blog
  • author Sophia Martinez
  • calander Publish Date : March 07, 2024
  • calander Last Update : March 07, 2024
  • clock 24 min read

Ever thought about "bidding farewell" to Instagram? Wondering how to do it in 2024? 

Well, we've got the simple guide you need. Whether you are taking a short break or a permanent exit from this social media platform, we've got your back. 

Let's explore the steps on how to delete an Instagram Account in 2024. Also, learn what happens when an IG account is deleted and how to reactivate a temporarily deactivated account with us. 

How to Delete Your Instagram Account Permanently in 2024?

Thinking of getting apart from Instagram for good in 2024? Choose the permanent delete your account option. Ensure you're confident with your decision because your pictures, profile, and other stuff - will be gone forever and you can't bring it back. 

Whether you're on your phone or computer, you can follow the below-mentioned ways to delete an Instagram account permanently: 

Way 1: Steps to Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account On Mobile Phone

Deleting your Instagram account on a mobile phone is a straightforward process. Simply follow these instructions to permanently delete your Instagram account from your mobile device. 

  • Step 1: Open Instagram App

Launch the Instagram app on your mobile phone.

  • Step 2: Navigate to Settings 

Click on your profile picture situated in the bottom right corner.

  • Step 3: Open Account Settings 

Tap on the three horizontal lines (aka hamburger icon) in the top right corner present on your mobile screen and tap on it.

  • Step 4. Go to Settings 

Scroll down and tap on "Settings."

  • Step 5. Delete Your Account

Within Settings, find the "Delete Your Account" option. Select a reason from the dropdown from the options, enter your password, and confirm the deletion.

Way 2: Steps to Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account On Desktop

Following these five steps ensures a quick and secure process to permanently delete your Instagram account using a desktop browser. Always proceed with caution, as you can't take this action back.

  • Step 1. Visit Instagram Website:

Open your preferred browser and go to the official website.

  • Step 2. Log In:

Log in to the account you want to delete.

  • Step 3. Access Profile:

Click on your profile picture or username to access your profile.

  • Step 4. Access Settings:

Look for the gear icon (Settings) and click on it.

  • Step 5. Delete Your Account:

Within Settings, find the "Delete Your Account" option. Select a reason from the dropdown, enter your password, and confirm the deletion.

How to Deactivate or Temporarily Disable Your Account in 2024?

Instagram provides you with an option by which you can temporarily pause your account. You simply need to deactivate or temporarily disable your account. This means your account gets paused for a while, but you can return whenever you want. 

Whether you're using your mobile or desktop, a few simple steps can put your account on pause without bidding a permanent goodbye.

Steps to Deactivate or Temporarily Disable Your Account On Mobile Phone

Turning off or temporarily pausing your Instagram account on your phone is easy and ensures your decision is only for a while. Follow these simple steps to deactivate your account right from your mobile. It's a quick way to take a break.

  • Step 1: Open Instagram App

Launch The Instagram app on your mobile phone.

  • Step 2: Open Profile

Tap on your profile picture in the bottom right corner to access your profile.

  • Step 3: Access Settings

Locate the three horizontal lines (hamburger icon) in the top right corner and tap on them.

  • Step 4: Go To Account

Scroll down and tap on “Settings.”

  • Step 5: Deactivate Your Account

Within Settings, tap on “Account” and then select “Deactivate Account.” Follow the prompts to choose a reason, then enter your password and confirm the deactivation process.

Steps to Deactivate or Temporarily Disable Your Account On Desktop

Pausing your Instagram on your computer is easy. Just follow this simple step-by-step process to deactivate your account right from your desktop.

  • Step 1: Visit the Instagram website and log in

Open the browser and go to instagram.com. Then login to the instagram account you want to deactivate.

  • Step 2: Go to Profile

Click on your profile picture or username to access your profile.

  • Step 3: Access Settings

Look for the gear icon (Settings) and click on it.

  • Step 4: Deactivate Your Account

Within settings, find the “Deactivate Your Account” option. Follow the steps given by the platform; select a reason, then enter your password and confirm the deactivation process. 

With these, you can easily deactivate or temporarily disable the account, whether you're using a mobile phone or a desktop browser.

This provides a break from the platform without permanently removing your account. Always remember to confirm your decision, as deactivation is reversible. 

Difference Between Permanently Deleting and Deactivate or Temporarily Disabling Your Instagram Account 

When thinking about what to do on Instagram, remember: it's deciding between saying goodbye forever and taking a temporary break. Here are your options. 

Features

Permanently Delete Account

Deactivate or Temporarily Disable

Reversibility

The action is irreversible; once done, you can’t take it back.

Offers the flexibility of reactivating the account whenever you decide to come back.

Data Removal

Erases your entire presence, including profile, photos, comments, and followers

Temporarily hides your profile and content, storing it for potential future use

Access to Account

Permanently loses access to the account and its features

Regains access to the account and its features upon reactivation

Effect on Followers

Permanently ends all connections, unfollows, and erases interactions completely.

Maintains connections and followers during the deactivation period

Visibility on Platform

Your profile vanishes from the platform entirely. 

Your profile remains, but your content is hidden from public view.

What Happens When You Delete Your Instagram Account?

Deciding to delete your account on Instagram is a big deal, and once you do, it's final. So, think it over before acting. When you hit delete, all your posts, comments, likes, and followers disappear, and your username becomes available for others. 

