Don’t want to be tied to Instagram anymore? Looking to take a break from Instagram or delete your account permanently? Whether you’re using a phone, PC, or Mac, we’ve got you covered with step-by-step instructions. In this guide, you’ll learn how to delete or deactivate your Instagram account and decide which option is best for you.
Why Delete Instagram Account
There are various reasons why you might want to delete your Instagram account. Deleting your Instagram account can be a smart choice for many reasons. It helps protect your privacy since Instagram collects a lot of personal data. It can also improve your mental health by reducing the constant pressure to compare yourself to others and lowering your stress from seeing negative content.
Without the distraction of scrolling through posts, you might find you have more time to focus on real-life relationships and activities you enjoy. Plus, it can help you avoid impulse buying from ads and reduce your overall digital footprint.
Whatever your reason, it’s important to know your options.
Should You Deactivate or Delete Instagram?
Deciding between deactivating and deleting your Instagram account depends on your needs:
- Deactivate: Ideal for a temporary break. You can reactivate by logging back in.
- Delete: Permanent removal of your account and all its data. This action cannot be undone.
Consider your reasons and decide what works best for you.
How to Delete an Instagram Account
Deleting your account is permanent and cannot be undone. All your photos, videos, followers, and account data will be removed permanently. If you just want a break, you can choose to deactivate your account instead.
To delete your Instagram account using your phone, PC, laptop, or Mac, please follow the instructions below.
How to delete Instagram using your phone (iPhone or Android)
To permanently delete your Instagram account, log in and submit a request through your privacy settings. Instagram will provide a deletion date, set 30 days from your request. During this period, your account will be invisible. However, if you sign in before the final deletion date, your deletion request will be canceled.
Deleting your Instagram account using your phone involves a few steps, which are similar for both iPhone and Android devices. Here’s how you can do it:
1: Log In to Your Account
Open Instagram and log in to the account you wish to delete.
2; Access Privacy Settings
Navigate to your profile and go to the settings menu. From there, select “Privacy and Security.”
3: Submit a Deletion Request
Within the privacy settings, find the option for “Account Deletion.” Click on this option and follow the prompts to submit your request.
4: Deletion Date Provided
After submitting your request, Instagram will provide you with a deletion date, which will be 30 days from the date of your request.
5: Account Visibility
During these 30 days, your account and its content will not be visible to other users. This includes posts, comments, and your profile.
6: Cancellation of Deletion Request
If you decide to keep your account, you can cancel the deletion request by simply logging in again before the final deletion date. Doing so will automatically cancel your request and restore your account.
Note: Deleting your account is permanent and cannot be undone. All your photos, videos, followers, and account data will be removed permanently. If you just want a break, you can choose to deactivate your account instead.
How to delete Instagram on a PC or Mac
There are two ways to delete your Instagram account using a Windows PC or Mac: via a direct link to the deletion request page or by navigating from your profile to the relevant settings page. With both methods, your profile will be deactivated for 30 days before it is permanently removed.
If you change your mind, you can cancel the deletion process simply by signing in before the end of the 30-day period.
Deleting your Instagram account from a computer is similar to using a mobile device. Here’s how:
Delete Instagram via a Direct Link
1: Go to Delete Your Account Page
Open a web browser and navigate to the Delete Your Account page.
2: Log In
Enter your Instagram login details.
3: Select a Reason
Choose why you want to delete your account.
4: Re-enter Password
Enter your password for confirmation.
5: Delete Account
Click “Permanently delete my account”.
Delete Instagram via Settings
1: Log In to Instagram
Open Instagram in your web browser and log in.
2: Go to Profile Settings
Click your profile picture in the top right, then select “Settings”.
3: Access Help Center
Scroll down to the bottom and click “Help”.
4: Search for Deletion Option
In the Help Center, search for “Delete Your Account” and follow the instructions.
How to Deactivate Your Instagram Account
If you need a break from Instagram but don’t want to lose your photos and followers, you can temporarily disable your account. When you disable your account, your profile, photos, comments, and likes will be hidden until you reactivate it by logging back in.
How Do You Deactivate Instagram on Android or iOS?
If you just want a temporary break, deactivating your account is a good option. Here’s how to do it on mobile:
1: Open Web Browser
Use a mobile browser to go to the Instagram website.
2: Log In
Enter your username and password.
3: Go to Profile
Tap your profile picture and then “Edit Profile“.
4: Deactivate Account
Scroll down and tap “Temporarily disable my account”.
5: Select a Reason
Choose a reason and re-enter your password.
6: Deactivate
Tap “Temporarily Disable Account”.
