How to Deactivate or Delete Instagram Account

Discover the step-by-step guide to taking a break from social media if you need to!

The correct way to delete your account Instagram can raise doubts for many users. The social network is one of the most used nowadays, but sometimes some internet users can get tired of the platform and want to delete their accounts. The app offers a very useful option to temporarily deactivate your account, which can be more advantageous for some. In today's article, we will teach you how to do this process in detail, so stick with us and we will explain it to you!

Differences between deleting and deactivating your Instagram account

Two instagram logos on a light brown background
Illustrative Image: Instagram Logo | Source: Unsplash

Deleting an Instagram account means permanently removing your profile, with no possibility of recovery. Deactivating your account has a similar effect, but is temporary, allowing you to reactivate it whenever you want, with all your data intact. Therefore, deactivating your account can be a safer option for those who just want to take a break from the social network.

If you decide to delete your Instagram account, the process takes 30 days to complete. During this period, your account will be invisible to other users, but if you decide to access it before the deadline, the deletion will be automatically canceled. Therefore, understanding this difference is essential to make the best decision based on your needs.

How to deactivate your Instagram account on your cell phone

If you want to know how to pause an Instagram account without losing your data, you can temporarily deactivate your account through the app. To do this, access your profile and tap on the options menu in the top right corner. Then, go to “Account Center”, select “Personal data” and enter the option “Account ownership and control”. There, tap on “Deactivation or deletion” and choose the account you want to pause.

Screenshots showing how to deactivate your Instagram account using the mobile app
Illustrative image: How to deactivate your Instagram account via cell phone | Source: YouTube

After selecting “Deactivate Account,” tap “Continue” and enter your password to confirm. Instagram will ask you to provide a reason for deactivating your account before completing the process. Your account will be hidden until you log back in. If you’d rather log out of the platform for good, the process for deleting your Instagram account is different and involves permanently removing your data.

How to delete Instagram account on your cell phone

If you want to permanently leave Instagram and not just your Instagram account, the app itself allows you to request account deletion. Just access your profile, tap the menu in the top right corner and go to “Settings and privacy”. Then go to “Account Center”, select “Personal data” and tap “Account ownership and control”. Then choose “Deactivation or deletion”, select the account and tap “Delete account”.

Screenshot showing how to delete an Instagram account using the mobile app
Illustrative image: How to delete an Instagram account on your cell phone | Source: YouTube

After you confirm your deletion, Instagram will begin a 30-day waiting period before it permanently removes your data. During this time, your account will be hidden, but if you log back in, the process will be canceled. If you are certain that you want to delete your Instagram account, avoid accessing it during this time to ensure that the deletion is complete.

How to deactivate Instagram account on PC

To temporarily deactivate your Instagram account using your PC browser, go to your profile and tap the menu in the bottom left corner. Then go to “Settings” and select “Account Center”. Within this section, tap “Personal data” and then “Account ownership and control”. This option allows you to manage your profile without having to permanently delete your Instagram account.

Screenshots showing how to deactivate Instagram on PC
Illustrative image: How to deactivate your Instagram account on your PC | Source: YouTube

On the next screen, choose “Deactivation or deletion” and select the account you want to deactivate. Tap “Deactivate account” and then “Continue.” Instagram will ask for your password to confirm the action. After entering the password, select a reason for deactivation and tap “Deactivate account” again to finish the process.

How to delete your Instagram account on your PC

To delete an Instagram account on your computer, first log in and download a copy of your data if you want to save your photos and videos. Then, go to “Settings” and go to “Account Center”. Tap “Personal data” and then “Account ownership and control”. In that section, select “Deactivation or deletion” and choose the account you want to permanently remove.

Screenshot showing how to delete Instagram account via PC browser
Illustrative image: How to delete Instagram account on PC | Source: YouTube

After selecting the “Delete Account” option, tap “Continue” and enter your password to confirm the action. Instagram will keep your data stored for up to 90 days before it is permanently removed. During this period, your account will be invisible, but if you log in before the deadline, your request will be canceled. If you don’t want to lose access forever, consider deactivating your account instead of deleting your Instagram account.

Conclusion

By following these steps you will be able to deactivate or delete your Instagram account quite easily. If you needed to use this guide, share with us in the comments if you managed it and what your experience was like! Enjoy and check it out too our article on how to put a password on Whatsapp.

Questions that might interest you

Can I recover my account after permanently deleting it?

After deleting your account, you can create a new profile with the same username or link it to another account, as long as no one else has registered it on Instagram. After 30 days from the request, all your data will be permanently removed, with no possibility of recovery.

What happens to the data and content when I permanently delete my Instagram account?

Deletion is permanent, meaning all your media and data will be removed from Instagram's database. Information such as likes, comments, and followers will be gone without the possibility of restoration.

Nick Narukame
With a degree in Literature from Universidade Federal Fluminense, I've been producing content about geek culture for over a decade. My passion for movies, games, apps and chocolate has been the fuel for my writing, which has found a place in outlets such as Curioso Geekamong others.

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