How to delete your Instagram account

Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms. With over 362 million users in India as of January this year, the Meta-owned photo-sharing app is responsible for driving a large user base to create short-form videos. According to health experts, a majority of Instagram users are addicted to doomscrolling to look for new Reels, which often causes an inferiority complex, feelings of inadequacy, and low self-esteem. Taking a break from Instagram Reels is the only solution.

You can either uninstall the Instagram app to put an end to your habit of scrolling through Reels after every few minutes. There are built-in options in Instagram that help keep prolonged exposure in check. But these are just temporary solutions. If you want to take a permanent break, deleting your Instagram account is the only option. Here is how to delete your account in easy steps:

• Open the Instagram app on your iPhone or Android phone.
• Go to your profile’s tab in the bottom right corner of the app.
• Tap the three lines in the top right corner.
• Go to Accounts Centre and then tap the magnifying glass icon to enter the search mode.
• Type “Delete” to quickly find the option that says Deactivation or deletion.
• Choose the Instagram account from this list. Your Facebook account will also be visible here.
• You will see two options: Deactivate account and Delete account.
• Choose the Delete account option. Instagram has mentioned what deleting your account means under the option.
• Tap Continue and follow the on-screen instructions for verification.
• Your account will be deleted instantly, while your data will be available to download before Instagram deletes it eventually.

Alternatively, you can go to the Instagram website and delete your account. Here is how:

• Go to the Instagram website and log in to your account.
• Click on the profile picture in the top right corner and then go to Settings.
• Head to Accounts Centre and then go to Personal Details > Account Ownership and Control. You can also use the search option to quickly jump to the required option.
• Choose the Deactivation or Deletion option and then click Delete Account.
• Click Continue and then enter your password to delete your account.