How to delete an Instagram account (the easy way)

Decided Instagram isn’t right for your business? No sweat. Unlike real life, there is a cancel button here: you can permanently delete your Instagram account.

Before deleting, consider backing up your account information in case you need it. Keep in mind that the data will be in machine-readable HTML or JSON format, not in individual profile photos, videos, comments, etc.

Ready? Here’s how to delete your Instagram account on the app, computer, or mobile web browser.

How to delete an Instagram account on iOS

Step 1: Log in to your account on the Instagram app. Then tap the menu icon (3 lines) at the top right corner of the screen.

Step 2: Go to “Settings”then “Account”.

Step 3: Click “Delete Account”.

Instagram will offer to deactivate instead of deleting. Deactivation hides your account and can be canceled at any time. If you still want to permanently delete your Instagram account, click “Delete Account”.

Step 3: Confirm the deletion.

Instagram will ask you ONE AGAIN… Are you sure about this, right?

Step 4: Confirm… again.

Instagram is stretching the process, which you can argue is either annoying or helpful in preventing accidental deletions and disgruntled users.

Instagram asks why you want to delete it. Your answer is required, as is the password. Clicking the Delete @username button on this page will permanently delete your account.

Your account will no longer appear on Instagram, but you have 30 days to reverse your decision and reactivate it. After that, he really disappeared.

How to delete an Instagram account on Android

For some strange reason, Instagram’s native Android app currently doesn’t allow you to delete an account like the iPhone version does. It’s weird, but it’s okay, just open your browser and follow the instructions below.

How to delete an Instagram account on a computer

If you don’t have access to the app on your current phone, or you’re an Android user, you can also delete your Instagram account from any web browser.

The steps below are also suitable for mobile browsers (such as Safari or Chrome on your phone).

Step 1: Go to www.instagram.com and sign in to your account.

Step 2: Visit the account deletion page.

Step 3: Confirm the deletion.

Make sure the username matches the account you want to delete. If not, click Sign Out on the right side of the screen to return to Instagram and log into the correct account.

Fill in the reason for deleting your Instagram account and enter your password. Click Delete @username at the bottom to permanently delete your account.

When should you delete your Instagram account?

If you have any doubts about deleting your profile, you should temporarily deactivate your Instagram account instead. Deactivated accounts are easily restored, while deleted ones are permanently removed from the platform (after the 30-day grace period).

For most people, I would recommend deactivation, even if you leave it like that for months or years. It does the same thing (no one can find or see your account), but without the risk of regret.

Another option is to switch to a private account. Private accounts still show up in search results, but their posts don’t, and they aren’t publicly viewable on your profile. People can request to follow you, but you don’t have to approve them. However, current subscribers will still be able to see your posts and content.

To switch to a private account, go to “Settings”in the application, then “Privacy”and tap the slider next to “Private account”in the on position.

There are a few specific scenarios where deleting your Instagram account makes sense. (Though you can still temporarily disable your account for them too.)

You’re Not Sure Instagram Is Paying Off

Does Instagram help you reach your business goals? You set business goals for your Instagram account, right? And you measure them regularly, right?

Instagram might not be the best option for you, but if you’re unsure, it’s worth rethinking your Instagram marketing strategy first. Do your best to ensure a positive ROI for you.

Use our free social media audit template to track progress and evaluate results. If you’re still not seeing results from Instagram for several quarters, it’s probably worth focusing more on other platforms.

Your target audience does not use Instagram

You can have the most amazing videos, the best carousels, and the most compelling stories, but what if your target viewers don’t see it? Phew, that’s a lot of effort for very little reward.

Social media platforms are only as effective as your marketing strategy. Is your target client over 70? Sure, some of it will be on Instagram, but that’s probably not where you should spend most of your time or budget.

Not sure if Instagram is right for your audience? Check out the Social Trends 2022 report for the latest demographics across all platforms and the stats you need to inform your strategy.

You have more than one account for your brand

Oops, discovered last year’s intern opened the second account by mistake? Go ahead, delete him (unless he has a million followers).

Duplicate or erroneous accounts can confuse your audience, especially if your main profile doesn’t have a blue checkmark next to it to verify its authenticity. People may end up following the wrong account. Eliminate confusion by deleting any unused profiles.

Managing Instagram is hard

Gotcha! This is a smart reason. Overload is real, but this is not a reason to delete an account.

Instead, save time, get organized, and start your Instagram marketing with Hootsuite. Plan and publish your content – yes, videos too! – in advance, manage direct messages from all your platforms from one inbox, and collaborate and approve content projects with your team.

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Find out how Hootsuite takes control of your Instagram (and all your other platforms).