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Working on your social media diet and want to take a break from Instagram? The good news is there’s a temporary solution. You can deactivate your Instagram account without losing your data and jump back in whenever you’re ready.
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, you can also permanently delete your account. Be sure to download and backup your data, though, as once the 30-day window has passed, you can’t recover your account.
Key Takeaways
- Deactivation hides your account temporarily, while deletion permanently removes all data.
- Download your Instagram data before making any changes to preserve your photos, videos, and information.
- Reactivate your account anytime by logging back in. Deleted accounts cannot be recovered.
- Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication to protect your account.
- Instagram gives you 30 days to reactivate your account after requesting deletion before it’s permanently deleted.
- Show Full Guide
5 Things to Consider Before Deactivating Instagram Account
Before you decide to deactivate your Instagram account, keep these things in mind:
- Deactivation hides your profile, photos, comments, and likes. Followers can’t find or interact with your content.
- Your followers can’t view your posts or contact you while your account is deactivated.
- You can deactivate your account only once a week, so plan accordingly.
- You won’t get notifications for likes, comments, or messages while deactivated.
- Deactivating your Instagram may affect linked social media accounts or apps.
Be sure to make an informed decision about whether you should deactivate your Instagram account or not.
What is the Difference Between Deactivating and Deleting Instagram Account?
Some people may use deactivate and delete interchangeably, but there are some major differences between the two when it comes to your Instagram account.
| Aspect | Deactivating Account | Deleting Account |
|---|---|---|
| Account Status | Temporarily hides your account and all associated content. | Permanently removes your account and all associated content. |
| Data Retention | Keeps data intact. Data is stored on Instagram’s servers. | Permanently deletes all data. Data is removed from servers. |
| Reactivation | Can be reactivated by logging back in. | Cannot be reactivated. Requires creating a new account. |
How to Download (and Back Up) Your Instagram Data
If you’re going to delete (or even just deactivate) your Instagram account, you may want to download a copy of your Instagram data.
Here’s what comes with it:
To download (and back up) your Instagram data:
- Open Instagram.
- Tap the Profile icon in the bottom-right corner.
- Tap the Hamburger menu in the top-right corner.
- Tap Accounts Center.
- In the Account settings group, tap Your information and permissions.
- Tap Download your information.
- On the next screen, tap Download or transfer information.
- Select the account you want to download the information from and then tap Next.
- Next, you can choose All available information, which downloads everything, or Some of your information, where you can select exactly what you want to download.
- Next, choose where you want to download the information. You can download it to your device or transfer it to somewhere like Google Drive or Dropbox. Tap Next.
- Next, choose the date range, who to notify, the file format, and the media quality. Tap Create files.
Depending on the amount of data, the download can take a bit of time. You’ll receive a notification once the download is complete.
Once the download is complete, but sure to save a copy to other destinations, such as the cloud or a NAS, so that you have a safe backup copy.
How to Deactivate Instagram
Deactivating your Instagram account is a temporary measure that hides your profile, photos, comments, and likes. This allows you to take a break from the platform without permanently deleting your account.
Here’s how to deactivate your Instagram account.
How to Deactivate Instagram on Android or iOS
To disable your Instagram account on your iOS or Android device, follow these steps.
- Open the app.
- Tap your Profile icon in the bottom-right corner.
- Tap the Hamburger menu in the top-right corner.
- Tap Accounts center.
- In the Account settings group, tap Personal details.
- Next, tap Account ownership and control.
- Tap Deactivation or deletion.
- Choose the account you want to deactivate.
- On the next screen, select Deactivate account and then tap Continue.
- Next, you’ll need to confirm your password and choose the reason you want to leave. Confirm, and then your account will be deactivated.
How to Deactivate Instagram via Web Browser (Computer or Mobile Browser)
To pause your Instagram account via web browser on your computer or mobile device:
- Log in to your Instagram account.
- Click More in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
- Select Settings from the menu.
- Next, click Accounts Center.
- Next, click Personal details in the left-hand pane, and then select Account ownership and control.
- A pop-up window will appear. Click Deactivation or deletion.
- Choose the account you want to deactivate.
- Select Deactivate account and then click Continue.
- From there, you’ll need to re-enter your password, select the reason you want to deactivate the account, and then confirm. Your account will then be deactivated.
Managing Privacy and Security Post-Deactivation
After deactivating your Instagram account, be sure to properly manage your personal data and privacy settings. When you reactivate, update your privacy settings to control who can see your posts, stories, and personal information. Consider setting your account to private to limit access to approved followers and regularly review your follower list to remove untrusted accounts.
For account security, use a strong, unique password and enable two-factor authentication, which requires a verification code for login. Be wary of suspicious emails or messages asking for your login credentials, as these are almost certainly phishing attempts.
To prevent unauthorized reactivation, ensure your account’s associated email and phone number are up-to-date so you can receive security alerts.
How to Reactivate Instagram Account
To reactivate your Instagram account, log in using your username and password on the app or website. There is no waiting period; your account and all content will be restored immediately upon logging in.
You may encounter issues like a forgotten password, which can be reset using the “Forgot Password?” link. Make sure you’re using the correct login credentials.
If Instagram suspended your account due to policy violations, you’ll need to appeal directly with them and wait for their decision.
How to Delete Instagram (on a PC, Mac, iPhone or Android)
Instagram keeps the option to delete your Instagram account in the same location as to deactivate the account.
To recap:
Log in to your account, click More > Settings.
Click Accounts Center.
Click Personal Details > Account ownership and control.
Click Deactivation or deletion.
Click Delete account > Continue.
Here, re-enter your password, select why you are deleting your account, and confirm. Your account will then be scheduled for deletion.
You can change your mind and log into the account again, but only within 30 days. After 30 days, your account is permanently deleted from Instagram’s servers.
The Bottom Line
Choosing between deactivating and deleting your Instagram account depends on what you really want. Want something temporary? Deactivate. Want something permanent? Delete. Back up your data before making any changes.
Consider the temporary loss of visibility with deactivation and the irreversible nature of deletion. Manage your privacy settings and secure your account, regardless of its status.
