How to permanently delete your Instagram account

Instagram, the popular social media platform, has been perceived by many as a safer alternative to Facebook or Twitter.

But the picture-perfect network is still part of the Facebook family and is not without privacy and data protection concerns. It’s no surprise that your likes, hobbies, and activities on the platform are monitored and sold to advertisers. There’s a lot of profit to be made off your data.

Are you’re tired of too many curated pictures, unrealistic beauty standards, and invasive tracking? Instagram might no longer be your cup of tea.

If you’re ready to get Instagram out of the picture, let me teach you how to delete your account.

First off, save your Instagram data

Deciding to quit a social media platform is never an easy feat.

So, before you delete your Instagram account permanently, you might want to keep a copy of your data. You know, for old times’ sake.

Just like Facebook, Instagram gives you the option to save your activity. And you can download your data from a computer or a phone.

From the web version:

1. Log into your account using a browser.
2. Click your profile picture on the right side.
3. Go to ‘Settings’.
4. Select ‘Privacy and Security. ‘
5. Scroll down until you reach ‘Data Download.’
6. Click on ‘Request Download.’
7. Enter your email address and confirm your Instagram password.
8. Find the link to download your data in your inbox.

From the Android/iOS app:

1. Tap your profile picture.
2. Tap the three lines on the right side.
3. Go to on ‘Settings’
4. Tap on ‘Security’ and select ‘Download Data.’
5. Enter your email address and confirm your Instagram password.
6. Find the link to download your data in your inbox.

You might have to be a bit patient for this one. Instagram says that it can take up to 48 hours to receive that link in your email. But, after that, you’re ready to delete your account.

Now, you’re ready to take the next big step.

How to permanently delete your Instagram account

Keep in mind that when you delete your Instagram account, your profile, photos, videos, comments, likes, and followers are permanently removed.

What’s more, you won’t be able to register under the same username again, so make sure you’re totally comfortable with your decision to delete your Instagram account.

If that’s what you’re after, here’s what you got to do:

1. Log into your account using a browser.
2. Go to the ‘Delete Account’ page.
3. Choose a reason and confirm this step with your Instagram username and password
4. Click on ‘Permanently delete my account.’

And that’s it!

Now enjoy your peace of mind as Instagram no longer keeps tabs on you and sells your data to advertisers.

How to deactivate your Instagram account

If you’re not ready to break free from the world of social media, but you still feel overwhelmed, you can still take a break.

Instagram gives you the option to temporarily disable your account.

This won’t delete any content from your account, and all your data will still be accessed by Instagram.

Here are the steps:

1. Log into your account using a browser.
2. Go to your account and click on ‘Edit profile.’
3. Scroll down and click on ‘Temporarily disable my account’ in the bottom right.
4. Select your reason and enter your password to confirm.
5. Click on ‘Temporarily disable account.’

To reactivate your Instagram account, you just need to log back in again.

No filter can make data mining pretty

Instagram collects a lot of data, like:

• • • Account names and passwords
    • All uploaded photos and videos
    • Data that links users to the photos they took, tagged or liked
    • Text message history
    • Address book contacts
    • Metadata on how people use the Instagram mobile app
    • Transactional data from Facebook products and services
    • Facial recognition data
    • Information about your devices
    • Geolocational data

Based on your profile and data, Instagram can personalize the ads that show up on your feed.

But despite the platform’s promises that no third-party developers can access your data, there have been quite a lot of mishaps in the past.

This doesn’t look good at all.

If you care about your data, you should consider how much of a risk Instagram poses to your privacy.

Taking away the likes

There’s no doubt that Instagram is one of the most aesthetically pleasing social media platforms out there. But behind the pretty pictures and eye-catching Boomerangs, its tracking capabilities are a force to be reckoned with.

If you’re worried about losing touch with your friends, you might want to convince them to switch to a more privacy-friendly messaging app.

In the end, it’s always advisable to use a VPN provider to protect your digital privacy and keep snoopers at bay. Download CyberGhost VPN to get that extra layer of security and fully encrypt your connection.

So, are you ready to #DeleteInstagram? Or did you already take the plunge? 😉

Let me know in the comments below.

Until next time, stay safe and secure!