If you’ve deleted your Instagram account and suddenly realized you want it back, there’s a small but crucial window to undo the damage and it closes fast. Every day, thousands of users accidentally delete their accounts or change their minds shortly after. But the biggest question is: Can you recover a deleted Instagram account within 30 days?
The short answer: Yes but only if you act before the 30-day deadline expires.
In this in-depth guide, we break down exactly what happens when you delete your Instagram account, how recovery works, limitations to be aware of, and step-by-step instructions to regain full access.
What Happens When You Delete Your Instagram Account?
Instagram has two different options:
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Deactivate (Temporary Disable)
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Delete (Permanent Removal)
When you delete your Instagram account, it doesn’t disappear immediately. Instead, Instagram keeps it in a 30-day recovery period, after which all content photos, videos, messages, followers, Reels, archives is permanently removed from Instagram’s servers.
Key facts:
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You have 30 days to recover a deleted account.
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After 30 days, no one not support, not you can restore it.
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During the 30-day grace period, your profile stays invisible to others.
Why Instagram Gives a 30-Day Recovery Period
Instagram introduced the recovery window to prevent accidental permanent loss caused by:
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Mistaken deletion
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Hacked account deletion
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Emotional decisions made too quickly
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Problems caused by system glitches
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Kids or someone else deleting your account on your device
This grace period acts as a safeguard so users don’t lose years of memories, business content, or professional portfolios instantly.
How to Recover a Deleted Instagram Account Within 30 Days
If you deleted your account less than 30 days ago, the recovery process is surprisingly simple.
Step-by-Step Recovery Method
1. Open the Instagram App or Website
Go to:
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Instagram App
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instagram.com on a browser
2. Log in Using Your Username, Email, or Phone Number
Enter your original login details. If you forgot your password, tap “Forgot password?” to reset it.
3. Instagram Will Show a Recovery Message
You’ll see a message such as:
Your account is scheduled for deletion. Do you want to keep it?
4. Tap “Keep Account” or “Cancel Deletion”
Once you confirm, Instagram will restore:
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Posts
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Reels
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Stories (including archives)
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Followers
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Messages
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Settings
5. Your Account Will Be Reactivated
It may take a few minutes for everything to reload.
Can You Recover an Instagram Account After 30 Days?
No.
Once the 30-day period passes, Instagram removes your data from their servers, making recovery impossible.
If your 30 days are over, your only option is to create a new account.
What If Your Account Was Deleted by Someone Else or a Hacker?
If your account was deleted by a hacker, and the 30-day window hasn’t expired, you can still recover it by:
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Logging in normally
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Resetting the password
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Using account recovery (“Get help logging in”)
If you cannot access your email/phone:
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Go to the Instagram Login Screen
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Select Get help logging in
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Choose My account was hacked
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Verify your identity
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Upload selfie video verification (if asked)
Instagram will review your request and restore access if confirmed.
What If Instagram Deleted Your Account? (Policy Violations)
If Instagram deleted your account for violating guidelines, recovery depends on the reason.
You may be able to appeal if your account was disabled by mistake.
How to Appeal a Disabled Instagram Account
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Open Instagram
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Try logging in
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Tap “Request Review”
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Follow the appeal process
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Submit required documents if prompted
However:
If Instagram deleted your account permanently for severe violations, recovery is not possible.
Why You Might Not Be Able to Recover Your Deleted Account
Here are the most common reasons:
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30-day restoration window expired
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Incorrect login details
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Account permanently disabled for community violations
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Hacker changed your email/phone
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You deleted your account twice within a short time
If you still can’t restore it, try accessing Instagram through a browser or a different device.
Tips to Avoid Losing Your Instagram Account Again
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Enable Two-Factor Authentication
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Add multiple recovery emails/phone numbers
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Avoid logging in on shared or unknown devices
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Review third-party apps connected to your Instagram
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Do not violate Instagram’s Terms of Service
Taking a few minutes to secure your account can save years of content.
FAQs
1. Can I recover my Instagram account after 31 days?
No. After 30 days, all data is permanently deleted.
2. Why can’t I recover my deleted Instagram account even though it’s under 30 days?
Possible reasons include password issues, disabled account, or identity verification failure.
3. Will my followers come back after recovery?
Yes. Everything returns the way it was.
4. Can I restore a disabled account using the deleted account method?
No these are two different processes.
5. Can Instagram support restore an account after 30 days?
No, Instagram does not store data after the 30-day deletion window.
Conclusion
Recovering a deleted Instagram account within 30 days is entirely possible but the clock starts ticking the moment you click “Delete.” Once you pass the deadline, the loss is permanent. If your account is still within the recovery window, act quickly, follow the steps, and you’ll have your profile back in minutes.
If this guide helped you, share it with someone who might be panicking after accidentally deleting their Instagram.
And feel free to leave a comment with your questions or experiences.
