Each platform has a delete (permanent) vs deactivate (temporary) option in settings. Before deleting, download your data and remove your phone/email from the profile. Note: deleting a profile doesn't remove your details from data brokers — that's a separate clean-up.
Old accounts are quiet leaks — a forgotten profile can still expose your number, photos and connections. Here's how to close the ones you don't need.
Before you delete
- Download your data (most platforms offer an export) so you don't lose memories.
- Remove your phone and email from the profile first, and unlink any third-party logins.
Platform by platform
Facebook & Instagram
Settings → Accounts Centre → Personal details → Account ownership and control → Deactivation or deletion. Choose Delete (permanent) not Deactivate. Completes after ~30 days.
X (Twitter)
Settings → Your account → Deactivate your account. After 30 days of no login, it's permanently deleted.
Settings → Account preferences → Account management → Close account. Consider setting visibility to private first if you only want to hide it.
Snapchat / others
Use the account settings' delete option (Snapchat deactivates for 30 days, then deletes). For any old app, search "delete [app] account" and follow the in-app path.
The part deletion doesn't fix
Deleting your profile closes that door — but your name, number and email are still on data brokers, which is where most spam comes from. To actually shrink your footprint, pair this with removing yourself from data brokers.
Close the accounts — we'll clear the brokers
Saaph scans 50+ Indian data brokers for your details and sends DPDP removal requests, so deleting your old profiles actually sticks. Start with a free scan.
Run a free scan →FAQ
How do I permanently delete Facebook/Instagram?
In Accounts Centre → Deactivation or deletion, choose Delete (permanent), not Deactivate. It completes after about 30 days.
Does deleting social media remove my data from the internet?
It removes your profile from that platform, but data brokers still hold your name and number — that's a separate removal.
Platform steps are accurate as of June 2026 and may change. Saaph.in is not affiliated with these platforms and does not provide legal advice.