How can i close an instagram account
How to Delete an Instagram Account (The Easy Way)
How to delete an Instagram account on iOS
How to delete an Instagram account on Android
How to delete an Instagram account on your computer
When should you delete your Instagram account?
Decided Instagram isn’t the best fit for your business? No sweat. Unlike real life, there’s an undo button: you can delete your Instagram account permanently.
Before you delete, consider backing up your account data in case you need it. Be aware the data will be a computer-readable HTML or JSON format, not individual profile photos, videos, comments, etc.
Ready? Here’s how to delete your Instagram account in the app, from a computer, or via mobile web browser.
Bonus: Download a free checklist that reveals the exact steps a fitness influencer used to grow from 0 to 600,000+ followers on Instagram with no budget and no expensive gear.
How to delete an Instagram account on iOS
Step 1: Go to your account in the Instagram app. Then, tap the menu icon (3 lines) in the top right corner of the screen.
Step 2: Navigate to Settings, then Account.
Step 3: Tap Delete account.
Instagram will suggest deactivating instead of deleting. Deactivation hides your account and is reversible anytime. If you still want to permanently delete the Instagram account, go ahead and tap Delete account.
Step 3: Confirm deletion.
Instagram will ask you AGAIN… You’re sure about this, right?
Step 4: Confirm… again.
Instagram draws out the process, which you could argue is either annoying, or a good thing to prevent accidental deletions and angry users.
Instagram asks why you want to delete it. Your answer is mandatory and so is entering your password.
Clicking the Delete @username button on this page will permanently delete your account.
Your account won’t be visible on Instagram anymore but you have 30 days to reverse your decision and reactivate it. After that it’s real-real gone.
How to delete an Instagram account on Android
For whatever odd reason, the native Instagram app on Android currently doesn’t allow you to delete an account like it does in the iPhone version. It’s weird, but no sweat, just open up a browser and follow the directions below.
How to delete an Instagram account on your computer
If you don’t have access to the app on your current phone or you’re an Android user, you can also delete your Instagram account from any web browser.
The steps below also work for mobile browsers (e.g. Safari or Chrome on your phone).
Step 1: Go to www.instagram.com and sign into your account
Step 2: Visit the Delete Account page.
Step 3: Confirm deletion.
Ensure the username matches the account you want to delete. If not, click Log out on the right side of the screen to go back to Instagram and sign in to the correct account.
Fill out the reason for deleting your Instagram account and enter your password. Tapping Delete @username at the bottom will permanently delete your account.
When should you delete your Instagram account?
If you have any doubts at all about deleting your profile, you should temporarily deactivate your Instagram account instead. Deactivated accounts are easily recovered, whereas deleted ones are permanently removed from the platform (after the 30 day grace period).
For most people, I’d recommend deactivation, even if you leave it that way for months or years. It accomplishes the same thing (no one can find or see your account) but without the risk of regret.
Another option is to switch to a private account.
Private accounts still show up in search results but their posts don’t, nor are they publicly viewable on your profile. People can request to follow you, but you don’t have to approve them. Current followers will still be able to see your posts and content, though.
To change to a private account, go to Settings in the app, then Privacy and tap the slider next to Private account to the on position.
There are a few specific scenarios where deleting your Instagram account makes sense. (Although you could still choose to temporarily disable your account for these, too.)
You’re not sure if Instagram is paying off
Is Instagram helping you achieve your business goals? You set business goals for your Instagram account, right? And you measure them regularly, right?
Instagram may not be the best fit for you, but if you’re unsure, it’s worth it to revise your Instagram marketing strategy first. Give it a fair shot to provide a positive ROI for you.
Use our free social media audit template to track progress and evaluate the results. If you still don’t see results from Instagram for several quarters, it’s probably worth focusing more on other platforms.
Your target audience doesn’t use Instagram
You can have the most bangin’ Reels, the best carousels, and the most interesting Stories, but if your target peeps aren’t seeing it? Oof, that’s a lot of wasted effort for very little reward.
Social media platforms are only as effective as your marketing strategy. Is your target customer 70+ years old? Certainly some will be on Instagram, but it’s probably not where you should spend the bulk of your time or budget.
Not sure if Instagram is a good fit for your audience? Check out the Social Trends 2022 report for the latest demographics for all platforms and the stats you need for an informed strategy.
You have more than one account for your brand
Whoops, discovered that second account last year’s intern opened by mistake? Go ahead and delete it (unless it has, like, a bajillion followers).
Duplicate or erroneous accounts can confuse your audience, especially if your main profile doesn’t have a blue check mark beside it to show its authenticity. People may end up following the wrong account. Eliminate confusion by deleting any unused profiles.
Managing Instagram is overwhelming
Gotcha! This is a trick reason. Overwhelm is real but it’s not a reason to delete your account.
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Check out how Hootsuite takes the overwhelm out of managing your Instagram (and all your other platforms).
