How to Delete a Linked Instagram Account – The Ultimate Guide

Are you looking for a guide on how to delete a linked Instagram account? If so, you‘ve come to the right place!

As a tech expert and avid gamer, I‘ve created multiple Instagram accounts over the years. Sometimes you end up with a secondary account linked to your primary one that you eventually want to remove for good.

In this detailed guide, I‘ll explain how to fully delete a linked Instagram account from the platform. I‘ll provide step-by-step instructions, pro tips, common issues and more – everything you need to permanently remove that extra account.

So let‘s dive right in!

Why Delete a Linked Instagram Account?

Before going through the steps, it helps to understand why you may want to delete your secondary, linked Instagram account in the first place. Here are some of the top reasons:

• You no longer use it. If you created a second account but barely touch it now, deleting it cleans up your social media presence.

• It‘s associated with an old phase. We go through different stages in life. Maybe a previous side account reflects who you used to be versus who you are now.

• You want to start fresh. Wiping the account gives you a blank slate if you ever make a new secondary account.

• It‘s distracting. Having a linked extra account can be tempting to switch between. Removing it can help focus.

• Privacy concerns. Any account comes with privacy risks. Deleting it lessens your online footprint.

As you can see, there are plenty of valid reasons to want to remove a linked Instagram account you no longer need. Now let‘s get into the step-by-step process.

How to Delete a Linked Instagram Account

Unlike other social media platforms, Instagram does not allow you to delete an account directly from the mobile app. Instead, you have to use the Instagram website to fully remove an account.

Here are the steps to take:

Step 1: Navigate to the "Delete Your Account" Page

First, you need to access the account deletion page on Instagram‘s website:

1. Open your web browser on desktop or mobile and search "delete Instagram account".

2. Click on the top search result, which should be from Instagram‘s Help Center.

3. On the "Delete Your Account" page, click on the question "How do I delete my Instagram account?".

This expands the section with the account deletion instructions.

Below is what the page looks like for reference:

Alternatively, you can go directly to the deletion page with this link: https://help.instagram.com/139886812848894

If you land on the wrong page about disabling an account temporarily, make sure to click on the right question to access the permanent deletion instructions.

Step 2: Click "Delete Your Account"

Next, scroll down to the "To request the permanent deletion of your account" section.

Under Step 1 here, click on the "Delete Your Account" link as shown below:

This redirects you to the Instagram login screen.

Step 3: Log Into the Account You Want to Delete

This next part is crucial – you need to log into the account you want to delete, not your main account you want to keep!

Carefully enter the username and password of the secondary account you‘re looking to remove.

Once logged in, hit "Log In" to proceed.

Step 4: Complete the "Delete your account" Form

After logging in, you‘ll see the account deletion form:

Complete the form by:

1. Choosing a reason for deleting from the dropdown menu

2. Re-entering your account password

3. Clicking the "Delete [your username]" button

Once you hit delete, your linked account will be permanently removed along with all associated data.

And that‘s it – those are the steps to deleting a linked Instagram account through the Instagram website.

Pro Tips for Account Deletion

As you go to delete your Instagram account, keep these tips in mind:

• Double check you‘re logged into the account to delete before hitting that final deletion button. It‘s easy to accidentally log into the wrong one.

• Do it from a desktop for the best user experience. The mobile site can be buggy.

• Consider downloading your data if you want to retain copies of your old photos, comments, etc.

• Act quickly once logged in as Instagram logs you out after a short time for security reasons.

• Make sure your password is correct as you have limited attempts before getting locked out.

• Delete in the morning or mid-day when Instagram‘s servers are less busy and more responsive.

Following this advice will help ensure the process goes smoothly and you delete the intended account.

What Happens When You Delete an Instagram Account?

Deleting your Instagram account permanently erases all associated data. Here‘s exactly what you lose when an account is removed:

• Profile information (bio, profile/cover photos, etc)
• Followers and who you follow
• All posts made (photos, videos, reels, stories, live videos)
• Any comments and likes made or received
• Direct message conversations
• Saved posts
• Payment information if you shopped
• Contact joining information

Gone for good – no way to get it back! This is why you really need to be sure before deleting an account.

How Long Does It Take to Delete an Instagram Account?

After requesting deletion, it takes around 1 month for Instagram to fully deactivate and wipe an account from their system. During this time, the account enters a "disabled" state where it‘s inaccessible but still retains data.

After approximately 30 days, the disabled account and all associated data is permanently scrubbed from Instagram‘s servers.

So in summary:

• Instantly: Account enters disabled state when deletion requested

• 1 month: Account disabled

• After 1 month: Account completely deleted

The reason for the waiting period is to prevent people from impulsively deleting their account, quickly regretting it, and wanting it back.

But after that month passes, recovering the account or any data is impossible. So be certain before taking the plunge!

Troubleshooting Account Deletion Issues

Sometimes the account deletion process doesn‘t go according to plan. Here are solutions for common issues that may arise:

Can‘t find the delete page? Be sure to click on the specific "How to delete my account" question on the Instagram help site, not just the general Help Center homepage.

Getting logged out repeatedly? Instagram logs you out automatically after a short time. Try deleting in off-peak hours when traffic is lower.

Wrong account showing up? Double and triple check you‘re logged into the account you want gone before hitting delete.

Password not working? If you‘re entering the right password but it‘s not accepted, try resetting your password first.

Button not responding? The deactivate button may glitch, especially on mobile. Switch to desktop mode on your browser.

Account not actually deleted? Give it the full 1 month after requesting deletion. Avoid logging in during that time.

Want account back after deleting? Unfortunately there‘s no way to retrieve a deleted Instagram account or any of the data. It‘s gone permanently after 30 days.

Following this troubleshooting advice should help resolve any issues deleting your linked Instagram account.

Final Considerations Before Deleting an Instagram Account

While the steps to delete a linked Instagram account are straightforward, make sure to consider these final points:

• Do you still need it? Determine if the account still serves any purpose for you before deleting.

• Have you downloaded your data? Preserve photos, comments and more by downloading your data for safekeeping.

• Are you ready for it to be permanent? Once deleted after 1 month, there‘s absolutely no way to retrieve the account or data.

• Could you temporarily disable instead? Disabling the account hides it without the permanence of deleting right away.

• Have you checked for dependencies? Remove any connections to other logged in apps beforehand.

If you‘ve carefully considered these factors and are ready to move forward, then go ahead and delete that linked account. Just be 100% sure!

In Closing

I hope this detailed guide gave you exactly what you need to permanently delete your secondary, linked Instagram account.

While the platform doesn‘t make account deletion accessible within the app, the process through the Instagram website is relatively quick and painless if you follow the steps.

The key is making absolutely certain you are deleting the correct account before pulling the trigger. Once you hit that final deletion button, there‘s no going back after 30 days.

But if you‘re strategic about it and committed to removing that extra account from your social media presence, this guide should set you up for smooth sailing.

Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions! I‘m always happy to provide tips and help fellow gamers and tech enthusiasts manage their optimal Instagram presence.