We recommend that you download your Instagram data before you deactivate or delete your account. Follow these steps to deactivate Instagram: If you want to delete your Instagram account, the process is not very different. Check out the article below for step-by-step instructions. If you are concerned about your privacy on Instagram, using a VPN can help to safeguard your data. A VPN protects your internet traffic from prying eyes and makes it harder for hackers to breach your privacy. We recommend picking a trusted VPN like NordVPN. While this translates to a lot of perfectly curated photos and stories to scroll through, it also makes the platform ripe for scams. Cyberattacks and fraud are rife on Instagram. We’ve reported on several Instagram cyberattacks this year, including a phishing attack that bypasses Gmail’s security filters. Meanwhile, studies indicate that excessive use of social media platforms like Instagram can adversely affect your mental health. In fact, in 2021, Instagram tried to suppress an internal study that showed the negative effects of the app on teenage girls. Are you concerned about your privacy? Are flashy influencers grinding on your patience? Do you want to spend less time scrolling through Instagram and focus on improving your productivity? It may be time to deactivate your Instagram account, or perhaps delete Instagram altogether! In this post, you’ll find detailed instructions on how to deactivate Instagram temporarily or delete your Instagram account permanently.
Deactivate vs. Delete: Which Is Right For You?
Instagram doesn’t want you to leave, so deleting your account is not your only recourse. You can also choose to deactivate it. Here are the key differences between deactivating and deleting Instagram.
Download and Backup Your Instagram Data
Whether you plan to deactivate or delete your Instagram account, we recommend that you grab a copy of all the things you’ve shared on the Instagram app.
How to download your Instagram data on the iPhone and Android app
Here’s how to download your Instagram data on your iPhone or Android device: It can take 48 hours to 14 days to receive your file. You’ll receive an email with the subject line “Your Instagram Data.” Click the link in the email to download your file. The file usually includes your profile information, photos, comments, and other data.
How to download your Instagram data on a computer or mobile browser
If you’re accessing Instagram on a web browser, here’s how to request your data file: Within 48 hours, you will receive an email titled “Your Instagram Data.” Click the link in the email to download your file.
How to Deactivate Your Instagram Account
Not quite ready to walk away from Instagram? If you feel like a brief separation is all you need, then consider deactivating your Instagram account. Unfortunately, you can’t deactivate an Instagram account from the iPhone or Android app. You’ll need to use your computer or mobile browser to cut ties with the social media platform. Here’s how to deactivate your Instagram account on your computer or a mobile browser. Your Instagram account will be hidden and won’t show up in search results. Your username, photos, likes, followers, and comments will be preserved. Note: The moment you log back into your account, it will be reactivated. You can only deactivate your Instagram account once per week.
How to Reactivate Your Instagram Account
If you’ve deactivated your Instagram account but want to access it again, follow these steps. If you change your mind right away after deactivating your account, you may have to wait up to 24 hours before you can reactivate it. Instagram typically takes several hours to complete deactivation requests. Until that process is complete, you won’t be able to reactivate your account.
How to Stay Safe on Instagram
If privacy and safety are the primary reasons you’re considering deactivating or deleting your Instagram account, there are ways to enhance your privacy on the social media platform. We recommend using a VPN like NordVPN to encrypt your web traffic and hide your IP address from hackers and other prying eyes. We have an article on how to tweak your privacy settings on Instagram for improved security. Our article on the most common Instagram scams is also a great resource. If you have kids, check out our guide on how to protect your kids on Instagram.
How to Delete Your Instagram Account Permanently
If you’re ready to completely delete your Instagram account, you’ll need to be on your computer with a web browser. Unfortunately, you cannot delete an Instagram account via the app on iPhone or Android. Here’s how to delete your Instagram account permanently. Your account will be deleted immediately, including all the photos, likes, followers, and comments associated with your account. You should see a message confirming this that reads, “Your account has been removed. We’re sorry to see you go!“ For all intents and purposes, your Instagram account has now been deleted. However, Instagram says it may take up to three months for your account data to be completely removed from its servers. Instagram’s Data Policy also points out that some information may be retained on its servers beyond this 90-day window for legal purposes.
Final Thoughts
Instagram can be fun, but it poses a potential risk to your privacy and—in some cases—mental health. There are different opinions about the right way to use social media, but it is clear that taking a break is necessary sometimes. It is perfectly fine to deactivate or permanently delete your Instagram account. Instagram and all other social media will be there when you are ready to use them again. If you’re looking to do a social media cleanse, we have articles on how to delete your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Reddit, and Telegram accounts. For more instructions, read our article “How to Delete Your Instagram Account.” Follow the steps below to deactivate your account.
