How to Delete Instagram Account in 2025: Step-by-Step Guide for Permanent & Temporary Deletion

📰 Introduction: Why "Delete Instagram" is Trending in 2025

In the last few months, Google searches for "How to delete Instagram account" have surged worldwide.
Meta’s policy updates, growing privacy concerns, and increasing screen-time anxiety have made many users rethink their relationship with Instagram.

A report from AP News revealed that searches for deleting Instagram and Facebook accounts spiked after Meta announced tighter integration between its apps — meaning your Instagram and Facebook data might be more connected than ever before.

For some, Instagram is a great place for creativity, but for others, it has become a source of distraction, privacy worry, or mental fatigue.

If you’re among those who have decided to take a break or quit completely, this detailed step-by-step guide will show you:

• How to delete Instagram account permanently

• How to deactivate Instagram account temporarily

• Differences between deactivation and deletion

• How to download your Instagram data before deletion

• What happens after you delete your account

This guide is updated for 2025 and works for both mobile and desktop users.

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📈 Why People Are Deleting Instagram in 2025

Before we jump into the process, let’s look at why “delete Instagram” has become such a trending keyword:

1. Privacy Concerns – More data sharing with Facebook (Meta ecosystem) has raised red flags.

2. Mental Health – Continuous scrolling leads to stress, comparison, and sleep issues.

3. Time Management – Many users want to reduce screen time and focus on real-life priorities.

4. Policy Changes – Meta’s recent terms & conditions update has made people uncomfortable.

5. Digital Detox – Minimalist lifestyle followers encourage quitting social media.

📂 Backup Your Data Before You Delete Instagram

Before deleting, it’s smart to download your Instagram data — photos, videos, stories, and messages.
This ensures you have a copy of your content even after deletion.

Steps to Download Instagram Data (Mobile & Desktop)

1. Open Instagram App or go to Instagram Web

2. Tap your profile picture (bottom right).

3. Tap the three lines (menu) > Your Activity > Download Your Information.

4. Enter your email and Instagram password.

5. Instagram will send you a download link within 48 hours.

📌 Note: The download link will expire after 4 days, so keep it safe.

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📱 How to Delete Instagram Account Permanently (Mobile)

Instagram allows you to delete your account directly from the Meta Accounts Center.

Steps (Mobile App):

1. Open the Instagram App.

2. Tap your profile picture (bottom right).

3. Go to Settings & Privacy.

4. Scroll to Meta Accounts Center.

5. Select Personal Details > Account Ownership and Control.

6. Tap Deactivation or Deletion.

7. Select your account > choose Delete Account.

8. Confirm your password and tap Continue.

🕒 Important:

• Instagram will keep your account in a 30-day grace period — if you log in during this time, deletion will be cancelled.

• After 30 days, all your data will be permanently deleted.

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💻 How to Delete Instagram Account (Desktop Method)

If you’re on a computer:

1. Go to the Instagram Account Deletion Page.

2. Log in with your credentials.

3. Select the reason for deletion from the drop-down menu.

4. Re-enter your password.

5. Click Permanently Delete My Account.

💡 Pro Tip: Using the desktop method is faster if you want to delete multiple accounts.

⏸️ How to Deactivate Instagram Account Temporarily

If you’re not ready for a permanent goodbye, deactivation is a good option.

Mobile/Browser Steps:

1. Log in to Instagram Web (this option is not available in the app).

2. Go to your profile > Edit Profile.

3. Scroll down and click Temporarily Disable My Account.

4. Select a reason > enter password > click Temporarily Disable Account.

📌 Difference from Deletion:

• Deactivation hides your profile, photos, and likes until you log in again.

• Deletion removes your account permanently.

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⚖️ Deactivation vs Deletion – Which Should You Choose?

Feature	Deactivate Account	Delete Account Permanently
Profile Visible?	❌ No	❌ No
Data Recoverable?	✅ Yes	❌ No
Reversible?	✅ Anytime	❌ Irreversible after 30 days
Good For?	Short Breaks	Permanent Exit

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📰 Recent Trends: Surge in “Delete Instagram” Searches

According to Google Trends, search interest for “delete Instagram” spiked in 2025 after:

• Privacy policy changes by Meta.

• Introduction of more targeted ads based on cross-platform data sharing.

• Viral posts on Reddit and X (Twitter) about Instagram addiction.

A similar trend was seen in 2018 and 2020, but 2025’s surge is bigger due to the growing digital wellbeing movement.

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🔄 What Happens After You Delete Instagram

1. Profile, photos, videos, and stories are removed permanently.

2. Your username becomes available for others after deletion.

3. Direct Messages sent to others remain visible on their side.

4. All linked apps lose Instagram access.

📌 Tip: If you plan to return, choose deactivation instead.

🔐 Privacy & Security After Deletion

Deleting your Instagram doesn’t automatically remove your data from third-party services where you used Instagram login. Make sure to:

• Remove Instagram access from external apps.

• Revoke permissions from Facebook’s App Settings.

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📣 User Reactions & Expert Opinions

• Tech bloggers see a rise in tutorials related to quitting Instagram.

• Digital wellbeing experts recommend a 30-day detox before deciding permanent deletion.

• Privacy activists call Meta’s integration strategy a “data trap.”

📌 Conclusion: Should You Delete Instagram in 2025?

Whether it’s for privacy, mental health, or time management, deleting Instagram is a personal choice.
If you’re unsure, start with temporary deactivation — if you still feel the same after 30 days, go for permanent deletion.

Remember: Your digital wellbeing matters more than any app.

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