How to Delete an Instagram Post
Deleting an Instagram post permanently removes it from your profile, your followers’ feeds, and any hashtag or location pages where it appeared. The action cannot be undone, so it is worth considering whether archiving might be a better option before you proceed.
What Happens When You Delete an Instagram Post
When you delete a post:
- It is immediately removed from your profile grid
- It disappears from the feeds of anyone who follows you
- It is removed from any hashtag or location pages
- Comments, likes, and saves on that post are also permanently deleted
- The post cannot be recovered
If you think you might want the post back in the future, archive it instead of deleting it. Archived posts can be restored to your profile at any time.
How to Delete an Instagram Post on Mobile
Steps:
- Open the Instagram app
- Go to your profile and tap the post you want to delete
- Tap the three-dot menu (⋯) in the top right corner of the post
- Select Delete
- Tap Delete again to confirm
The post is removed immediately after confirmation.
How to Delete an Instagram Post on Desktop
Steps:
- Go to instagram.com and log in
- Navigate to your profile and click the post you want to delete
- Click the three-dot menu in the top right corner of the post
- Select Delete
- Click “Delete” to confirm
How to Delete Multiple Instagram Posts
Instagram does not currently offer a built-in option to delete multiple posts at once. You need to delete posts one at a time through the standard deletion process.
If you need to remove a large number of posts, work through them systematically using the steps above.
Archive Instead of Delete
If you are unsure about permanently removing a post, archiving is a safer option. Archiving hides the post from your public profile without deleting it. You can restore it at any time.
For full instructions, see our guide on how to archive an Instagram post.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover a deleted Instagram post?
No. Once a post is deleted and the action is confirmed, it cannot be recovered through Instagram. If you downloaded your data before deletion, your content may be in that backup.
Does deleting a post remove it from other people’s feeds immediately?
Yes. The post is removed from all feeds, hashtag pages, and location pages as soon as you confirm the deletion.
Will deleting a post affect my Instagram account standing?
Deleting a post does not negatively affect your account. However, if a post was reported and you delete it before Instagram reviews it, the underlying violation may still be noted on your account.
Can I delete someone else’s Instagram post?
No. You can only delete posts from your own account. If you want to remove content that someone else posted about you, you can report it to Instagram for review.
Is there a limit to how many posts I can delete?
No. You can delete as many posts as you want from your profile, one at a time.
Conclusion
Deleting an Instagram post is permanent and immediate. Before confirming deletion, consider whether archiving the post would better serve your needs, since archived posts can be restored while deleted posts cannot.
For a complete overview of all post management options, visit our Complete Guide to Instagram Posts.
