How to Delete Your Instagram Account Permanently in 2025

In the era of growing digital awareness, many users are choosing to step back from social media platforms. Whether it’s due to privacy concerns, digital detox intentions, or simply shifting priorities, understanding how to delete your Instagram account in 2025 is more relevant than ever. With changes in Meta’s policies, evolving user interface design, and stricter data governance laws like the Digital Services Act in the EU, the process has slightly changed over the years. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about permanently deleting or temporarily deactivating your Instagram account in 2025.

Understanding the Need to Delete an Instagram Account

Instagram, owned by Meta Platforms Inc., has long been one of the most popular social media networks, boasting over two billion active users. However, recent developments have encouraged users to reassess their presence on the platform. Rising concerns over data privacy, mental health implications linked to social media use, and algorithm-driven content exposure have become key motivators for people considering a digital break.

Delete or deactivate your Instagram profile if you’re tired of algorithmic feeds, targeted ads, or simply want to reclaim your time.

Temporary Deactivation vs. Permanent Deletion: What’s the Difference?

Before proceeding, it’s essential to understand the two primary account management options available on Instagram in 2025: temporary deactivation and permanent deletion.

Temporary deactivation is ideal for users who want a break from Instagram but may wish to return later. This option hides your profile, photos, likes, and comments until you log back in and reactivate your account. It’s the perfect choice for a digital detox without losing your data.

Permanent deletion, on the other hand, removes all content associated with your Instagram account. This procedure includes your posts, followers, direct messages, reels, and IGTV videos. Once we confirm and process the deletion request, it becomes irreversible.

How to Delete Your Instagram Account Permanently in 2025

Step 1: Open a Web Browser
Begin by launching a web browser on your desktop or mobile device. Instagram no longer supports account deletion directly through the mobile app in 2025.

Step 2: Go to the Delete Your Account Page
Visit the official page for deleting your Instagram account at https://www.instagram.com/accounts/remove/request/permanent/. You may be prompted to log in if you’re not already signed in.

Step 3: Log Into Your Account
Enter your username and password to access the deletion request form. If you have two-factor authentication enabled, complete the additional verification step.

Step 4: Choose a Reason for Deletion
Instagram will ask why you want to delete your account. Choose the option that best fits your reason. This feedback is optional but helps Instagram improve user experience.

Step 5: Re-enter Your Password
To confirm your identity and proceed with the deletion request, you’ll need to re-enter your password on the confirmation screen.

Step 6: Confirm Deletion Request
Click the button to permanently delete your account. Instagram will notify you that your account is now in a 30-day grace period.

Step 7: Wait for the 30-Day Grace Period to End
During these 30 days, your account will be hidden from public view. You can cancel the deletion process if you log in again during this period.

Step 8: Account Permanently Deleted
After the 30-day period, Instagram will permanently delete your account and all associated data. You will no longer be able to recover it.

How to Temporarily Deactivate Your Instagram Account in 2025

If you’re unsure about leaving the platform for good, deactivating your Instagram account temporarily is a safer alternative. Unlike deletion, deactivation hides your account without removing any of your data.

To deactivate your account in 2025, log into Instagram.com from a browser, navigate to “Edit Profile,” and find the “Temporarily disable my account” option. You’ll be asked to state a reason and re-enter your password for security verification. Once confirmed, your account will be hidden from search, mentions, and tags.

Reactivate at any time by logging back in—your profile and all content will be restored as it was.

Instagram App Interface in 2025: What’s Changed?

In 2025, Instagram introduced a new AI-assisted interface and advanced user control dashboard to enhance user experience and transparency. Features like Meta Privacy Centre, digital wellbeing reports, and post-engagement tracking are now integrated directly into the settings tab.

With AI regulation in the spotlight, Meta has also introduced stricter verification for deletion requests, including two-factor authentication and biometric confirmation in certain regions.

For users trying to delete their account directly from the app, Instagram will instead redirect them to the Help Centre or suggest deactivation as a primary option. Therefore, it’s crucial to complete the deletion process using a web browser.

Data You Might Want to Back Up Before Deleting

Before saying goodbye to your Instagram account, consider downloading your data archive. Instagram allows users to export a copy of all their information, including

• Photos and videos posted

• Direct messages

• Story archives

• Comments and likes history

• Account settings and metadata

This data request can be made from the “Privacy and Security” section under Instagram Settings. Once submitted, a download link will be sent to your registered email address within 48 hours.

What Happens After You Delete Instagram?

Once the account deletion is finalised, your Instagram presence is completely wiped. Your username becomes available again (though not immediately), and all content is purged from Instagram’s databases. Any accounts you interacted with will no longer see your likes, comments, or messages. Meta retains minimal log information to comply with legal and regulatory standards, but the data is anonymized and not personally identifiable.

For those using Instagram to log into third-party apps, it’s critical to unlink your Instagram credentials before deleting. Otherwise, access to those apps may be lost.

Alternatives to Instagram: Where Users Are Going

Many users transitioning away from Instagram are moving towards platforms that prioritize privacy, such as Vero, Glass, or BeReal. Others opt for decentralised social networks, like Mastodon, part of the Fediverse movement, or community-centric forums like Reddit and Discord.

If you’re a content creator or influencer, diversifying your digital presence across platforms like YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and Pinterest ensures continued engagement without relying solely on Instagram.

FAQs About Deleting Instagram in 2025

Can I delete my Instagram account from the app in 2025?
No. As of 2025, Instagram requires account deletion to be completed through a web browser for added security and verification steps.

Could you please let me know how long Instagram takes to permanently delete an account?
Instagram initiates a 30-day grace period before permanently deleting your data. Thereafter, the process is irreversible.

Is it possible to recover a deleted Instagram account?
Once the 30-day period has elapsed, the deletion of all associated data is irreversible.

Will my messages disappear if I delete my Instagram?
Your messages will no longer be visible to others in DMs. However, users might still see past messages labelled as “Deleted User” unless they delete the chat themselves.

What happens to connected apps and accounts?
You must unlink Instagram from any third-party services before deletion, or you may lose access to them.