Also, people won't find you anymore on Instagram’s search, and your account won't show up in lists of their followers. All the chats and connections you had on instagram will stop.                                                                                

When you delete your account, you lose access to all the fun things on Instagram, and all your friendships on the app are cut off. So, before you decide to delete, think about these changes and check if just taking a break (by temporarily deactivating) might be a better choice for you. 

Understanding all this helps you make a smart decision that fits your social media plans.

How to Reactivate Your Instagram Account?

If you've taken a break from Instagram and want to gain access back, ensuring you can pick up right where you left off, then reactivate your account. Follow this simple step-by-step process for reactivating your IG account. 

  • Step 1. Open the Instagram App.

Launch the instagram app on your mobile.

  • Step 2. Enter Your Login Details.

Provide your login credentials, including your username and password.

  • Step 3. Confirm Reactivation

After entering your login details, instagram will prompt you to confirm that you want to reactivate your account. Confirm your decision.

  • Step 4. Wait for Confirmation

Instagram may take a little time to reactivate your account. Wait for the confirmation message to ensure the process is complete.

  • Step 5. Resume Normal Usage

Once reactivated, you can resume using Instagram as usual. Your profile, posts, and connections will be restored just as they were before deactivation.

Getting back on Instagram is easy. Ensure you have your login details ready, and within a few steps, you will be back to sharing moments and connecting with your instagram community.

Pro Tip: Backup Data Before Deleting the Instagram Account

Before you leave Instagram, it's essential to take a backup of your memories by downloading a backup of your data. Here is how you can do it using a web browser:

Create a Backup of Your Data on the Web browser: 

  • Step 1. Visit Instagram and log in to your account

Open a web browser and navigate to instagra.com. Login to the account you want to delete.

  • Step 2. Access Data Download

Tap on your profile and go to your profile settings. From there, tap on “Settings” and then “Privacy and Security.”

  • Step 3. Request Data Download

Under the “Data Download” section, click on “Request Download.” Instagram will send an email to your registered email address with a link to download your data.

  • Step 4. Check Your Email

Open the email from Instagram containing the download link. Follow the instructions provided to download and secure your data.

Creating a backup ensures that you safely store your photos, posts, and other valuable data. So you can hold your memories even after deleting your instagram account. 

Conclusion

Utilize our guide to understand the steps for deleting your Instagram account, but before you take a break or say goodbye to Instagram, understand the difference between deactivating and deleting your account, and always make a backup before making any big moves.

Your photos, comments, and messages vanish when you delete your account. But don't stress; the process is quick, and there's no waiting period. Be sure about your decision.

FAQs on How to Delete Instagram Account

#1. How can I permanently delete my Instagram account?

To remove your account permanently from Instagram, follow the below-given steps:

On Mobile App:

  • Step 1: Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
  • Step 2: Tap the three horizontal lines in the top right corner.
  • Step 3: Select "Settings." and tap "Account."
  • Step 4: Choose "Delete Your Account."
  • Step 5: Select a reason for deletion.
  • Step 6: Enter your password.
  • Step 7: Tap "Permanently delete (Your Account Name)."

On Web Browser:

  • Step 1: Visit instagram.com. Log in to the account you want to delete.
  • Step 2: Click on your profile picture.
  • Step 3: Go to "Settings." and Click on "Account."
  • Step 4: Select "Delete Your Account."
  • Step 5: Choose a reason and enter your password.
  • Step 6: Click "Permanently delete (Your Account Name)."

#2. Why can’t I delete my Instagram account?

Instagram limits account deletion to web browsers, whether on your computer or mobile device. To delete your account, use a browser and follow the provided steps on Instagram's website. Trying to delete your account through the mobile app won't work

#3. How do I remove a deleted account from my Instagram app?

To remove a deleted account from your Instagram app, follow these steps:

On iOS Devices/Android Devices:

  • Step 1: Open your profile
  • Step 2: Tap the three horizontal lines in the top right
  • Step 3: Scroll down and tap "Settings." and Tap on "Login Info."
  • Step 4: Locate the deleted account under "Accounts Used Recently."
  • Step 5: Swipe left on the deleted account and Tap "Remove."

 

With the above given steps, you can remove a deleted account from your Instagram mobile app, ensuring a clean and organized experience.

#4. If I delete my Instagram account, will all my followers get notified?

No, Instagram won't send any type of notification or signal to your followers when you delete your account. The entire process is discreet, and your profile disappears from their follower lists.You can utilize Instagram followers guide for more managing the followers.

#5. What happens to DMs when you delete Your Instagram account?

With deleting your account, all of your direct messages (DMs) and chats get erased permanently. Once it's gone, it's gone. There is no other way to get them back. So, if there is anything significant, make sure to save it before deleting your account.

#6. Is there a particular waiting period before my Instagram account is permanently deleted?

No, there is no waiting period before you delete your instagram account permanently. The deletion is immediate, and your account is permanently removed from the platform without any delay. Once you confirm the deletion, consider it done – there's no additional waiting time involved.

#7. Does deleting my Instagram account remove my photos and comments from others' accounts?

Yes, deleting your account removes all your photos and comments from others' instagram accounts, too. It's like you were never there.





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Written By Sophia Martinez

Sophia, with an explicit experience of 10+ years in content writing, is the veteran writer and editor at Thunderclap.it. She specialises in core content and advises the writer's team on writing business-maximizing content. She has worked as a content marketer for many brands in their young phases and thus, holds expertise in building brands through content. We are honoured to have her as part of our team and take the lead.