Need a break from Instagram? Whether you’re done with it for good or just want to step away for a bit, you can delete or temporarily disable your Instagram account right from your iPhone. Here’s how to do both, plus how to back up your data beforehand.
Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account on iPhone
If you’re sure you’re done with Instagram, follow these steps to permanently delete your account:
- Open the Instagram app on your iPhone.
- Tap your profile picture in the bottom right.
- Tap the three lines in the top right, then go to Settings and privacy.
- Tap Accounts Center > Personal details > Account ownership and control.
- Select Deactivation or deletion.
- Choose the account you want to delete.
- Tap Delete account, then tap Continue.
- Select a reason for leaving and re-enter your password.
- Confirm by tapping Delete account.
Once you complete these steps, your account enters a 30-day grace period. After that, it’s gone for good — photos, messages, followers, everything.
Temporarily Disable Instagram on iPhone (Via Browser)
Instagram doesn’t let you disable your account directly in the app, but you can do it using Safari or any mobile browser:
- Open Safari and go to instagram.com.
- Log in to your account.
- Tap your profile icon > Edit Profile.
- Scroll down and tap Temporarily disable my account.
- Pick a reason from the dropdown.
- Re-enter your password, then tap Temporarily Disable Account.
Your profile and posts will be hidden until you log back in. Nothing is deleted — it’s like hitting pause.
Back Up Your Instagram Data Before Deleting
Before you wipe everything, it’s smart to save your photos, videos, and messages:
- On a desktop or mobile browser, go to Instagram’s Data Download page.
- Log in and enter your email address.
- Tap Next, then enter your password.
- Tap Request Download.
Instagram will email you a file with all your info. It might take up to 48 hours.
Remove the Instagram App Without Deleting Your Account
Want a break but not ready to delete or disable anything? Just uninstall the app:
- Find the Instagram app on your iPhone home screen.
- Press and hold it until a menu pops up.
- Tap Remove App > Delete App.
This won’t delete your account — it just removes the app from your phone. You can reinstall it anytime from the App Store.
Delete Instagram Using a Browser Instead
You can also delete your account from any browser, not just the app:
- Go to this Instagram deletion link.
- Log in if needed.
- Select a reason for deleting.
- Re-enter your password.
- Click Permanently delete my account.
Just like the app, your account will be gone after 30 days.
Should You Delete or Just Disable Your Instagram Account?
Delete:
- Permanently removes your profile, photos, followers, and DMs.
- Can’t recover it after 30 days.
- Best for quitting Instagram completely.
Disable:
- Hides your account temporarily.
- You can reactivate anytime by logging back in.
- Good for a mental health break or digital detox.