How to download data from Instagram How to temporarily delete your Instagram account How to permanently delete your Instagram account
How to download data from Instagram
Before removing an account, Instagram provides a way to download the data associated with it. This can be done either through the browser version of the service or through the mobile app. After the account is deleted, uploading photos and videos will no longer be possible.
To download data from Instagram via the app, follow these steps:
- Tap your profile photo, then open the three bars in the upper left corner.
- Choose Account Center in the top bar.
- Scroll to the Your Information and Permissions section, select Download your information, and tap Download or transfer information on the next page.
- Select which files to save. Instagram offers two options: download all available data (photos, videos, comments, likes, etc.) or download only selected data (for example, just photos from the account). By default, all account information is saved.
- Pick the format and the saving method: download to the device or save to cloud storage such as Google Drive or Dropbox.
- If saving to cloud storage, enter an email address to receive a download link. The link remains valid for four days. To save to Google Drive or Dropbox, connect the account used for that storage; files will upload automatically.
- Files can be saved in HTML and JSON formats, with options for high, medium, or low media quality. About 2.5 GB of free space is typically needed.
Once the data selection is made, Instagram begins preparing the copy. The process usually takes up to 48 hours, but it can extend to a month in some cases.
The same steps can be performed in a mobile browser or directly in the app:
- Tap the profile icon in the bottom-right corner, then open the three bars in the top-right and go to Settings.
- Open the Account Center from the top bar.
- The data request process mirrors the computer workflow.
You can also set automatic downloads, for example monthly or yearly. To do this, specify the download method and frequency in the Download or transfer information section.
How to temporarily delete your Instagram account?
Temporarily deleting a profile is an option for those who want a break without losing access to the account in the future. A temporarily deleted account becomes invisible to other users and can be restored at any later time. The account can be deactivated once per week at most.
Deactivating from a computer
To deactivate a profile from a computer, use the browser version of Instagram.
After opening the site, follow these steps:
- Sign in to the account to be deactivated.
- Go to Account Center. Access it by selecting More in the lower-left corner, then Settings. In the left pane, click Account Center.
- In Account Center, navigate to the section for deleting and deactivating accounts. Choose Personal Information on the left, then Account Ownership and Management.
- Click Disable or Delete.
- If multiple linked accounts exist, select the target account and choose Deactivate your account or Delete your account.
- For temporary deactivation, choose Deactivate Account, check the box, and click Continue.
- Enter the account password and provide a reason for deactivation, then click Deactivate account.
Afterward, the account remains frozen until it is reactivated by signing in again.
How to deactivate an account via the mobile app
Temporary deletion can also be performed from the mobile app by following these steps:
- Sign in to the account to be deactivated.
- Tap the profile photo in the bottom right corner.
- Open the three bars in the top-right and go to Settings and actions.
- Enter Account Center, then go to Personal Information and Account Ownership and Management.
- Select Disable or Delete, choose the target profile, and opt for Temporarily disable account.
- Enter the password and confirm the action.
If reactivation is desired, sign in with the account username and password to restore access.
How to delete Instagram account permanently?
Permanent deletion is a definitive step for those certain the profile will not be needed anymore. When this option is chosen, all photos, videos, comments, likes, and followers are permanently removed.
The steps to permanently delete are the same as for temporary deletion. The process takes place in Account Center under Account Ownership and Management. The key difference is selecting Delete your account and not Deactivate your account.
Following the request, the account is deleted after 30 days. It may take up to 90 days for all data to be removed from systems. Instagram may retain information on its servers for a period after deletion in accordance with its privacy practices. Once deleted, the profile name may be reused for a new account.
Note: The policy landscape around ownership and access varies by jurisdiction and platform updates. Users should verify current terms within the app or browser before proceeding.