How to Deactivate Instagram Account

Are you tired of scrolling? If you need a well-deserved break from Instagram, deactivating an account could be your best option. This way, you will be able to hide your profile and all activity without losing your data in case you want to return again. This blog will show you how to permanently delete or deactivate an account from any device and help you decide which option will work best for you. Start your digital detox today.

What Does It Mean to Deactivate an Instagram Account?

Deactivating your account on Instagram only pauses your account's activity; for instance:

• Your profile will no longer be shown to other users.
• Your posts, comments, and likes will be removed temporarily.
• Photos, videos, followers, and custom settings will be stored on the platform and restored when you reactivate an Instagram account.

Unlike deleting your account, deactivating your profile is a reversible change that you can modify to reconnect with the latest news and memes. It is a good option if you are not convinced to leave the platform permanently or need a break from so much digital content.

Difference Between Deactivating and Deleting an Instagram Account

Temporarily disable your Instagram account

• Reversible action: You can always re-activate after logging into your account.
• Your information will be kept: Your photos, comments, and "likes" will all be saved on Instagram, but your profile will no longer be visible, and your followers can't see you.
• You can activate your profile again: Once you log back in, the profile will automatically get reactivated.

Deleting an Instagram account

• Permanent account deletion: You won't be able to recover your Instagram account or its content, such as photos, conversations, or saved content.
• Irreversible: Followers, photos, messages, and all information will be permanently removed.
• For a specific purpose: It is more suitable and radical in case you have decided to leave this social network for good.

Deleting your account's information may take up to 90 days after the deletion process begins. 

Why You Might Want to Deactivate Your Account

It may be convenient in the following cases to deactivate your Instagram account:

• Overwhelmed by information overload: If you feel overwhelmed using Instagram, temporarily deactivating your account can help you unplug and remove yourself from the screen.
• You want to set new priorities: Deleting your Instagram account can benefit you when you want to free up space in your schedule for better focusing on finishing new projects, studying, or decreasing digital distractions.
• You are concerned about your privacy: By hiding your profile temporarily, one can safeguard private life since we expose a big part of our privacy through social networks.
• You need time to disconnect: If you are unsure whether to disable your account or leave the social network, this option allows you to experience life without Instagram before making a permanent decision.

How to Deactivate Instagram Account on Mobile Devices

Deactivating an Instagram account is pretty easy, whether you use your mobile app on Android or iOS, or the desktop version. Just follow these steps to learn how to take a break from Instagram.

How to Deactivate Instagram on Android

Want to deactivate an Instagram account from your mobile device?

1. Open the app, tap the menu icon at the top right corner of your profile (three horizontal lines), and select "Settings."
2. Now go to "Accounts Center" and look for the "Personal Details" option. Here, you will also find other social media profiles, such as your Facebook account.
3. Click "Account ownership & control."
4. Find the "Deactivate" or "delete" option.
5. Select the account you want to deactivate.

How to Deactivate Instagram on iPhone (iOS)

The steps to deactivate your account on your iPhone are the same as for Android devices:

1. Open your phone app. Tap the menu icon in the top right corner of your profile and select the "Settings" section.
2. Now, go to "Account Center" and then look for the "Personal Details" section.
3. Select "Account ownership and control" and look for the "Deactivation" or "deletion" option.
4. Select the account you wish to deactivate.
5. Follow the steps to complete this.

How to Deactivate an Instagram Account on a Computer

Deactivating your account from a computer is similar to the process on mobile devices but with a more comprehensive interface that can make it easier.

Step-by-Step Guide for PC or Mac Users

To temporarily deactivate your Instagram account from your computer, access the Instagram settings page. To do this, follow the steps below:

1. Log in to Instagram.
2. Go to "More" and then "Settings."
3. Then, search for "Account Center."
4. Select "Personal data" and the "Account ownership and control" option.
5. Look for the "Deactivation or deletion" option.
6. Choose the account you want to deactivate.
7. Click "Deactivate Account" and tap "Continue."
8. You will be asked to enter your account's password to confirm your identity.
9. Select a reason for deactivating Instagram and click "Continue."

How Do I Temporarily Disable My Instagram Account?

If you do decide to deactivate your Instagram, understand the implications and limitations of this action.

Limitations and Considerations of Temporary Deactivation

• Restricted access: Once disabled, your profile, photos, comments, and "likes" won't be visible to other users. You can't interact with the platform, and notifications aren't delivered.
• Frequency of deactivation: Instagram allows only one deactivation and reactivation of an account within a week. Once your account is deactivated, you cannot immediately repeat the process.
• Data retention: Even though your profile will not be displayed, all your data remains stored on Instagram's servers until you reactivate the account.

How to Reactivate Your Instagram Account

To restore your Instagram account, follow the steps below:

1. Open the mobile application or web browser and log in.
2. When you temporarily deactive your account, Instagram may ask to verify your identity following the account deletion request. You may be asked to enter a verification code sent to your email or associated phone number.
3. Your profile, photos, comments, and likes will reappear once you've logged in successfully.

Should You Permanently Delete Instagram or Deactivate Your Account?

Deciding between deactivating or deleting an account can depend on your short—and long-term goals. This section will describe the reasons to deactivate or delete your account page and evaluate the best option.

Key Differences and Long-Term Implications

1. Deactivate your account:

   • Temporary action if you change your mind.
   • Reversible at any time.
   • It's ideal if you need a break.
   • It's perfect if you plan to return to Instagram.
   • It's perfect for building better digital habits.

2. Permanently delete your account:

   • You will permanently delete your Instagram account.
   • It's ideal to disconnect from Instagram for good.
   • You will lose all your posts, photos, followers, and settings.
   • You cannot recover the account or associated content.
   • It's ideal to invest your free time better.

How to Back Up Your Instagram Data Before Deactivating

Before deactivating or deleting your account, save all your information, including pictures, videos, messages, and more. In this context, Instagram provides an easy way to download all content stored on the platform.

Downloading Your Instagram Data on Mobile

1. Go to your profile.
2. Tap at the top right corner, searching for the three horizontal lines.
3. Tap "Account Center," then "Your info & permissions."
4. Tap "Download your information," then "Download or transfer information."
5. Select your Instagram profile and click "Next."
6. Select the information you want to transfer, whether "All available information" or "Part of your information."
7. Select whether you want to download that information to your device or transfer it to a different destination, such as Google Drive or Dropbox.
8. Finally, create the file and accept the changes.
9. Instagram will notify you when the files are available.
10. You will have four days to download your information.

If you encounter any issues during the deactivation or deletion process, contact Instagram's Help Center for further support.

Downloading Your Instagram Data on Desktop

To download your Instagram data on a desktop, you must repeat the same process as on your phone.

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Want to take a break from social networks? Learn now how to delete your Snapchat account easily.

FAQ

How to deactivate an Instagram account without logging in?

You need to be logged in to deactivate or delete an account on Instagram. Typically, you will use a username, password or email address to access your profile settings.

How do I deactivate an Instagram account without a password?

It isn't possible to deactivate your Instagram account without a password. If you can't remember the password, you can reset it using the recovery email or the phone number associated with the account.

How long can I temporarily deactivate Instagram?

You can keep your account deactivated for as long as you want, but remember that you can only do this once weekly.

Will my followers know if I deactivate my account?

When an account is temporarily deactivated, it vanishes from searches, and no notification goes out to followers. Of course, they will no longer be able to access your profile or find any related content.

How do I deactivate an Instagram account if I have multiple accounts?

You need to log in with the Instagram account you want to delete or deactivate and follow the procedure as described. Also, you need to deactivate each account individually. If you want to download your data, you must also select a specific account.