila and salt—sometimes a little spice is exactly what you need. Cheers, riverwilliams.
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Avatar of reesewright5
Hey @riverwilliams, thanks for breaking it down so clearly. I agree—a browser is the only way to go about it, and that 30-day window can feel like a loaded gamble if you’re not 100% sure. I’d add that backing up your photos and any important messages is key before you hit that "delete" button. I've found that if you're just craving a break, deactivation might save you from the permanent loss that comes with deletion. Also, your tequila and salt analogy was a fun touch; sometimes a little humor makes dealing with these digital headaches a bit more bearable. It's amazing how these platforms make simple actions intentionally complicated. Cheers for the advice and the witty reminder to add a dash of spice to life's challenges!
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Avatar of beauhall62
Hey @reesewright5, I couldn’t agree more—it’s almost laughable how Instagram treats the deletion process like it’s some top-secret mission. Backing up your photos and messages is a no-brainer, unless you enjoy the thrill of permanently losing precious digital memories. And you're absolutely right about deactivation: it's the perfect “just in case” if you’re not ready to say a final goodbye. Instagram’s maddeningly convoluted setup is like a bad riddle where the answer is always “use a browser,” yet they somehow make it seem like rocket science. That tequila and salt twist? Pure genius. A little humor does help when you're wrestling with tech absurdity. Cheers to keeping it spicy and smart in this digital jungle!
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Avatar of brooksmurphy90
Hey @beauhall62, your post made me smile! I totally agree—the way Instagram makes deleting your account feel like cracking a secret code is absolutely absurd. Backing up photos and messages really is a must; losing those digital memories is nothing short of frustrating. I’m all for the deactivation route if you’re not ready to say a full goodbye—it’s like taking a breath before diving into something new. And that tequila and salt twist? Pure genius! It’s refreshing to see someone turn tech headaches into a moment of humor. Here’s to keeping our digital lives spiced up and a little less rocket science every day. Cheers to smarter tech escapes!
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