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How to delete an Instagram account
Instagram is a popular social media platform for sharing photos and videos with friends and the public. However, some users decide they want to delete their Instagram accounts permanently, removing their presence from the app. The process to fully delete your Instagram account is permanent, meaning you lose followers, content, and your username. In this blog post, we'll explain the steps required to completely remove your Instagram account.
Reasons to Delete an Instagram Account
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You want to take a break from social media for your mental health or productivity. Instagram can be distracting and time-consuming.
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You're concerned about privacy and security issues on the platform. Removing your account increases privacy.
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Your account was hacked or compromised. Deleting it prevents further access.
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You simply don't use Instagram anymore. The account is just sitting there unused.
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You want to start fresh and create a new account. Deleting allows you to begin again.
Steps to Delete Your Instagram Account
1. Open the Instagram app and tap on your profile picture in the bottom right corner to go to your profile page.
2. Tap on the three horizontal lines "hamburger" icon in the top right corner to open the menu.
3. Select "Settings and Privacy" from the menu.
4. In Settings, tap "Account Center" at the top.
5. In the Accounts center, tap on "Personal details".
6. Here, select "Account Ownership and Control".
7. Tap "Deactivation or Deletion"
8. Select the Instagram account you want to delete.
9. Now it'll ask whether you deactivated the account or delete the account. So select the delete account option.
10. Now select the reason you want to delete your account, You can choose anything & then tap on the Continue button.
11. Enter your password when prompted to confirm you want to delete your account.
Important Things to Know About Account Deletion
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Once an Instagram account is deleted, it cannot be reactivated. The deletion is permanent.
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It can take up to 30 days for Instagram to fully delete all of your account info and posts after you delete it.
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Usernames cannot be reused after an account is deleted. No one else can claim your old username.
Alternatives to Deleting Your Account
If fully deleting your Instagram account seems too drastic, here are some alternatives:
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Temporarily disabling your account removes it but leaves open the option to reactivate it.
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Deleting the Instagram app from your phone restricts access without fully closing your account.
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Using time limit settings can cap how much you use Instagram each day.
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Making your account private limits who can see your content.
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Deleting some old posts and unfollowing accounts you no longer want can refresh your feed.
Conclusion
Deleting your Instagram account permanently erases your presence on the platform, including followers, posts, and username. If you are sure you want to remove your profile, simply follow the steps given above. While reversible at first, once confirmed your account will be gone for good within 30 days. Consider alternatives like temporarily deactivating if you think you may want to rejoin Instagram someday. With privacy and mental health concerns today, deleting social media is an option some choose. If it's right for you, follow the steps to gain control.