How to Deactivate or Delete Your Instagram Account

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You may need to delete or deactivate your Instagram account if it's been hacked, you want to start over, or need a break. If you are searching for how to deactivate Instagram, how to delete Instagram accounts permanently, or the difference between deactivating and deleting Instagram, this guide answers all your questions. 

To quickly learn how to delete Instagram accounts, check out this video on YouTube by TheTechCrowd

What Is the Difference Between Deactivating & Deleting Your Instagram Account? 

It’s a common question users ask, even though the process is the same. 

What Does It Mean to Deactivate Instagram? 

Deactivating your Instagram account means temporarily disabling your profile. 
  • Your profile details, photos, comments, and likes remain hidden 
  • Your account is not deleted or unretrievable 
  • You can reactivate Instagram anytime by logging back in 
This option will suit you best if you yearn for a brief break. 

What Does It Mean to Delete Instagram Permanently? 

Deleting your Instagram account permanently removes everything (but there’s a slight catch). It takes a month to get the account deleted. A 30-day leeway exists for anyone wanting to reverse their Instagram account deletion request. 
  • All photos, videos, followers, messages, and comments will be erased forever 
  • You cannot recover the account (after 30 days) 
  • Your username cannot be reused ever 
This option is for users who want to make a clean break from Instagram forever. 

How to Deactivate Your Instagram Account Temporarily? 

Instagram does not allow account deactivation from the app, so you’ll have to access the browser version to do it. 

How Do I Deactivate Instagram Step by Step? 

Follow the steps below to temporarily deactivate your Instagram account: 
  1. Open any website browser and go to Instagram.com 
  2. Log in to your account 
  3. Click on your profile picture 
  4. Select Edit Profile Scroll on down and click 
  5. Temporarily disable my account 
  6. Choose a reason from the dropdown menu 
  7. Enter your password 
  8. Click Temporarily Disable Account 
Your Instagram account will now be hidden from the public. 

Can I Deactivate Instagram from the Mobile App? 

In simple words, no, you can’t. Instagram currently doesn’t let users deactivate their accounts from the mobile app. 

Instead, you must use: 
  • Mobile browser (Chrome/Safari, etc.) 
  • Desktop browser 

How Long Can I Deactivate My Instagram Account? 

You can keep your Instagram account in the deactivated mode for as long as you wish. Important rules: You can only deactivate the account once per week Reactivation is instant when you log back in with the correct password 

How to Delete Your Instagram Account Permanently? 

If you are certain that you want to delete your account, proceed with these steps carefully. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Delete Instagram Permanently 
  1. Visit Instagram’s Delete Account page through your selected web browser 
  2. Enter your password to Log into your account 
  3. Select a reason for deleting your account Re-enter your password and follow the prompts 
  4. Click Delete Account to initiate the deletion 
Your account enters a 30-day deletion period. You can reactivate the account anytime before the end of the 30-day period. 

What Happens After I Delete My Instagram Account? 

Here’s what you need to know about the Instagram account deletion process: 
  • Instagram keeps your data for a maximum of 30 days 
  • If you log in anytime between this period, your account deletion request is cancelled 
  • After 30 days, your account is permanently removed from the platform 
  • Keep in mind that the full data deletion may take up to 90 days 

Can I Recover a Deleted Instagram Account? 

This actually depends on the circumstances: 

✅ If you log back into your account within 30 days, your account is restored 
❌ After 30 days, recovery is not possible at all! 

Instagram states that permanent deletion is irreversible, and you cannot undo it! 

Will Deleting Instagram Remove All My Messages? 

Surprisingly, it doesn’t! At least not completely! Your messages can still show in other users’ inboxes and the username will appear as “Instagram User”. 

Should I Deactivate or Delete My Instagram Account? 

Making the decision to deactivate or delete an Instagram account, ask yourself a few questions: 

Choose Deactivation If: 
  • You need a break from social media 
  • You intent on returning after some time 
  • You want to keep your data safe before making a permanent decision 
Choose Deletion If: 
  • You want to quit Instagram forever (or the foreseeable future) 
  • You are concerned about your data and privacy 
  • You don’t want your data to be stored online 

Final Thoughts 

Knowing how to deactivate or delete your Instagram account gives you control over your digital profiles. 

Instagram provides options to take a breather or break the habit: assuming you know where to look. 

If you found this guide to Instagram account deactivation or deletion, share it with a friend or leave a comment. You can also check out other How-To guides such as:

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I deactivate Instagram multiple times? 
You can deactivate Instagram multiple times. Bear in mind, there will be a week’s long cooldown period before you can deactivate your account again. 

Will my followers know I deactivated my account? 
No they won’t. Your profile will simply disappear until it’s reactivated. 

Can I use the same email after deleting Instagram? 
Yes, you can use the same email but you won’t be able to use the same username. 

Is deactivating Instagram better than deleting your account? 
Deactivation is the best option if you're unsure because it’s reversible and deletion isn’t. 

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