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How to delete or deactivate your Instagram account
Contents
- Things to consider before deleting your Instagram account
- Differences between permanently deleting and deactivating an Instagram account
- A deleted Instagram account can no longer be restored after 30 days
- Backup and download your Instagram account’s data before deletion
- How can I delete an Instagram account permanently?
- How can I delete an Instagram account on my iPhone?
- How can I delete an Instagram account on Android and a web browser?
- Where can I find the Instagram account deletion page?
- How to deactivate your Instagram account temporarily
- How to delete or disable Instagram without a username or password
- Reasons to leave Instagram
Things to consider before deleting your Instagram account
Let’s look at what you should know before deleting your Instagram account now, so you don’t have to regret it later.
Differences between permanently deleting and deactivating an Instagram account
If you feel it’s time to take a break from Instagram, one of the largest social networks, you have two choices: delete or deactivate your account. There is a big difference between the two.
Suspending your Instagram account hides your comments, likes, all your photos, videos, followers count, and other details. Once you temporarily disable the account, no one will be able to see your profile, but you can still access your private messages, for example. Deactivation is easily reversible, and you can pick up where you left off at any time by logging into Instagram via the app or website.
Once you delete your account, Instagram will permanently delete all your profile content, including the photos, reels, mentions, comments, likes, and followers list. If you want to access your profile data in the future, we recommend you download a backup copy before deleting your account.
A deleted Instagram account can no longer be restored after 30 days
Once you press the delete button, your Instagram account is no longer publicly available.
However, you have 30 days to change your mind. If you decide to return to Instagram, log back in with your username and password, and you will regain access to your profile.
After 30 days following the deletion request, Instagram permanently deletes all of your data – you will not be able to use or restore the account. This is why we suggest you save your photos, videos, archived posts, DM exchanges, and other relevant information from Instagram before deleting your account.
Backup and download your Instagram account’s data before deletion
Instagram allows you to manage your data and download it if you decide to delete your account. Backup your photos, posted stories, reels, archived posts, and other data in case you need it in the future. Remember – once you delete your Instagram account, Instagram’s Data Download tool will not be accessible anymore.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on downloading your Instagram data on the Instagram app and website.
For the app
- Go to your profile, tap the three lines on the top right, and open “Your activity.
” - Select “Download your information.”
- Enter your email address and click “Request download.”
For the website
- Click “More” on the bottom left and tap “Settings.”
- Select “Privacy and security.”
- Select “Request download.”
- Enter your email address and confirm.
Once you request the information, it might take up to 14 days for Instagram to email you the download link.
How can I delete an Instagram account permanently?
Follow these steps to delete your Instagram account. The account deletion process is different on an iPhone, Android, or the website.
How can I delete an Instagram account on my iPhone?
Follow the steps below to delete your Instagram account on your iPhone device.
- Tap your profile icon on the bottom right and click on the hamburger menu icon on the top right.
- Select “Settings.”
- Tap “Account.”
- Choose “Delete account.”
- Confirm once more and tap “Delete account.
” - Select “Continue deleting account.”
How can I delete an Instagram account on Android and a web browser?
Unfortunately, Instagram doesn’t allow you to delete your account on its Android and website versions. To delete your Instagram account, you need to access the Instagram account deletion page on your mobile web browser or computer. Follow these steps:
- Log in to your account.
- Choose a reason why you want to delete your account.
- Re-enter your password.
- Select “Delete account.”
Where can I find the Instagram account deletion page?
You may be wondering where to find that Instagram deletion page mentioned above. Here are the instructions:
- Select “Settings” on your profile.
- Press “Help” and head to “Help center.”
- Select “Manage your account” on the left.
- Click “Delete your account.”
Remember – you can only access the Instagram help center via the website, so open Instagram on any web browser to find the deletion page.
How to deactivate your Instagram account temporarily
If you want to take a break from Instagram, you don’t have to permanently delete your account. Suspend your profile and come back whenever you feel like it. Follow the steps below to deactivate your Instagram account temporarily.
- Click on “Profile” on the left.
- Select “Edit profile.”
- Select “Temporarily deactivate my account.”
- Choose a reason.
- Re-enter your password.
- Confirm by clicking “Temporarily deactivate account.”
How to delete or disable Instagram without a username or password
To delete your Instagram account, you must be logged in to your account. If you forgot your login credentials, you can recover your account in a few different ways:
- Recover your password with a mobile number. Tap “Forgot password” on the login page and enter your phone number. Instagram will send a login link to your inbox, and you’ll be able to reset your account password.
Once done, head to the Instagram account deletion page and delete your account. - Recover your password through Facebook. If you’ve linked your Instagram and Facebook accounts, there’s a good chance the recovery will work. Click on “Login with Facebook” below the login tab and select “Continue as Your Name.” You will log into your Instagram account and be able to change your password.
- Contact the Instagram Support Centre. Write an email to [email protected] and describe the situation. Instagram will send you a code and if everything goes well, you’ll recover your account.
Once you have restored your account, follow the deletion or deactivation instructions provided above.