That’s it! Your account is now hidden and will remain so until you decide to log back in.
How to Deactivate Your Instagram Account on a Computer
Deactivating your Instagram account on a computer is similar to doing it on a phone. Here are the steps:
1: Log In
Open Instagram in your browser and log in.
2: Profile Settings
Go to your profile and click “Edit Profile”.
3: Deactivate Account
Scroll down and click “Temporarily disable my account”.
4: Select a Reason
Choose why you are deactivating your account and re-enter your password.
5: Confirm
Click “Temporarily Disable Account”.
That’s it! Your account is now hidden and will stay that way until you choose to log back in.
How to Reactivate Your Instagram Account
If you’ve deactivated your account and want to return, reactivating is simple:
- Log In: Open the Instagram app or website.
- Enter Credentials: Use your username and password to log in.
- Account Reactivation: Your account will be automatically reactivated, and your profile will be restored.
By following these steps, you can easily manage your Instagram presence, whether you want to delete or deactivate your account.
Additional Tips
1: Backup Your Data
Before deleting your account, consider downloading a copy of your data. Instagram allows you to request a download of your photos, videos, and other content.
2: Consider Deactivation
If you’re unsure about permanently deleting your account, you can opt to temporarily deactivate it. This way, you can take a break without losing your data.
3: Understand the Consequences
Deleting your account is irreversible. Once the deletion process is complete, you won’t be able to recover your account or any of its content.
4: Contact Support
If you encounter any issues during the deletion process, you can reach out to Instagram’s support for assistance.
By following these steps and considering the additional tips, you can ensure that you make an informed decision about deleting your Instagram account.
Conclusion
Deciding whether to delete or deactivate your Instagram account depends on your situation. Deleting your account erases everything permanently, which is a big decision if you’re sure you won’t use Instagram anymore.
On the other hand, deactivating your account is like taking a break—it hides your profile and posts until you decide to come back. This option keeps your photos and followers safe if you’re unsure about leaving for good.
Consider your reasons for wanting to step away from Instagram, like privacy concerns or needing a break from social media pressure. Whatever you choose, it’s about making sure your online experience matches what you need right now.
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FAQs
Will my followers know if I delete my Instagram account?
No, your followers will not receive any notification that you have deleted your account. However, they will notice that your profile, photos, and comments are no longer visible.
Can I delete Instagram without a password?
No, you cannot delete your Instagram account without your password. If you have forgotten your password, you will need to reset it before you can delete your account. To reset your password, use the “Forgot password?” option on the login page and follow the instructions.
Can I delete Instagram without logging in?
No, you must be logged into your Instagram account to delete it. If you cannot log in due to forgotten login details or other issues, you will need to recover your account first. Once you have access, you can proceed with the deletion process.
Why can’t I delete my Instagram account?
There could be several reasons why you can’t delete your Instagram account:
- Not Logged In: Make sure you are logged into the correct account.
- Using the App: You cannot permanently delete your account through the app; you need to use a web browser.
- Technical Issues: Sometimes, technical issues or server problems may prevent you from accessing the deletion page. Try again later or use a different browser or device.
How long does it take to delete an Instagram account?
Once you request to delete your Instagram account, it will be deactivated immediately and scheduled for permanent deletion. It usually takes 30 days for Instagram to completely delete your account and all its data. During this period, your account will not be accessible to other users.
How can I back up my data before deleting Instagram?
To back up your data before deleting your Instagram account:
- Open Instagram App or Website: Login to your account.
- Go to Profile Settings: Tap the menu icon (three lines) and select “Settings.”
- Download Data: Tap “Security” and then “Download Data.”
- Request Download: Enter your email address and tap “Request Download.” Instagram will email you a link to download your data, which may take up to 48 hours to receive.
How do I download my Instagram data before deleting my account?
To download your Instagram data:
- Open the Instagram app or website.
- Go to your profile and tap the menu icon (three lines).
- Tap “Settings,” then “Security.”
- Select “Download Data.”
- Enter your email address and tap “Request Download.” Instagram will email you a link to download your data.
Can I recover my Instagram account after deleting it permanently?
No, once you permanently delete your Instagram account, it cannot be recovered. All your photos, followers, and account data will be permanently lost.
What happens if I temporarily disable my Instagram account?
When you temporarily disable your Instagram account, your profile, photos, comments, and likes will be hidden until you reactivate your account by logging back in. None of your data will be deleted.
Can I delete my Instagram account through the app?
No, you cannot permanently delete your Instagram account directly through the app. You need to use a web browser to access the Delete Your Account page.
