In today's digital age, social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook have become an integral part of our lives. While these platforms offer a way to connect with friends, share memories, and engage with communities, there are times when people decide to take a step back.
Whether it’s due to privacy concerns, mental health reasons, or simply wanting a digital detox, permanently deleting your Instagram and Facebook accounts is a significant decision.
If you're looking for the latest and most accurate method to delete your Instagram or Facebook account in 2025, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step. We will also cover the implications of deleting your accounts, how to back up your data, and alternative options like deactivation.
Why People Choose to Delete Instagram and Facebook Accounts
Before jumping into the deletion process, it’s important to understand why users decide to leave these platforms:
1. Privacy Concerns
Social media platforms collect vast amounts of user data, including personal information, browsing history, and interactions. With growing concerns about data privacy and security breaches, many users choose to delete their accounts to protect their personal information.
2. Mental Health and Well-being
Studies have shown that excessive social media use can lead to anxiety, depression, and decreased self-esteem. The pressure to maintain an online persona, compare lives with others, and deal with negative interactions can be overwhelming.
3. Time Management
Social media can be highly addictive. Many users find themselves spending hours scrolling through feeds, affecting productivity and real-life interactions. Deleting accounts helps regain control over time and focus on more meaningful activities.
4. Misinformation and Fake News
Platforms like Facebook and Instagram have been criticized for spreading misinformation, fake news, and political propaganda. Users who prefer a more fact-based online experience sometimes choose to leave these platforms altogether.
5. Avoiding Online Harassment
Cyberbullying, trolling, and online harassment are common on social media. For some, deleting their accounts is a way to escape negativity and maintain mental peace.
How to Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account in 2025
Instagram allows users to either deactivate or permanently delete their accounts. If you opt for permanent deletion, all your data, including posts, followers, messages, and profile details, will be lost forever.
Step-by-Step Guide to Deleting Instagram
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Log in to Your Account
- Open the Instagram app on your mobile device or visit Instagram’s official website from a browser.
- Enter your login details.
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Go to Account Settings
- Tap on your profile picture at the bottom right corner.
- Click on the three horizontal lines (menu) at the top right.
- Select Settings and Privacy from the drop-down list.
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Navigate to the Account Center
- Scroll down and select Account Center (Meta manages Instagram and Facebook through the same account center).
- Click on Personal Details.
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Choose Account Ownership and Control
- Tap on Account Ownership and Control.
- Select Deactivation or Deletion.
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Delete the Instagram Account
- Choose the Instagram account you want to delete.
- Select Delete Account Permanently and tap Continue.
- Enter your password if prompted.
- Choose a reason for deleting your account (optional).
- Confirm deletion.
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Final Confirmation
- Once confirmed, your account will be deactivated for 30 days. If you don’t log in during this period, the account will be permanently deleted.
Alternative: Deactivating Your Instagram Account
If you’re unsure about deleting your account permanently, you can opt for deactivation instead. This hides your profile and posts without erasing them permanently. You can reactivate the account anytime by simply logging in again.
How to Permanently Delete Your Facebook Account in 2025
Since Facebook owns Instagram, the process is quite similar, with some additional considerations.
Step-by-Step Guide to Deleting Facebook
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Log in to Your Facebook Account
- Visit Facebook’s website or open the Facebook app.
- Enter your login credentials.
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Go to Settings
- Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner.
- Select Settings & Privacy > Settings.
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Access Account Ownership and Control
- In the left-hand menu, select Your Facebook Information.
- Click on Account Ownership and Control.
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Choose Deactivation or Deletion
- Click on Deactivation and Deletion.
- Choose Delete Account Permanently.
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Confirm Deletion
- Click Continue to Account Deletion.
- You may be asked to enter your password.
- Facebook will display alternatives, such as deactivation or downloading your data before deletion.
- Confirm your choice.
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Final Confirmation
- Your account will be deactivated for 30 days. If you don’t log in during this period, your account will be permanently deleted.
Alternative: Deactivating Facebook Instead of Deleting
If you’re unsure about permanent deletion, you can deactivate your Facebook account. This keeps your profile hidden but allows you to reactivate it later.
How to Backup Your Data Before Deleting Your Account
Before deleting your Instagram or Facebook account, you might want to download your photos, videos, and important data.
Downloading Your Instagram Data
- Go to Settings in Instagram.
- Select Your Activity > Download Your Information.
- Enter your email address and request the data.
- Instagram will email a link to download your data within 48 hours.
Downloading Your Facebook Data
- Go to Settings > Your Facebook Information.
- Click Download Your Information.
- Choose the type of data (photos, messages, posts, etc.).
- Click Create File and wait for Facebook to generate the download link.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Recover My Account After Deleting It?
- No, after 30 days, Instagram and Facebook permanently delete all your data.
2. How Long Does It Take for My Account to Be Deleted?
- Instagram and Facebook accounts remain deactivated for 30 days before deletion.
- After that, it may take up to 90 days for all your data to be fully erased from their servers.
3. What Happens to Messages After Deleting My Account?
- Your messages will disappear from your account, but if you sent messages to others, they may still have copies.
4. Can I Use the Same Email to Create a New Account?
- Yes, after your account is deleted, you can reuse the same email to create a new account.
5. What Happens to Linked Accounts?
- If you use Facebook to log into Instagram or other apps, you may need to change your login method before deleting Facebook.
Conclusion
Deleting your Instagram or Facebook account is a major decision that requires careful consideration. Whether you’re concerned about privacy, mental health, or simply taking a break from social media, following the steps in this guide ensures that your data is permanently erased.
Before deleting your accounts, remember to back up your data, consider deactivation as an alternative, and be aware of the 30-day grace period. If you are absolutely sure about deleting your accounts, follow the instructions above to ensure a smooth and hassle-free process.
By taking control of your online presence, you can focus on real-life interactions and a more balanced digital lifestyle.
This guide provides the most up-to-date and professional approach to deleting your social media accounts in 2025. If you found it helpful, consider sharing it with others who might be looking for similar information.
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