Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms, with over 1 billion monthly active users. However, some users eventually decide they want to take a break or delete their Instagram account permanently.
Deleting your Instagram account removes all of your photos, comments, likes and followers. It's a complete reset. You can also temporarily disable your account if you just need a break. Here are simple step-by-step instructions to delete or disable your Instagram account using the mobile app or desktop site.
How to Temporarily Disable Your Instagram Account
If you think you might want to take a break from Instagram for a while instead of permanently deleting, you can temporarily disable your account for up to one month. Here's how:
On Mobile:
- Open the Instagram app & go to your profile page.
- Tap the three horizontal lines menu icon in the top right.
- Select “Settings” from the menu.
- Tap “Account” in the Settings page.
- Select “Temporarily disable my account” & choose a reactivation period of either 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, or 1 month.
- Select “Temporarily Disable Account”.
- Enter your password and tap “Temporarily Disable Account” again to confirm.
Your account will be disabled until the reactivation date and hidden until you log back in.
On Desktop Website:
- Go to instagram.com & login to your account.
- Click your profile picture in the top right then select “Profile”.
- In the top right of your profile page, click “Edit Profile”.
- Scroll down & select “Temporarily disable my account” under the Private Information heading.
- Choose your desired reactivation length and click “Temporarily Disable Account”.
- Enter your password and select "Temporarily Disable Account" to confirm.
Once your selected time period ends, you can simply log back into Instagram with your username and password to reactive your account.
How to Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account
If you're sure you no longer want your Instagram account, here are the steps to permanently delete it:
On Mobile:
- Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
- Tap the menu icon in the top right corner.
- Select “Settings” > “Account” > “Delete Your Account”.
- Select “Delete [your username]”.
- Enter your password when prompted and tap “Permanently delete [your username]”.
On Desktop Website:
- Go to instagram.com and login to your account.
- Click your profile picture in the top right then select “Profile”.
- In the top right of your profile, click “Edit Profile”.
- Scroll down to the very bottom and select “Permanently delete my account”.
- Click “Permanently delete my account”.
- Enter your password & click “Permanently Delete [your username]” to confirm account deletion.
Once your Instagram account is permanently deleted, your profile, photos, videos, comments, likes, and followers will be removed for good. You can sign up for a new account in the future using the same username. But your old account cannot be retrieved.
Things to Know Before Deleting Instagram
Here are some important things to consider before deleting your Instagram account:
- Take Time to Download Data - Use Instagram's data download tool to save all your photos, videos, posts, stories and comments before deleting your account permanently.
- You Lose Followers and Following Lists - All of your followers and the accounts you follow will be erased when your account is deleted. Make sure to connect on other platforms if you want to stay in touch.
- Unlink Connected Accounts First - Unlink any connected Facebook, Twitter, online shopping or other accounts in Settings so they are not affected.
- Deleted Accounts Can Be Restored Within 30 Days - If you change your mind soon after, you can request to restore your account within 30 days by contacting Instagram support. After 30 days it is permanently gone.
- Your Username is Freed Up - Once deleted, your unique @username will become available for anyone else to claim. So don't delete if you may want the same username later.
Take the necessary steps in advance if you wish to keep your Instagram content and connections. Overall, deleting your Instagram account can provide a refreshing reset and break from social media.
Conclusion
Deciding to take a break or permanently delete your Instagram account is a big choice that requires some preparation. Temporarily deactivating your account for up to a month allows you to take a social media sabbatical while preserving your profile and followers for when you return. Permanently deleting your account completely erases all your content and connections on Instagram, though you can sign up again with the same username later.
Before deleting your account, be sure to download your photos and data using Instagram's tools and unlink any connected accounts you want to keep. Overall, understand the effects of deleting your Instagram account before taking action. With the proper steps, you can delete or temporarily disable your account with confidence. A reset can be rejuvenating!
FAQs
Can I reactivate my temporarily disabled Instagram account early?
No, once you temporarily disable your Instagram account you cannot reactivate it until the selected 1 day, 3 days, 1 week or 1 month period ends.
What happens to my photos when I delete Instagram?
All your Instagram photos, videos, stories, and posts will be permanently deleted. Make sure to download any content you want to keep before deactivating your account.
Can someone else take my Instagram username after I delete my account?
Yes, once your account is deleted that unique username becomes available for anyone else to claim on a new account.
Can I retrieve my old Instagram account after deleting it?
You can submit a request to restore your account within 30 days after deleting by contacting Instagram support. After 30 days, deleted accounts are gone forever.
Do I have to delete my Instagram account to take a break?
No, you can temporarily disable your account for up to a month which hides your profile until you are ready to start using Instagram again.
What is the best way to save my Instagram data before deleting?
Use Instagram's data download tool to save your photos, videos, posts, stories, captions, comments, messages, and more before your account is gone.
0 Comments