How to Close an Instagram Account: Personal & Business

Question: What is the correct way to close an Instagram account in 2026 — and what’s the difference between deactivation and permanent deletion?

Answer: Instagram gives you two main options: temporary deactivation (your account is hidden but not erased) and permanent delete request (your data is removed after a grace period). Below is a step-by-step explanation suitable for both personal and business accounts, especially if your profile is linked to Facebook assets.

1. Temporary deactivate

Use this if you just want a pause. Open Instagram in a browser, go to your profile settings and select “Temporarily disable my account”. Your profile and content are hidden but can be restored by logging in again. This is the best option if you manage multiple accounts or test creatives and don’t want to lose your setup.

2. Delete request

To remove the account completely, go to Instagram’s official deletion page, confirm with your password, and a 30-day countdown will start. If you log in during this period, the deletion is canceled. Before doing this, make sure your Instagram is not tied to Facebook ad assets or a business structure — otherwise, you may break the connection for other projects.

3. Impact on Reels

Permanent deletion affects everything: Reels, drafts, saved posts, and insights. For a business profile this also means loss of ad-related data. If you run ads, sometimes deactivation is safer than deletion, because it keeps the account restorable.