Are you looking to deactivate or delete your Instagram profile? Do you want to take a break from the social media platform? Whether you are simply taking a break or want to fully remove your profile, this guide will provide step-by-step instructions on how to make it happen.
You can also learn about the difference between deactivating and deleting an Instagram account, as well as when and how to complete the task with some easy steps. Let’s get started.
How to deactivate your Instagram account
Taking a break from Instagram can be a great way to take a step back and refocus your energy elsewhere.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or need to clear your head, temporarily deactivating your account is the perfect solution. Deactivating is easy, straightforward, and completely reversible—whenever you're ready, you can reactivate at any time.
Taking advantage of this feature also gives you peace of mind knowing that if something happens with Instagram in the future and you don't want to be a part of it, you can always walk away and come back when things have settled. Follow these steps to deactivate your account temporarily from the computer.
- Go to your profile and click on Settings
- Select the option - "Temporarily deactivate my account"
- Select an option from the drop-down menu next to "Why are you deactivating your account?"
- Re-enter your password
- And click on "Temporarily deactivate account"
Instagram's temporary deactivation feature keeps your profile safely hidden away until you are ready to come back. You can keep track of all private messages even while offline and quickly resume normal activity with a simple sign-in when desired.
But when it comes to account deletion, it's important to consider several aspects. Once your account is deleted, all of your profile content will be gone forever from Instagram.
Why delete your Instagram account?
Instagram can be an amazing way to express your creativity, connect with friends and family, and learn something new every day. However, it's important to keep in mind that this platform also has its downsides.
From data privacy breaches to online bullying, there are many risks associated with social media apps such as Instagram. If you feel like virtual clutter is consuming too much of your time, or the platform no longer serves you in a positive way, deleting your account could be a great solution.
With the help of Instagram’s deletion tools, users have full control over their data and can easily unsubscribe from the app without any stress or worries. This will give them peace of mind and allow them to re-evaluate if they really need the account again in the future.
Things to consider before deleting your account permanently:
Here are the things that you should consider before deleting your account.
You no longer restore your account after 30 days
Once you decide to delete your Instagram account, don't regret it too soon. You have 30 days for second thoughts and can log back in with the same username and password within that time frame if desired. After this period has passed, however, all of the data is permanently gone.
Backup your data before account deletion
Download and save the data from your Instagram account with the Data Download tool – before you delete it. That way, if ever needed in the future, all of those precious posts, stories, reels, and more will still be yours to keep. Don't miss out on this opportunity for peace of mind knowing that everything is safe should things change down the road.
How to delete your Instagram account
Deleting your Instagram account is a simple process that can be done within a few minutes. But it's important to note that if you decide to delete the account, the action cannot be reversed, and the data associated with it will be gone forever.
We will start with iOS first.
How to delete an Instagram account on iOS
- Go to your account in the Instagram app and click on settings
- Click on Account and then delete the account option.
- Instagram may suggest deactivating your account instead of deleting it. Deactivation hides your account and can be undone anytime. If you still wish to permanently delete the Instagram account, simply tap on the 'Delete Account' option.
- Final step will be "Confirm" deletion.
How to delete an Instagram account on Android and web browser
If you're looking to delete your Instagram account but can't do it from the Android or website version, don't worry! You can still delete your Instagram account by following these steps:
- Log in to your account and head to “Settings” on your profile.
- Click “Help” and navigate to “Help Center”, then select “Manage your account” on the left side of the page.
- Select the option to delete your account and provide a reason for doing so.
- Re-enter your password for confirmation.
- Finally, click “Delete Account” to complete the process.
Note: To access the Instagram help center and delete your account, you must open the web browser version of Instagram.
Instagram will ask you one more time to confirm your decision - "Are you sure that you want to delete your account?" If you are certain that this is what you want, select the 'Delete Account' option to continue the process.
Instagram has a thoughtful process in place to ensure users are making the best decision for themselves before deleting their accounts. Before taking this irreversible action, they need you to confirm why and require your password as an extra layer of security. Clicking 'Delete' on the page will finally delete your profile permanently.
Frequently asked questions about Instagram profile deletion
Is it possible to delete your child's account?
Deleting a child’s Instagram account is not possible without their login information. According to Instagram policy, only the account owner can delete their profile using the steps provided above.
How long will Instagram store my data after I remove my account?
Instagram allows 90 days for complete account deletion but may store information about your account due to legal and Terms of Use considerations. Information related to violations could potentially be kept on file beyond the allotted time frame in order to maintain a safe user experience for all involved.
Can I delete my account without a password?
If you want to bid farewell to Instagram, you must have the right credentials. You'll need a valid password before proceeding with the deactivation or deletion of your account - if in case it slips your memory, try resetting it first.
Conclusion
Once you delete your Instagram account, it is a permanent action that cannot be reversed. If you're uncertain about deleting your account, it's best to deactivate it, as this gives you the option to reactivate your account at any time.
But if you decide it's the right move for you to delete your account, follow the instructions outlined above and take a moment to reflect on all of the memories and connections you’ve made over the years.
We hope that you’ll stay connected with your community via other social media channels and look forward to seeing you there. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at any time. We're always here to help.