• To delete a story, tap on the More button on the story, and select Delete.
  • To fully get rid of the story from your profile, delete it from the Archive (only visible to you) and any stories added to the Highlights.
  • If you’re unable to delete the story from the app, you can try to use Instagram on a web browser and delete the story.

How to Delete a Live Story on IG

Once you upload a story on Instagram , it lasts for 24 hours. So, if you don’t want to keep an uploaded story visible on your account, here’s how you can delete the Instagram story.

Step 1: Open the Instagram app and tap on Your Story on your feed. Tap on More .

Step 2: Select Delete from the list of options. Tap on Delete again to confirm the deletion.

Tap on More - 1

How to Remove an Instagram Story From the Archive

Once you upload a story on Instagram , it will be saved to Archive so that only you can view it later. Here’s how you can delete an Instagram story from the archive.

Step 1: Open Instagram and tap on your profile picture at the bottom right.

Step 2: Tap on the Menu button at the top right corner and select Archive from the options.

Step 3: You will now see a list of your uploaded stories. Select the IG story that you want to delete. Now, tap on Delete to get rid of the story from your Archive.

Step 4: Tap on Delete to confirm. Keep in mind that you will not be able to view it again in your archive.

Tap on Archive - 2

How to Delete Past Instagram Stories From a Highlight

Instagram Story Highlights are a great way to showcase some of your best stories to your followers. But if you want to remove a saved Instagram story from the same, here’s how you can do it.

Step 1: Open your Profile and long-tap on the story highlight you want to edit. Tap on Edit Highlight .

Step 3: De-select the story you want to remove and tap on Done .

This will ensure that the story has been removed from the Highlight. However, it will remain in your Archives unless deleted.

How to Delete a Story on Instagram and What to Do if You Can’t Delete It - 3

Here’s What to Do if You Can’t Delete an Instagram Story

  • Retry Deleting The Story : Yes, we’re sure that you would have tried deleting it again, but this is a gentle reminder to the ones who have given up on the first attempt.
  • Use Instagram on a Browser : You can log in and use Instagram on your web browser. There is a good chance you can delete the story via the web version of Instagram.
  • Restart Instagram : There is a good chance that once you shut down the app and restart it again, you will be able to use the app free from any issues.
  • Sign Out and Sign In to Instagram : Signing out of Instagram shuts down the current active session. Once you log in again, a new session will start and there is a good chance that the issue will be fixed.
  • Clear App Cache: The stored cache can cause a few issues and execute bugs responsible for not letting you delete a story on Instagram. Clearing it regularly is the way to go. You can also check our guide on what happens when you clear your cache on Instagram for a better understanding.
  • Update Instagram : If a large group of users face an issue, Instagram will take note and release a fix via an update. So, install the latest version of the Instagram app on your iPhone and Android devices.
  • Reinstall Instagram: Reinstalling Instagram essentially lets you run the app afresh, clearing all the bugs and glitches.

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