How to Temporarily Disable or Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account
Are you feeling weary of Instagram? You have two options: temporarily disable your account or permanently delete it. We’ll guide you through both choices, so you can decide whether to take a break or bid farewell to Instagram for good. Keep in mind that deleting your Instagram account is irreversible and wipes out all your content.
Also read: Temporarily deactivate your Instagram account
Temporarily Disable Your Instagram Account
Why temporarily disable?
- Gives you a break without permanent deletion.
- Hides your profile, photos, likes, and comments.
- Ideal for a vacation from Instagram.
Steps to Temporarily Disable (For Non-Facebook-Linked Accounts):
- Log in to Instagram via a web browser.
- Click on your profile from the left-side menu.
Image Credit: digitaltrends
- Select “Edit profile” at the top of the page.
- Go to “See more” in the Accounts Center.
Image Credit: digitaltrends
Image Credit: digitaltrends
- Pick “Deactivation or deletion” and select the account to deactivate.
- Click “Deactivate account” on the next screen.
- Scroll down and hit “Continue” after entering your password.
Image Credit: digitaltrends
- Choose a reason for deactivation and click “Continue.”
Image Credit: digitaltrends
- Confirm the deactivation by selecting “Deactivate account.”
Note: These steps may not work for everyone as Instagram’s deactivation process may vary.
Temporarily Disable via Instagram Mobile App (Android/iOS):
- Open the Instagram app.
- Select your profile picture.
- Tap the three horizontal lines menu icon.
- Go to “Settings and privacy” > “Accounts Center.”
- Choose “Personal details” > “Account ownership and control” > “Deactivation or deletion.”
- Follow similar steps as above.
Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account
Why permanently delete?
- Removes profile, photos, videos, comments, likes, and followers permanently.
- No data retrieval possible.
- Username cannot be reused.
Steps to Permanently Delete Your Account:
- Visit the Instagram “Delete Your Account” page.
- Log in if not already.
- Select a reason from the drop-down box next to “Why do you want to delete [your username]?”
- Confirm by entering your Instagram password.
- Click “Delete [Your Username].”
- Instagram will process your deletion request, taking 30-90 days to complete.
Delete Your Account via Instagram Mobile App:
Image Credit: digitaltrends
For iOS:
- Open the Instagram app.
- Tap your profile icon.
- Go to the three horizontal lines menu icon.
- Select “Settings and privacy” > “Account” > “Delete account.”
- Follow on-screen prompts.
For Android:
- Open the Instagram app.
- Tap your profile icon.
- Go to the three horizontal lines menu icon.
- Choose “Settings and privacy” > “Accounts Center” > “Personal details” > “Account ownership and control” > “Deactivation or deletion.”
- Follow similar steps as for iOS.
Deleting your Instagram account is a permanent decision. Make sure you are certain before proceeding with the deletion request.
Also read: How to Activate Quiet Mode on Instagram for a More Peaceful Experience
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I reactivate my Instagram account after temporarily disabling it?
- Yes, you can reactivate your account by simply logging back in. Your content will be restored as it was before the deactivation.
2. What happens to my Instagram followers when I temporarily disable my account?
- Your followers will not be notified, but they won’t be able to see your profile or your posts while your account is deactivated.
3. Can I temporarily disable my Instagram account if it’s linked to my Facebook account?
- Yes, it’s possible, but you need to first unlink your Facebook account from your Instagram account and reset your Instagram password.
4. How long does it take for Instagram to permanently delete my account after I’ve requested deletion?
- Instagram typically takes 30-90 days to process the permanent deletion of your account. During this time, your data is retained in case you change your mind.
5. What if I want to use the same username again after permanently deleting my Instagram account?
- Unfortunately, once you permanently delete your account, the username becomes unavailable for reuse. Consider this before proceeding with deletion.