How To Deactivate Your Instagram Account?

Are you bothered about spending too much time on Instagram? Do you think you could use a break? Well, you can deactivate your Instagram account and spare yourself from being tied to the app.
Scrolling down the app, and watching reels can be addictive. Sometimes, you don’t even realise the amount of time you are spending on the app. If you think Instagram is distracting you from work, or studies, it is better to deactivate the app for as long as you like.
Deactivating your Instagram account is an easy process. All you have to do is follow a few simple steps. However, if you are not sure how it works, you are in the right place. This guide elaborates on the steps to deactivate an Instagram account. So, let’s get on with it!
Deactivating Your Instagram Account
Deactivating your Instagram account is better than permanently deleting it. When you decide to deactivate your account, you can re-activate it later if needed. But if you delete your account, you won’t be able to access it again.
Talking about Instagram account deactivation, you can initiate the process both on a desktop or mobile device. To avoid any confusion, we have detailed the steps for both devices in the lines below.
Steps To Deactivate Your Instagram Account On Mobile Device
You can deactivate your Instagram account directly from your mobile phone. The steps shared below are compatible with both iOS and Android devices. It is worth mentioning that deactivating your account will hide it for 30 days. After the period is over, you can restart another 30 days if you are not ready to come back. You can rest assured that nothing will be deleted. If you feel like accessing your account, simply sign in using your login credentials.
Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Open the Instagram app on your mobile device.
- Navigate to your Account Profile, and then select Menu. Choose Settings and Privacy.
- Access the Accounts Centre, and select Personal Details. Go to the Account Ownership and Control section.
- Choose the Deactivation or Deletion option and pick the account you want to deactivate.
- Tap Deactivate Account and log in to confirm your selection.
- That’s it! You are all done.
Steps To Deactivate Your Instagram Account On A Desktop
If you are not comfortable deactivating your account from your mobile device, you can initiate the process on a desktop. The steps are equally simple. All you have to do is just follow the given instructions.
- Go to the official Instagram website from your web browser.
- Log into your Instagram account.
- Access More, and then Settings.
- Go to the Accounts Centre and choose Personal Details.
- Select the Account Ownership and Control option.
- Click on Deactivation or Deletion.
- Select the account you wish to deactivate.
- Click on the Deactivate Account option, followed by Continue.
- Instagram will ask you to re-enter your password.
- After you are done with the above steps, select the reason behind your decision from the drop-down menu.
- Hit the Continue button and choose Deactivate Account. That’s all you need to do.
How To Delete Your Instagram Account Permanently?
If you are determined to remove your Instagram account permanently, deleting it would be a better choice.
On Mobile Device:
By following these simple steps, you can delete your Instagram account on your mobile device.
- Launch Instagram on your phone and access your Account Profile. Next, go to Menu and select Settings and Privacy.
- Navigate to Accounts Centre and then to Personal Details.
- Choose Account Ownership and Control, followed by Deactivation or Deletion.
- Choose the account you want to delete and select the Delete Account option, followed by Continue.
- Select a reason for deleting your Instagram account and tap the Continue button.
- You will be asked to log into your account to confirm your selection.
- Once you are done with the above steps, your account will be deleted.
On Desktop:
When deleting your Instagram account using your desktop, you have two ways to go about it. You can either do it via Instagram settings or a direct link. Regardless of the method you choose, your account will be deactivated for the next 30 days, before it is deleted permanently. In case, you change your mind within the 30 days, you can reactivate your account by signing in.
Method 1: Delete Instagram via Settings
Here’s what you need to do:
- Access your Instagram account and go to More.
- Choose Settings. From there navigate to Accounts Centre.
- Click Personal Details, followed by Account Ownership and Control.
- Select Deactivation or Deletion.
- Select the account you wish to remove and click on the Delete Account option. Hit Continue to proceed.
- Type in your password to confirm your choice.
- Select a reason for deletion from the drop-down menu and click Continue.
- Select Delete Account and you are done.
Method 2: Delete Instagram via A Direct Link
To go about this method, you must follow these steps:
- Log into your Instagram account using your correct username and password.
- Access the page to request a permanent deletion link.
- Click on the drop-down menu and select a reason.
- Hit the Delete button.
How To Reactivate Your Instagram Account?
You can reactivate your Instagram account only if it is in deactivation mode. In case, you have deleted your account permanently, there’s no way you can get it back. The only option would be to create a new account.
It is better to deactivate than delete so that you can access your account later on. You can easily reactivate your account by signing in. Just enter your login credentials and that’s it. The good thing is that you can reactivate your account any time you want.
Final Words
By following the steps outlined in this post, you can deactivate or delete your Instagram account. Using Instagram is no doubt a fun experience, but if it is distracting you too much, deactivate your account for some time. This is a good way to break your Instagram addiction.