Want to delete your Instagram account but don’t know how? Check out our practical guide! We explain how to deactivate a profile, delete it permanently and what you should know before taking this step.
How to delete an Instagram account? A practical step-by-step guide
Sometimes there comes a point when you really get fed up with social media. Maybe you’re tired of constant, never-ending notifications scrollingor you simply feel that Instagram is no longer for you. The decision has been made – you want to delete your account. But how to do it? Here is a practical guide that will walk you through the process step by step. And it’s worth telling yourself this right away – deleting an IG account is not as intuitive as it may seem.
Temporarily deactivating your account – what is it and why?
Before you rush into clicking, it’s worth considering whether you really want to completely delete your account. Instagram gives you the option to temporarily disable your profile. What does this mean? Your profile becomes invisible – photos, comments, likes disappear, but nothing is lost forever. You can come back whenever you want.
If you feel like you need a break but aren’t ready to say goodbye forever, deactivating is a great solution. How to do it?
- Access Instagram via web browser (yes, the mobile application does not allow such magic).
- Log in and go to your profile.
- Click Edit profile and at the bottom of the page you will find the option Temporarily disabling your account.
- Provide a reason (Instagram loves to know “why”, but you don’t have to share it) and confirm your password.
- Ready! The account will disappear from public space, but only for a period of time that you determine.
How to delete an account permanently?
If you know it’s over and there’s no going back, it’s time to take final action. Unfortunately, Instagram doesn’t make things easier – deleting your account is not possible through the application. You need to use a browser. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Log in to Instagram
Start by visiting the Instagram website in your browser. Enter your login details. Pro tip: remember your password! It sounds trivial, but many people panic at this stage because when autofilling on a smartphone, the password turns out to be long forgotten.
Step 2: Visit the account deletion page
Instagram hides the option to delete your account somewhere in the depths of the internet. The direct link is: https://accountscenter.instagram.com/personal_info/account_ownership_and_control.
Step 3: Provide a reason
Instagram needs to know why before it lets you go. You’ll get a list of reasons like “too many ads” and “I don’t feel safe.” Choose something from the list (or type anything, as long as it works).
Step 4: Confirm your password
You will need to enter your password again. This is the last moment to change your mind. If you click “Delete Account”, everything – photos, messages, likes – will disappear forever.
What is worth knowing before deleting your account?
Before you click the magic “Delete” button, make sure that:
- You have a backup of your photos and videos. All content will be lost, so if you have memories there that you don’t want to lose, download them first. You can do this manually or use the data download option available in your account settings.
- You know it can’t be undone. A deleted account is a lost account. Even if you create a new profile with the same email address, there will no longer be “that” account.
- You’ve prepared yourself for your friends’ questions. If you suddenly disappear from Instagram, your friends may start asking what happened. Maybe it’s worth warning your loved ones that you are doing a “digital detox” or changing the platform to another one.
Alternative: Do you really need to delete your account?
If deleting your account seems too drastic, you can simply change the way you use Instagram. Some ideas:
- Limit the time you spend in the app. In the settings you will find the option to set a daily time limit. Maybe this will discipline you a bit.
- Hide toxic content. Stop following profiles that cause you negative emotions. You can also use the mute option.
- Make your account private. If you don’t want to be bombarded with messages from strangers, set your profile to private and only accept people you really know.
Saying goodbye to Instagram – what’s next?
If you successfully deleted your account, congratulations! Now it’s time to ask: what will you do with the time you regain? You can use it to develop your passion, spend more time with your loved ones or simply take a break from screens. Remember that social media is a tool – it can help, but it can also hurt. If you feel that Instagram no longer makes you happy, the decision to delete your account is completely justified.