Reasons to leave Instagram
With over a billion users worldwide, Instagram is one of the leading social networks we use to communicate and share experiences, tips, photos, and reels. But that doesn’t mean Instagram is safe for our well-being and cybersecurity.
Below are the reasons why users decide to leave Instagram.
- People often feel like they are wasting time scrolling through an endless column of photos and reels.
- Instagram users face different forms of cyberbullying on the platform every day.
- People sometimes leave Instagram due to social media privacy concerns.
- Many of the platform’s users leave because they are concerned about their mental health and well-being. Seeing influencers on social networks who are always happy and beautiful sometimes leads to people comparing themselves with what they see on Instagram. People may become depressed, feel lonely, and develop social anxiety, though social media often doesn’t portray reality as it is.
- Some users leave due to Instagram scams. Social media fraudsters are thriving and developing ways to exploit the Instagram app and its community by stealing sensitive data, accounts, and money.
VPN service providers such as NordVPN offer additional security solutions if you’re concerned about data leaks.
Dark Web Monitor continuously scans the dark web and will notify you about exposed personal data so you can take proper action. If you decide to keep your Instagram account, ensure your browsing experience is safe and consequence-free.
Online security starts with a click.
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How to close an Instagram account*
May 4, 2020 Likbez Technologies
Hide your photos and videos from strangers.
If you do not like publicity and do not want strangers to view your content, close your profile.
After that, all the stories and posts added to it will be available only to existing subscribers and people whom you allow to follow you in the future.
Even if you add a hashtag to the photo, outsiders will not be able to find it in the search.
In addition, your content will not be recommended.
After closing your account, you can open it again at any time.
How to close your Instagram* profile using the mobile app
Open Settings. Go to the "Privacy" → "Account Privacy" section and enable the "Private account" option.
To open your profile, go to Settings → Privacy → Account Privacy again and turn off the “Closed Account” option.
Now reading 🔥
- How to clean up your gadgets, since you still have to stay at home
How to close your Instagram account * through the site
Open the settings: click on the profile icon in the upper right corner, and then click on the gear. In the menu that appears, select "Privacy and security" and check the "Closed account" box.
To open the profile, click again in the "Privacy and security" settings and uncheck the "Closed account" box.
How to close an Instagram author or business account*
If you previously switched from a regular profile to an author or business account, you won't be able to close that page. These types of accounts are for public users who promote their brand. Therefore, they do not imply the possibility of closure.
The only way out is to switch back to a regular account. This can be done in the Instagram* mobile app. Click in the settings "Account" → "Switch to personal account" and follow the prompts of the system.
After switching to a regular profile, you can close it as described above.
Read also 💻📲👾
- 15 best apps for Instagram* Stories
- How to change your Instagram nickname or name*
- How to view your Instagram profile statistics*
- How to download Instagram photos* to your computer, tablet or smartphone
- How to close your VKontakte profile
*Activity of Meta Platforms Inc. and its social networks Facebook and Instagram are prohibited in the territory of the Russian Federation.
How to close an Instagram account 2023
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Someone actively promotes their profile, and someone wants to close their Instagram account from prying eyes. You can do this in a couple of clicks, you just need to find the desired item in the settings.
Now Instagram has updated the "Settings" section. We are posting screenshots of how to close your Instagram account after the 2023 update.
How to close your Instagram account in 2023 after the
update Below you will find instructions on how to close your Instagram profile so that posts and stories are only visible to followers. Even on anonymous browsing sites, your Stories will not be viewable.
If you want to temporarily hide your account from everyone, you can block it. And if only from a specific person, then block his profile.
- Log in to your account, go to Settings (this is how they look after the 2023 update).
- On some phones in 2023, the settings menu looks like this:
- Scroll down and find the "Privacy" item, after - "Closed account" drag the slider to the right.
- Make account private? Click Make Private
How to add or remove followers on a private Instagram profile
When someone wants to follow you, you will need to go to notifications and confirm or decline the subscription.
In order for one of the already approved subscribers to no longer see your posts, he must be removed from the subscribers. Open the list of your subscribers, find the right one. Click the three dots on the right, select "Delete". Your subscriber will not know about this until he goes to your profile (he will no longer be able to see the posts and will understand that he was removed from the subscribers).
How to open a closed account on Instagram
To open the account back, repeat all the same steps (screenshots above). Open the settings, find "Privacy and security", after - "Account privacy". "Closed Account" Drag the slider to the left. "Make the account public?" Click OK.
How to make a private business account on Instagram?
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None. If you have an account with connected statistics (business account), then you can make it closed only by transferring it back to your personal account. Business accounts were invented to make promotion on Instagram more efficient. Accordingly, such an account should be open in order to attract a maximum of subscribers. Still want to close your profile? Switch to a personal account without statistics and then close it according to the instructions above.
How to switch back to a personal account is in the article: How to make a business account on Instagram.
What is the difference between a closed Instagram account and an open one?
In 2020, after the update, only the interface has changed, while all the advantages and disadvantages of a closed account have remained the same.
