The Instagram App Is Finally Adding An Account Deletion Feature

Unlike the account deactivation process, deletion means your account data can’t be recovered even if you create a new account with the same username, linked email, or phone number at some point in the future. However, you can choose to download a copy of your Instagram account data, such as posts and photos, but it may take up to 14 days for the platform to email you the download link, so be prepared in advance. With those warnings out of the way, here’s how you can delete your account in the Instagram app:

1. Open the Instagram app and tap on the profile icon that appears in the bottom right corner of the screen.
2. Once you’ve selected the profile you want to delete (in case you have multiple accounts logged in), tap the hamburger menu icon sitting in the top right corner.
3. In the menu window that pops up, tap on the Settings option.
4. On the Settings page, tap on Account.
5. On the Account page, you’ll now see a new option that says Delete Account at the bottom.
6. When you tap on Delete Account, Instagram will again ask if you want to delete your account or if you simply want to temporarily disable it. Choose the former and you’re good to go.

Instagram takes 30 days to process an account deletion request. So, if you change your mind within that span, you can stop the process by simply opening the app.