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How to Delete or Deactivate Your Instagram Account [2024]

Want to delete your Instagram account permanently or deactivate it temporarily? Here is a step-by-step guide on how to delete or deactivate Instagram account.
Delete or Deactivate Instagram Account on smartphone or desktop
In Short
  • You can delete or deactivate your Instagram account through the app or website, but the procedure may be confusing because the options are hidden deep within the settings.
  • Deleting your Instagram account will permanently remove your personal data such as photos, reels, comments, stories, etc.
  • To deactivate your Instagram account temporarily, simply go to your profile and head to settings from the menu. Next, navigate to “Account Centre>Personal details>Account ownership and control>Deactivation or deletion“. Now, choose “Deactivate account” and tap the “Continue” button.

If you’ve been on Instagram for a long time, you certainly have felt that you want a break, at some point.

Instagram has become so popular and addictive among people these days that it’s shortening everyone’s attention span, especially students due to IG reels.

Thus, it’s much better to deactivate the Instagram account to get back on track.

But, when you head to permanently delete your Instagram account or deactivate it temporarily, it might confuse you as the options are not easily available in the app.

Well, for your ease, here we have prepared an easy step-by-step guide on how to delete an Instagram account permanently or deactivate it temporarily in 2024. Now, with that said, let’s jump right to the methods.

How to delete Instagram account permanently (2024)

Before deleting your Instagram account permanently, remember that when you delete it, all your Profile and its data such as photos, videos, comments, likes, and followers will be permanently removed.

Now anyway, if you want to delete your Instagram account permanently, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Open the Instagram app on your Android or iOS phone.

Step 2: Go to your Profile and tap on the “hamburger menu (three horizontal bars)” in the top right corner.

Step 3: A popup menu will now appear from the bottom. Tap on the “Settings and privacy” option.

Step 4: Next, navigate to “Accounts Centre>Personal details>Account ownership and control>Deactivation or deletion“.

Step 5: Now, select your Instagram profile that you want to delete.

Step 6: Next, tick the ‘Delete account‘ option and tap on the “Continue” button.

Step 7: Lastly, it will ask you to verify your identity. Finally, enter your Instagram account login password and tap the “Continue” button.

This will now delete your Instagram account permanently straightaway.

Note that once you delete your Instagram account permanently, your profile will stop showing in the search, feed, or anyone’s following and follow list. Also, your photos, videos, stories, and reels will be deleted permanently, even the collaborated ones.

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How to deactivate an Instagram account temporarily

If you want to take a break from Instagram without permanently deleting your account and data, you can temporarily deactivate your account. When you deactivate your account, your profile, photos, comments, and likes will be hidden until you reactivate it by logging back in.

Here are the steps to follow to deactivate an Instagram account temporarily without deleting your data:

Step 1: Open the Instagram app on your Android or iOS device or visit Instagram.com from a web browser.

Step 2: Go to your Profile and tap on the “hamburger menu (three horizontal lines)” in the top right corner.

Step 3: Tap on “Settings & privacy” from the menu.

Step 4: Head to “Accounts Centre” and navigate to “Personal details>Account ownership and control>Deactivation or deletion”.

Step 5: Select the Instagram account you want to deactivate temporarily.

Step 6: Now, choose “Deactivate account” and tap the “Continue” button at the bottom of the page.

Step 7: Re-enter your Instagram password and tap on “Continue” to confirm the deactivation.

That’s it. Your Instagram account will now be temporarily deactivated without deleting any data. You can resume at any time you feel to continue by simply re-logging in using the same credentials.

Finally, if you’re unable to delete or deactivate your Instagram account or stuck at any of the above steps, let us know in the comment section below.

FAQs

What happens when I delete my Instagram account?

When you permanently delete your Instagram account, your profile, photos, videos, comments, likes, and followers will be permanently removed. Your account will no longer be visible on the platform, and you won't be able to recover your data.

Can I reactivate my Instagram account after deleting it?

No, once you permanently delete your Instagram account, it cannot be reactivated. If you want to use Instagram again, you'll have to create a new account.

How long does it take for a deleted Instagram account to be permanently removed?

According to Instagram's policy, it may take up to 90 days for a deleted account and its data to be permanently removed from their systems.

What happens when I temporarily deactivate my Instagram account?

When you temporarily deactivate your Instagram account, your profile, photos, videos, comments, and likes will be hidden until you reactivate your account by logging back in. Your data will be preserved during this time.

Can I still use Instagram after deactivating my account?

No, you cannot use Instagram or access your account while it's deactivated. To use Instagram again, you'll need to reactivate your account by logging back in.

How long can I keep my Instagram account deactivated?

Instagram doesn't have a specific time limit for deactivated accounts. Your account will remain deactivated until you reactivate it by logging back in.

Can I change my mind after deactivating or deleting my Instagram account?

Yes, if you deactivated your account, you can reactivate it by simply logging back in. However, if you permanently deleted your account, you cannot recover it or change your mind. You'll have to create a new account.

Will I lose my followers and following list if I deactivate my Instagram account?

No, your followers and following list will be preserved when you deactivate your account. They will be restored when you reactivate your account.

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