How-To

Delete a Comment on Instagram using the Mobile App or Browser

By Jeff Butts

Published March 18, 2024

Did you make a horrible mistake in a comment on Instagram and want to edit it? Here’s what you need to do.

Have you ever felt the urge to drop a heart on a cool pic, shoot a question about something awesome you saw, or reply to another Instagram buddy’s message? Comments on Instagram are the perfect playground for all that fun interaction. But, oops, you typed too fast and left a spelling mistake in your comment that’s now driving you nuts. No worries. Here’s the lowdown on fixing a comment on Instagram. The TLDR; here is that, unfortunately, you can’t directly edit that Instagram comment … but there is a way around that restriction.

Wait, So Can I Edit a Comment I Made on Instagram or Not?

Unfortunately, Instagram doesn’t allow users to edit comments. Once you post that comment, it’s permanent … kinda. What you’ll need to do instead is delete the comment, and then post a new one. Hopefully, you’ll get it right the second time around.

“But Jeff,” I hear you asking, “How do I delete a comment I made on Instagram?” Let me show you how it’s done.

Deleting a Comment on Instagram: Just a Swipe Away

The way to delete an Instagram comment is different on mobile than on desktop, so let’s look at the mobile app first.

How to Delete a Comment on Instagram on Android and iPhone

1. Launch the Instagram app on your Android device or iPhone, and swipe left on the comment you want to delete.
   
2. Tap the trash can icon that appears on the menu.
   
3. Instagram deletes the comment, giving you a few seconds to change your mind and restore it.
   

How to Delete an Instagram Comment from a Browser

Instagram has given us more features on the web version of the service. You can delete comments here, but it’s slightly different.

1. In your web browser of choice, navigate to the Instagram post where you posted the comment you want to delete.
2. Hover your mouse cursor over the comment, then click the three-dots option that appears.
   
3. Click Delete.
   

That’s all there is to it. Once you’ve deleted the comment faux pas, you can write a new one. It’s important to note, however, that there may be times you cannot delete an Instagram comment.

On other people’s posts, you can only delete comments you’ve made. On your own posts, you can delete your comments as well as those of others. You should also note that if you delete a comment from an Instagram Reel that was shared on Facebook, it’ll be removed from both places.