Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by your feed or just need a digital detox, you might be considering a break from Instagram. You have two options: temporarily deactivating your account or permanently deleting it.

• Temporarily Deactivating: This hides your profile, photos, comments, and likes from the public. Your account is essentially paused, and you can reactivate it at any time simply by logging back in.
• Permanently Deleting: This is irreversible. All your data—photos, followers, comments, etc.—will be permanently removed. After 30 days, your account and all its information will be gone forever.

As of 2025, Meta has streamlined this process. Both actions are now handled through the “Accounts Center,” which you can access from your web browser (PC or Mac) or the mobile app.

Important: Back Up Your Data First

Before you delete your account, you may want to download a copy of all your photos, videos, and profile information. Once your account is permanently deleted, this data is gone for good.

1. Navigate to your Instagram profile.
2. Go to Settings and privacy > Accounts Center.
3. Under “Account settings,” select Your information and permissions.
4. Click Download your information.
5. Follow the prompts to request a download. Instagram will email you a link to a file containing your data, which can take up to 48 hours to prepare.

How to Temporarily Deactivate Your Instagram Account

Use this option if you just want to take a break and plan to return. Your profile will be hidden until you log back in.

Instructions (for PC, Mac, and Mobile App):

1. Go to your Instagram profile and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) or click Settings (gear icon) on a PC/Mac.
2. Select Settings and privacy.
3. Tap Accounts Center (it’s usually the first option).
4. Under “Account settings,” tap Personal details.
5. Select Account ownership and control.
6. Tap Deactivation or deletion.
7. Choose the account you wish to deactivate.
8. Select Deactivate account (this is usually the default option) and click “Continue”.
9. You will be asked to re-enter your password and select a reason for deactivating.
10. Confirm your choice. Your account is now deactivated.

To reactivate your account, simply log back in to the app or website.

How to Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account

Warning: This action is permanent and cannot be undone.

If you are certain you want to erase your presence on Instagram, follow these steps.

Instructions (for PC, Mac, and Mobile App):

1. Follow steps 1-7 from the deactivation guide above (Go to Accounts Center > Personal details > Account ownership and control > Deactivation or deletion > Select your account).
2. On the choice screen, select Delete account and click “Continue”.
3. Instagram will ask you to provide a reason for deleting your account from a drop-down menu.
4. After selecting a reason, you will be prompted to re-enter your password to confirm your decision.
5. Click the final “Delete account” button.

Your account is now scheduled for permanent deletion. Instagram will hide your profile for 30 days. If you change your mind during this period, you can cancel the deletion simply by logging back into your account. After those 30 days, your account and all its data will be permanently erased.