Whether you’re looking to take a break from the endless scroll, clean up your digital footprint, or simply move on, knowing how to delete your instagram account is a crucial skill. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, from permanent deletion to recovering a recently removed account, and even how to handle old accounts you’ve lost access to.
Deactivation vs. Deletion:
Before you proceed, it’s important to understand the two main options for removing your presence on instagram: deactivation and deletion.
Temporary Deactivation:
This option hides your profile, photos, comments, and likes from other users. It’s a great choice if you just need a break but think you might want to return later. Your data remains on instagram’s servers, and you can reactivate your account at any time by simply logging back in.
Permanent Deletion:
This is the irreversible choice. Once you complete the process, your account, along with all of your photos, videos, followers, likes, and comments, will be permanently erased after a 30-day grace period. This action cannot be undone.
How to delete an old Instagram account?
The process for deleting an old instagram account is the same as deleting a current one, but it requires you to be able to log in. Here are the step-by-step instructions to ensure a clean break:
Log in to your account:
You’ll need to use the instagram app on your phone or a web browser on a computer.
Access the deletion page:
The easiest way to get there is by using a direct link: instagram.com/accounts/remove/request/permanent/.
Alternatively, you can navigate through the app’s settings: go to your profile, tap the three-line menu in the top right, select “settings,” then “help,” then “help center,” and finally search for “delete account.”
Choose a reason for deletion:
instagram will present you with a dropdown menu and ask you to select a reason for leaving, such as “too many ads” or “created a second account.” This information helps them understand user trends.
Confirm your password:
For security purposes, instagram requires you to re-enter your password to confirm your identity and authorize the deletion request.
Finalize the deletion:
After confirming, your account will be immediately hidden from public view. It will be scheduled for permanent deletion in 30 days. You will not receive any further notifications, and your data will be fully purged after this period.
How to get back deleted Instagram account?
If you’ve recently requested to delete your account and are experiencing a change of heart, you’re in luck. The key is to act quickly, as you only have a 30-day window to recover it.
To get your account back:
Log in as you normally would:
Simply open the app and enter your username and password.
Follow the on-screen prompts:
If you are within the 30-day grace period, a message will appear notifying you that your account is scheduled for deletion. It will give you the option to cancel the request and restore your account.
Confirm the restoration:
By doing this, your profile will be reactivated, and all your content—including photos, videos, and followers—will be restored exactly as they were before the deletion request.
If more than 30 days have passed, the account is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered by you or the instagram support team.
How to delete old Instagram account without password or email?
This is one of the most common and challenging situations. For security reasons, there is no way to directly delete an instagram account without the password. However, you can still gain access to the account to delete it by following the official account recovery process.
Reset your password:
On the login screen, use the “forgot password?” option. Enter the username, email, or phone number associated with the account. If you still have access to the linked email or phone, you can easily reset your password and then proceed with the deletion steps outlined above.
Use the account recovery options:
If you no longer have access to the registered email or phone number, choose the “can’t reset your password?” or “need more help?” option. instagram’s recovery process may involve several steps, including:
Selfie Video Verification:
You may be asked to record a selfie video of yourself turning your head in different directions. This is compared to photos of you on the account to confirm your identity.
Government ID Submission:
For accounts with pictures of you, you may be asked to submit a government-issued ID to prove you are the rightful owner.
Report the account for impersonation:
If all else fails and the account is not a personal one, you might be able to report it to instagram for impersonation or another violation. This is a last resort and is suitable for accounts that are violating instagram’s terms of service. This does not guarantee deletion, as instagram will only take action if it finds the account in violation of its policies.
How to know if someone deleted their Instagram account?
Wondering if a friend or acquaintance has left the platform? Here are a few ways to check if their account has been deleted or simply deactivated:
Search for their username:
The most direct method is to search for their exact username in the app. If the account doesn’t appear in the search results, it’s a strong indicator that it’s gone.
Check direct messages (dms):
If you have an existing conversation with them, look at the profile picture and username. A permanently deleted account will often show a generic grey profile icon, and their username will change to “instagram user.” This means the account is no longer active.
Check their profile from another account:
To rule out the possibility that you’ve been blocked, try searching for their account from a friend’s profile or a different account of your own. If the profile is visible to others but not you, it means you have likely been blocked. If it’s not visible to anyone, the account is either deactivated or has been permanently deleted.
Final Thoughts:
Managing your digital footprint is a key part of modern life. Whether you’re taking a temporary break from the social media landscape or making a permanent departure, understanding how to navigate platforms like instagram is essential.
The decision to delete your account is a personal one, and it’s important to be sure before you commit. Remember the 30-day grace period is your safety net—it’s there to give you a chance to reconsider before your account and all its content are gone forever.
For those looking to reclaim old accounts, patience is key. instagram’s security measures are in place to protect users, and while the recovery process can be challenging, it’s the only way to ensure you regain control.
Ultimately, the goal is to make a conscious choice about your online presence. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure your exit from instagram is a smooth and deliberate one, giving you full control over your digital legacy.
