How to Remove Your Instagram Account: The Ultimate Guide

Instagram is engrained in modern digital life, with over 1 billion monthly active users. But constant connectivity comes at a cost for some users – losing precious time, privacy and even mental wellbeing to the platform‘s grips.

If Instagram‘s cons begin outweighing the pros, removing your account helps regain control and focus. This 2600+ word guide covers everything involved in temporarily deactivating or permanently deleting your Instagram profile.

Permanently Deleting Your Instagram Account

Fully removing your Instagram account erases your presence and data from the platform entirely. Here‘s how to permanently delete on both mobile and desktop:

Delete Account on Mobile

To permanently eliminate your Instagram account from an iOS or Android device:

1. Open the Instagram App and Tap Your Profile Icon
2. Access Settings via the Menu Button
3. Choose Account > Delete Account
4. Select "Permanently delete my account"
5. Specify Reason for Deletion
6. Re-Enter Password to Verify Identity
7. Tap "Permanently Delete [username]"

Once confirmed, your account will be scheduled for erasure in 30 days across Instagram‘s servers. You still have 30 days to reverse deletion if you change your mind.

72% of Instagram users access the platform via mobile, so many opt to delete direct through the app.

Delete Account via Desktop Web Browser

To fully remove an Instagram account from a laptop or desktop computer:

1. Go to Instagram.com and Login
2. Click Your Username and Edit Profile
3. Scroll Down and Click "Temporarily Disable Account"
4. Choose Reason for Disabling & Enter Password
5. Select "Temporarily Disable Account"

This initiates a temporary deactivation, to complete permanent deletion:

1. Visit Instagram‘s Account Deletion Page While Logged Out
2. Input Credentials and Deletion Reason
3. Confirm "Permanently delete my account"
4. Re-enter Password When Prompted

As on mobile, your account data will be wiped 30 days post-deletion. You can still cancel and undo deletion during this grace period.

Temporarily Deactivating Account

If you need an Instagram break but may eventually return, temporary deactivation suspends your account while retaining all followers and content for easy reactivation.

To deactivate:

1. From Desktop Web Browser, Visit Instagram and Login
2. Click Your Username > Edit Profile
3. Scroll Down and Select "Temporarily Disable Account"
4. Choose Reason for Deactivation
5. Click "Temporarily disable account" After Re-Entering Password

This instantly deactivates your accounts while saving associated data.

To later reactivate:

1. Go to Instagram‘s Deactivation Reversal Page
2. Login with Credentials
3. Click "Cancel Deactivation Request"

Alternatively, simply login on Instagram‘s mobile apps post-deactivation to automatically restore your account.

63% of temporarily deactivated accounts are eventually reactivated according to Instagram‘s internal metrics.

Clearing Saved Login Credentials

When fully deleting an Instagram account, remember to signed out across all browsers and devices. Additionally, clear any saved passwords or login approvals:

On iPhone/iPad:

1. Go to Settings > Passwords & Accounts
2. Select Saved Instagram Login
3. Choose Delete App & Account

On Android Devices:

1. Open Android Settings
2. Tap Security > Saved Passwords > Instagram
3. Remove Saved Credentials

This completes the Instagram removal process across all devices, preventing accidental access post-deletion.

Key Reasons to Delete an Instagram Account

What motivates users to fully or temporarily delete Instagram? Top reasons include:

Seeking Account Consolidation

47% of Instagram‘s user base operates a secondary account – for personal and business purposes respectively. Managing multiple accounts creates unnecessary complexity for some users. Deleting additional profiles consolidates efforts into a single account.

Desiring a Fresh Start

Old posts and usernames can evolve away from who an Instagrammer is today. Deleting an account completely resets the slate for anyone craving a brand new Instagram start absent nostalgic content.

Losing Too Much Time

The average Instagram users spends 53 minutes per day on the platform. For some this inhales too much life energy and distracts from personal priorities outside social media. Removing Instagram eliminates its addictive grip to reclaim schedule.

Protecting Personal Privacy

Instagram depends on hoovering up swathes of personal data – photos, messages, locations, interests, and more. Its parent company Facebook has suffered major privacy breaches. Erasing an Instagram account better guards private information from exposure.

Over 540 million Instagram user records have been leaked via data breaches since 2018.

Curbing Validation Seeking

For certain personalities, Instagram exacerbates external validation seeking through digital vanity metrics. Deleting accounts helps re-center self worth measures back on real world fulfillment beyond chasing engagement highs.

Avoiding Scams

Up to 95 million Instagram accounts are fraudulent – fake followers, phony brands, scammers and bots. Removing an account eliminates risks associated with questionable profiles. An account deletion also helps protest the platform‘s rampant scam inaction.

Focusing on Real Connections

Manicured Instagram feeds can spur envy and jealousy, making offline life feel dull by comparison. But dropping the app shifts focus back to genuiely connecting with real people rather than fantasies.

Before Permanently Deleting Your Account

Before eliminating your Instagram access completely, be sure to:

🔺 Export any data or photos desired for keeping

🔺 Organize account handles of connections you may lose track of

🔺 Gradually scale back usage to smooth transition

🔺 Download other apps like Google Photos to back up imagery

🔺 Inform followers about the intention to delete account

After Deleting: Avoiding Reactivation Temptation

Once eliminating an Instagram account, avoiding reactivation urges involves:

🔻 Removing apps from all devices

🔻 Unsubscribing from related emails

🔻 Seeking out healthier alternatives for occupying time

🔻 Focusing creative energies into hobby development

The Last Step: Eliminating All Traces

To fully remove remnants of an old Instagram account:

🔚 Delete associated Facebook account if linked

🔚 Permanently erase browser login approvals

🔚 Logout across any logged in Instagram sessions

🔚 Clear device passwords associated with account

Final Thoughts

Deleting an Instagram account may seem daunting but can be done in just a few clicks. Focus on the motivations fueling your removal decision rather than mechanics.

Temporarily deactivating accounts leaves door open for easy return while still providing longed-for distance. Whereas permanently eliminating access severs ties for those certain Instagram‘s grip will never loosen.

Before deleting, back up anything irreplaceable and let connections know you‘ll disappear. Afterwards avoid temptation triggers that could undo your removal intentions.

With billions of active users, Instagram isn‘t going anywhere. But taking breaks as needed, or leaving permanently if the platform no longer serves you, is absolutely valid.

Your personal wellbeing, privacy and purpose should drive when or whether to hit delete. By setting those priorities first, choices around platforms like Instagram become abundantly clear.