How to Delete Your Instagram Account (and Your Data) in 2026
At a glance
Platform Instagram
Company Meta Platforms, Inc.
Grace period 30 days to cancel (varies by region); up to 90 days to fully complete
Official page help.instagram.com
What you need to know first
Deactivation hides your profile temporarily (reversible, once per week); deletion is permanent after a grace period and frees your username.
Step-by-step: delete your data from Instagram
- Step 1: Log in at instagram.com
- Step 2: Click More > Settings
- Step 3: Open Accounts Center > Personal details > Account ownership and control
- Step 4: Click Deactivation or deletion
- Step 5: Choose the account to delete
- Step 6: Select Delete account and Continue
- Step 7: Confirm
On mobile
- Tap profile > menu > Settings and privacy
- Accounts Center > Personal details > Account ownership and control
- Deactivation or deletion > select account > Delete account
- Confirm
Separate data request
Export your information tool (use before deletion); Meta Privacy Center requests
Key gotchas
- Export your data first — tool unavailable after deletion
- Username can be reclaimed by others
- Logging in during grace period cancels deletion
- Linked Facebook/Threads are separate
What this doesn't cover
Photos/handles already scraped by brokers and people-search sites remain online until removed at the source.
Account deletion does not reach broker and people-search sites that already indexed your handle, bio, and photos.
See what personal data is exposed about you beyond Instagram.
Run a free scan →Frequently asked questions
Does Instagram delete my data immediately?
30 days to cancel (varies by region); up to 90 days to fully complete
Can I opt out of Instagram using my data for training?
Check Instagram's data controls settings for a training opt-out option.
Does deleting my Instagram account remove my data from the internet?
Photos/handles already scraped by brokers and people-search sites remain online until removed at the source.
What are common mistakes when deleting Instagram data?
Export your data first — tool unavailable after deletion. Username can be reclaimed by others.
Sources
Steps and URLs reflect the platform documentation as of the date above. Platforms may change their settings layout at any time. This guide is informational and not affiliated with Meta Platforms, Inc.