How do I delete my Instagram account permanently, and how is that different from deactivating?

I want out, not a break. The settings keep steering me to "take a break" or "deactivate". What is the actual difference and how do I make sure it is gone?

Deactivate hides everything and keeps it all; logging back in restores the account exactly. Delete removes the account and its content, after a waiting period during which you can still change your mind by logging in.

To delete:

1. In the app: Settings, then Accounts Center, then Personal details, then Account ownership and control, then Deactivation or deletion. Pick the account, choose Delete account, and follow the steps. The same path exists on the website.
2. The account goes into a 30-day pending state. Do not log in during those 30 days, including through "log in with Instagram" on other apps, or the deletion is cancelled.
3. After the 30 days it is deleted; the company says removal from its systems can take up to 90 days, plus copies in backups for a while after that.

Before you press the button: download your data first (same Accounts Center, "Download your information"), because there is no getting it back afterwards, and disconnect any other apps that use your Instagram login. If you cannot get into the app, the web version has the same deletion page.