Navigating Instagram: A Guide to Deactivating or Deleting Your Account

Feeling a bit bored with Instagram? You can do something about it! There are two things you can do: either take a break by deactivating your account or say goodbye to Instagram for good by deleting it. We'll talk about both options, so you can choose whether you just need a break or want to remove everything from Instagram forever. But remember, if you delete your account, all your pictures and stuff will be gone forever, and you can't get them back.

 

Take a break from Instagram by temporarily deactivating your account

If you want to take a break from Instagram, you can temporarily hide your profile, photos, likes, and comments. They will stay hidden until you decide to log back in and turn your account back on. It's like taking a little vacation from Instagram. If the reason you want to take a break is because of some friends, you can also try muting them instead of deactivating your account.

 

Keep in mind, the steps I'm going to tell you work only if you don't use Facebook to log in to your Instagram. If your Instagram is linked to Facebook, you'll need to do a few more things. First, you have to remove your Facebook account from Instagram and then reset your Instagram password. You should have access to the email connected to your Instagram account to do this. Once your Instagram is unlinked from Facebook and you've changed your password, you can follow these steps to temporarily deactivate your account.

 

 

Important: These instructions are based on the latest version of Instagram's design. However, they might not work every time or for everyone. While we confirmed these steps, it's not clear if this method actually deactivates your Instagram or just logs you out. Even Instagram's Help Center says this method may not work "at this time."

 

Now, here's how to take a break from Instagram:

Step 1: Open a web browser and go to Instagram.com.

 

If you're not already logged in, enter your Instagram account details to log in.

 

Step 2: Select the Profile option from the menu on the left side.

Step 3: Click on the Edit profile button located at the top of the page.

 

Step 4: Choose See more within the Accounts Center.

Step 5: Navigate to the Accounts Center and click on Personal details. Next, opt for Account ownership and control.

Step 6: In the displayed menu, pick Deactivation or deletion, and then choose the account you wish to deactivate.

 

Step 7: On the following screen, click Deactivate Account. Afterward, scroll down and select the Continue button. You will then be asked to enter your account password.

Step 8: Pick a reason for deactivating your Instagram account from the list provided. Then, click Continue.

 

Step 9: Confirm the deactivation of your Instagram account by selecting the Deactivate account button.

Step 10: These instructions are suitable for everyone with a PC, internet connection, and a web browser.

 

If you're using the Instagram mobile app and want to disable your account, follow a similar process through the Accounts Center, similar to steps 1-9. Although the methods may differ slightly between the Android and iOS versions of Instagram, the following steps generally apply to both platforms.

 

To begin, open the Instagram mobile app:

Tap on your Profile picture (located at the bottom right of the screen) > Choose the Three horizontal lines menu icon > Go to Settings and privacy > Click on Accounts Center > Navigate to Personal details > Select Account ownership and control > Opt for Deactivation or deletion.

 

Next, pick the account you wish to deactivate. Select Deactivate account > Continue. Enter your password when prompted, then click Continue. Choose your reason for deactivating > Continue.

 

You have the choice to enable automatic reactivation or choose Don't reactivate automatically from the dropdown menu. Click Continue. To complete the process, confirm your account deactivation by selecting Deactivate Account.

 

Permanently Delete your Instagram Account

If you're certain that you won't be returning to Instagram, you have the option to permanently delete your account. It's important to understand that this action will erase your entire profile, including photos, videos, comments, likes, and followers. Retrieving this information is impossible once the deletion process is complete. Additionally, keep in mind that you won't be able to reclaim the same username if someone else uses it before you decide to sign up again.

 

Instagram provides two methods to delete your account. You can either follow the deactivation steps mentioned earlier, opting for the "delete account" instead of "deactivate" when prompted, or you can use the alternative method outlined below.

 

If you are certain about deleting your account, follow these steps:

 

Step 1: Go to the Instagram Delete Your Account page. Log in to your Instagram account if you're not already logged in.

 

Step 2: Next to "Why do you want to delete [your username]?", choose an option from the drop-down box.

 

Step 3: Confirm by entering your Instagram password.

Step 4: Press the "Delete [Your Username]" button.

 

By completing the steps above, you've officially requested Instagram to delete your account. After a waiting period of 30 days, Instagram will permanently erase all your account information. It's worth noting that the complete process may take up to 90 days, according to Instagram.

 

Step 5: Similar to deactivating an account, you also have the option to delete your account using the Instagram Mobile App.

 

On iOS, follow these steps: Tap your Profile icon > the Three horizontal lines menu icon > Settings and privacy > Account > Delete Account > Confirm by selecting Delete Account > Continue deleting account. Proceed by following the on-screen prompts.

 

Next, choose Delete [your username] > Confirm by selecting OK.

 

On Android, follow these steps: Tap your Profile icon > the Three horizontal lines menu icon > Settings and privacy > Accounts Center > Personal Details > Account Ownership and Control > Deactivation or Deletion.

 

Next, pick the account you wish to remove. Select Delete account > Continue. Choose a reason for deleting > Continue. Enter your Password > Continue. Finally, confirm your account deletion by selecting Delete Account.

 

It's important to mention that, based on Instagram's help guide, the steps for Android can also be applicable to iOS. However, there might be slight variations in some of the steps.

 

In wrapping up our guide on using Instagram, we've shown you how to take a break or say goodbye for good. Remember, it's essential to think about what's best for you. Whether you're pausing for a while or leaving forever, understanding these steps helps you take control. Your online choices matter, so pick what aligns with your feelings. Instagram is a tool, and knowing how to use it gives you more control. Enjoy your journey on Instagram, and make choices that feel right for you!