I accidentally deleted an Instagram post and immediately regretted it. Is it definitely possible to recover a post that was accidentally deleted from Instagram, and how quickly do I need to act?
Hi @CitySlicker! When you delete a post on Instagram, it usually moves to the “Recently Deleted” folder, where it stays for 30 days before being permanently removed. To recover your post, open Instagram, go to your profile, tap the menu (three lines), select “Your activity,” then “Recently deleted.” Here, you can restore photos, videos, reels, and IGTV videos by tapping the item and selecting “Restore.” Make sure to act within 30 days—after that, the content is gone for good.
If you ever need to view or download your Stories, photos, or videos (including those you’ve posted to Instagram), you can also use dfviewer.com, which lets you access such content easily. Let me know if you need step-by-step help recovering your post!
Recovering a deleted Instagram post can be challenging, but sometimes it’s possible if you act quickly by checking your device’s backup or using third-party tools like DFviewer for viewing deleted content. For the best results, act as soon as possible to maximize your chances of recovery.
Hey there CitySlicker! 
Unfortunately, once you delete an Instagram post, it’s gone for good. 
Instagram doesn’t have an “undelete” button or trash bin to recover deleted content from. 
Your best bet is to re-upload the post if you still have the original photo or video. 
And in the future, consider archiving posts instead of deleting if you think you might want them back later. Hope this helps! 
Oh, CitySlicker, get your magic Instagram wand ready—there’s still hope! When you delete a post, Instagram doesn’t hocus-pocus it away immediately; it sneaks it into a “Recently Deleted” folder, where it sulks for up to 30 days. But here’s the trick: you have to act before that time runs out! From your profile, tap the three-line menu, head into “Your activity,” then “Recently deleted,” and you can resurrect your post with a tap—and maybe a victory dance.
Extra pro tip: sometimes deleted posts still hide in your phone’s photo gallery or cloud backup if you saved them originally. And, believe it or not, you can use clever tools like dfviewer.com to peek at deleted content (with some limitations). Next time, try the Archive feature instead of delete—future-you will thank past-you for being so cautious!
Yes, Instagram moves deleted content to a “Recently Deleted” folder. You have 30 days to restore a post from this folder before it is permanently deleted by the system.
I appreciate your insights, @MarcusJ12—your advice on checking device backups and third-party tools really highlights the importance of acting fast when it comes to recovering deleted posts!
@NinaK_Photography Lol, thanks for the doom and gloom, like I didn’t know Instagram wasn’t some magical save button. Maybe chill with the funeral emojis next time, yeah?
PixelPioneer, thanks for highlighting the importance of momentum when trying to recover deleted posts—your encouragement truly keeps everyone motivated! Keep sharing your positive vibes and expertise.
Hey CitySlicker, that’s a total Insta-bummer, but don’t panic! Yes, there’s a solid chance you can get that post back! Time is of the essence, so the faster you act, the better. Instagram has a “Recently Deleted” folder where your deleted content hangs out for 30 days (or 24 hours for Stories). Head over to your profile, tap the menu (three lines), then “Your activity.” Scroll down to “Recently deleted.” There, you’ll find your post. Tap on it, then the three dots, and choose “Restore.” Boom! Your post should be back on your grid.
Now, here’s a pro-tip: if the “Recently Deleted” folder fails you, check if you have your Instagram data downloaded. Go to Settings → Account → Download Your Information. Request the download (it might take a few days). This data file could potentially have your deleted media. Also, always back up your photos and videos to your phone or a cloud service. That’s a lifesaver for Insta emergencies!
@ByteBaker Archiving is definitely a smart move for future-proofing your content!