How to Delete an Old Instagram Account: The Definitive Guide

So, you’ve decided to finally say goodbye to that old Instagram account. Maybe it’s filled with embarrassing photos from your college days, perhaps it’s associated with a business venture that fizzled out, or it could simply be a digital ghost you no longer want haunting the internet. Whatever the reason, knowing how to delete an Instagram account permanently is crucial. Let’s dive right into the nitty-gritty.

To permanently delete an old Instagram account, you cannot do it directly through the Instagram mobile app. You must use a web browser on a computer or mobile device. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Navigate to the Dedicated Deletion Page: Open a web browser and go to Instagram’s “Delete Your Account” page. This is specifically located at: https://www.instagram.com/accounts/remove/request/permanent/.
2. Log In: Enter the username and password of the account you wish to delete. If you’ve forgotten your password, use the “Forgot password?” link to reset it. You’ll need access to the email address or phone number associated with the account.
3. Select a Reason for Deletion: Instagram will ask you “Why are you deleting your account?” Choose the most relevant reason from the dropdown menu. This step is required.
4. Re-enter Your Password: For security purposes, you’ll need to re-enter your password in the provided field.
5. Confirm Permanent Deletion: Click the “Delete [Username]” button. A confirmation window will appear, warning you that your account and all your information will be permanently deleted.
6. Confirm Again: Read the final warning carefully. If you’re absolutely sure, click “OK” to confirm the deletion.

Once you complete these steps, your Instagram account will be scheduled for permanent deletion. It typically takes up to 30 days for the account to be completely removed from Instagram’s servers. During this grace period, the account is deactivated and hidden from other users. If you log back into your account within those 30 days, the deletion request will be cancelled.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Deleting Instagram Accounts

Here are some commonly asked questions to further clarify the process and address potential concerns:

Can I Deactivate My Account Instead of Deleting It?

Yes! Deactivating your account is a temporary measure. When you deactivate, your profile, photos, comments, and likes will be hidden from other users until you reactivate by logging back in. To deactivate your account:

1. Log into your account via a web browser.
2. Go to your profile page.
3. Click “Edit Profile”.
4. Scroll down and click “Temporarily disable my account”.
5. Choose a reason for deactivation and re-enter your password.
6. Click “Temporarily Disable Account”.

What Happens to My Photos and Videos After Deletion?

Once your account is permanently deleted, all your photos, videos, followers, direct messages, and other data associated with the account will be permanently erased from Instagram’s servers. There is no way to recover this data once the deletion process is complete. It’s crucial to download any content you want to keep before initiating the deletion process.

How Do I Download My Instagram Data Before Deleting?

Thankfully, Instagram allows you to download a copy of your data before you delete your account. Here’s how:

1. Via Web Browser: Log into Instagram on a web browser and go to your “Settings”. Then click on “Privacy and Security” and finally on “Data Download.”
2. Via the Instagram App: Go to your Profile, tap the three horizontal lines (Menu), then tap “Settings”, then “Account”, then “Download Data.”
3. You can choose to receive your data in HTML or JSON format. Enter your email address to receive the download link.
4. Instagram will compile your data, and you’ll receive an email with a link to download it. This process can take up to 48 hours, or in some cases, longer.

Can I Delete an Instagram Account Without the Password?

Deleting an account without the password is tricky, but not impossible. You’ll need to recover your password first. Click the “Forgot password?” link on the login page. You’ll then be prompted to enter your username, email address, or phone number associated with the account. Follow the instructions to reset your password. If you no longer have access to the email or phone number, you’ll need to contact Instagram support.

How Do I Delete an Account if I Don’t Have Access to the Associated Email?

This is a more complex situation. You’ll need to contact Instagram support and prove that you are the rightful owner of the account. You may need to provide documentation such as a government-issued ID or other verifying information. Be prepared for a potentially lengthy process.

How Long Does It Take for Instagram to Delete an Account Permanently?

As mentioned earlier, it typically takes up to 30 days for Instagram to completely delete an account after you initiate the deletion process. During this period, the account is deactivated but not fully removed from their servers.

Can I Reactivate My Account After Deleting It?

No. Once the 30-day grace period has passed and the account is permanently deleted, you cannot reactivate it. All data is lost, and the username becomes available for anyone else to use.

What Happens to My Username After I Delete My Account?

After your account is permanently deleted, your username becomes available for anyone to use. So, someone else could potentially create a new account with your old username. If you want to prevent this, you could consider changing your username to something random before deleting the account.

How Do I Delete Multiple Instagram Accounts at Once?

Unfortunately, there’s no way to delete multiple Instagram accounts simultaneously. You have to delete each account individually by following the steps outlined above.

Can I Delete an Instagram Business Account the Same Way?

Yes, the process is the same for both personal and business Instagram accounts. However, be aware that deleting your business account will also remove any associated ads or marketing campaigns. Make sure to download any relevant data related to your business before deleting the account.

What’s the Difference Between Deleting and Reporting an Account?

Deleting an account is a voluntary action initiated by the account owner. Reporting an account, on the other hand, is when you flag an account to Instagram for violating their community guidelines. Reporting can lead to Instagram taking action against the reported account, which could include temporary suspension or permanent ban.

Can I Delete an Instagram Account on My Phone?

You can start the process on your phone, but the actual deletion request must be done through a web browser, even on your mobile device. This is a security measure implemented by Instagram. Simply open a browser on your phone (Chrome, Safari, etc.) and follow the steps outlined earlier.

Deleting your old Instagram account is a definitive decision. By following these steps and considering the FAQs, you can ensure you are making an informed choice and handling the process correctly. Remember to download any crucial data beforehand, as there’s no turning back once the deletion is complete. Now, go forth and declutter your digital life!