Managing multiple Instagram accounts can be overwhelming, and sometimes you may want to delete one of them. Whether you’re simplifying your social media presence or no longer using a particular account, deleting an Instagram account is a straightforward process. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to delete one of your Instagram accounts, along with important considerations and alternatives.
Things to Know Before Deleting Your Instagram Account
Before you proceed, keep the following in mind:
- Permanent Deletion: Deleting your account is permanent. You won’t be able to recover your profile, photos, videos, followers, or comments.
- Temporary Deactivation: If you’re unsure about deleting your account, consider temporarily deactivating it instead. This hides your profile until you log back in.
- Multiple Accounts: If you have multiple accounts, ensure you’re deleting the correct one.
How to Delete One of Your Instagram Accounts
1: Log in to the Account You Want to Delete
- Open the Instagram app or go to Instagram.com.
- Log in to the account you want to delete.
2: Access the Account Deletion Page
- On the app:
- Go to your profile and tap the menu icon (three lines) in the top-right corner.
- Tap Settings > Account.
- Scroll down and tap Delete Account.
- On the website:
- Go to the Delete Your Account page (https://www.instagram.com/accounts/remove/request/permanent/).
- Log in if prompted.
3: Select a Reason for Deleting
- Instagram will ask why you’re deleting your account.
- Select a reason from the dropdown menu.
4: Re-enter Your Password
- Enter your password to confirm your identity.
5: Permanently Delete Your Account
- Click or tap Permanently Delete My Account.
- Your account will be deleted immediately, and all data will be removed.
How to Delete an Instagram Account Without Logging In
If you can’t log in to the account you want to delete, follow these steps:
- Go to the Delete Your Account page (https://www.instagram.com/accounts/remove/request/permanent/).
- Enter your username or email address associated with the account.
- Follow the instructions to verify your identity and delete the account.
Alternatives to Deleting Your Instagram Account
Temporarily Deactivate Your Account
If you’re unsure about permanently deleting your account, consider deactivating it instead:
- Go to your profile and tap the menu icon.
- Tap Settings > Account.
- Scroll down and tap Temporarily Disable Account.
- Select a reason and re-enter your password.
- Tap Temporarily Disable Account.
Switch to a Personal Account
If you’re using a business or creator account and no longer need its features, you can switch back to a personal account:
- Go to your profile and tap the menu icon.
- Tap Settings > Account.
- Tap Switch to Personal Account.
Remove Linked Accounts
If you’re managing multiple accounts and want to simplify, unlink the accounts you no longer use:
- Go to your profile and tap the menu icon.
- Tap Settings > Login Info.
- Tap the three dots next to the account you want to remove and select Remove.
FAQs About Deleting an Instagram Account
Can I recover a deleted Instagram account?
No, deleted accounts cannot be recovered. Make sure you’re certain before proceeding.
What happens to my messages after deleting my account?
Your messages will be deleted and cannot be recovered.
Can I delete my Instagram account from the mobile app?
Yes, you can delete your account directly from the Instagram app.
How long does it take to delete an Instagram account?
Your account will be deleted immediately after confirming the deletion.
Can I delete someone else’s Instagram account?
No, you can only delete an account if you have access to its login credentials.
Conclusion
Deleting one of your Instagram accounts is a permanent decision, so it’s important to proceed carefully. By following this guide, you can confidently delete an account you no longer need, or explore alternatives like deactivation or switching account types. Whether you’re simplifying your social media presence or starting fresh, this guide ensures you have all the information you need to make the right choice.
Also Read: How to activate dark mode in Instagram
