Deactivating Instagram: Do It Without Leaving a Trace

We’ve all been there. Sometimes you just need a break from social media. If you’re on an Instagram sabbatical and the app is too tempting, there are a few things you can do. First ask yourself, “Do I actually want to delete my account or do I need a break from social media?” If you’re serious about deleting all traces of your account, there are certain measures you need to take. These measures ensure the security of your data, even when deactivating Instagram.

Whether you’re managing a business account or a personal one, there are numerous reasons for deactivating Instagram. But, before you take that big step, you need to know what happens when you deactivate your Instagram account.

Take Careful Consideration Before Deactivating Instagram

For many users, social media can be stressful – even toxic. There are circumstances when taking a break from Instagram may be good for your mental health. It’s perfectly okay and healthy to want to spend more time in the real world. 

First things first, you need to decide to temporarily deactivate or permanently delete your account. Obviously, if you temporarily disable your account, you’ll have access to it again at a later date. You should only delete your account if you don’t want to access it again in the future.

Think carefully about your decision between deactivation or deletion. If you think you might end up regretting it later, the better choice is to temporarily disable it. This way you can reactivate your account at any point. If you are ready to say goodbye for good, deleting your account is an option.

What Happens When You Deactivate Instagram?

So, does IG delete deactivated accounts? No, it doesn’t. Knowing how to deactivate Instagram is a great alternative to deleting it. The main perk of choosing to disable account rather than delete is not losing your posts, reels, account info, etc. Your account and profile is just frozen until you decide to come back to it. You’ll still have total account ownership and control. Here’s a breakdown of choosing to pause Instagram account vs. deleting it for good.

Temporarily Deactivate/Pause IG Account

Many people wonder “If you deactivate Instagram is it gone forever?” The answer is a resounding no. When you disable or deactivate your account, Instagram hides your profile, photos, comments and likes. This is until you reactivate your account by logging back in. 

Delete Your Instagram Account

Deleting your account means that your profile picture, photos, comments, videos, likes and followers will be permanently removed. This cannot be undone.  Instagram may serve as a vital connection to your family and closest friends. All the content you’ve posted represents cherished memories, wonderful insights, and sources of inspiration and joy. Remember that your experiences on Instagram are a mix of both good and bad. Don’t let just the bad ones dictate your decision – focus on the good experiences. If you temporarily disable Instagram, you still have access to your content.

Things To Know Before Disabling Instagram

We’re about to guide you through the steps to permanently delete your Instagram account. But first, there are a few things you should know. First, for security reasons, Instagram can’t delete your account or any account for you. You’ll need to log into your account and submit a request for permanent deletion. 

Next, before you hit that delete button, you may want to download a copy of your Instagram information. After 30 days from your account deletion request, you will no longer have access to Instagram’s Data Download tool. After that time frame Instagram will erase your account and all your information forever.

Last, If you delete your Instagram account voluntarily, you may still be able to use the same username. If you decide to return to the platform you can use your old handle to create a new account. But, if Instagram deletes your account for violating community guidelines, this option may not be available. If you decide to temporarily deactivate Instagram instead, you don’t have to worry about this information.

How To Delete Instagram Instead of Deactivating 

If you know undoubtedly that you want to delete instead of deactivate your Instagram account, we have you covered. First, you’ll need to access the Instagram website via a web browser on a computer or mobile. You won’t be able to do this via the Instagram app. That goes for both the iPhone app and the Android app. Follow these steps to permanently delete your Instagram account:

1. Log into Instagram via a computer or mobile browser.
2. Click/tap your profile picture, and then “Profile” and “Edit Profile.”
3. In the Meta Accounts Center box, click on “See More in Accounts Center.”
4. Find and click on the tab labeled, “Personal details.”
5. Then click on “Account ownership and control.”
6. Tap on “Deactivation or deletion.”
7. Select the account to delete. You’ll find your linked Instagram accounts as well as linked Facebook accounts here. 
8. Choose the “Delete account” option.

Instagram will prompt you to enter your password again for security purposes. They will also want to know why you’re deleting your account. Select an option from the drop-down menu that appears next to it and re-enter your password. The option to delete your account will only appear after you’ve selected an answer and re-entered your password. Confirm your permanent account deletion by clicking on “Delete account.” In this screen, the platform will let you know when your account deletion date is.

If you have opted to delete your account you might want to download all your data first. Changed your mind? If it’s before the account deletion date, log into your account and cancel the permanent deletion process. If you tried these steps and it’s not working, reach out to the Instagram team. You can do so through the desktop or mobile browser help feature. 

How Do You Deactivate Instagram?

If you’ve decided against deleting Instagram, here’s how to deactivate your Instagram account instead. Like deleting your account, you can only disable or deactivate Instagram from a computer or mobile browser. You won’t be able to temporarily deactivate your account from your Instagram app on your phone or tablet. Follow these steps to temporarily disable your account:

1. Sign into the Instagram via a computer or mobile web browser. Then look for your profile picture.
2. Click/tap your profile icon, and then “Profile” and “Edit Profile.”
3. In the Meta Accounts Center box, click on “See More in Accounts Center.”
4. Find and click on the tab labeled, “Personal details.”
5. Then click on “Account ownership and control.”
6. A pop-up box will appear, then tap on “Deactivation or deletion.”
7. Select the account you want to deactivate. You’ll find your linked Instagram accounts as well as linked Facebook accounts here. 
8. Click temporarily “Deactivate account” option.

Instagram will prompt you to re-enter your password for safety and security purposes. They will also ask  “Why are you disabling your account?” Select an option from the drop-down menu and enter your password. The deactivate account option will only appear after you’ve selected an answer and re-entered your password. Confirm that you want to deactivate your Instagram account and click “Deactivate Account.”

This process should be the same for Android app and iPhone app users. After you’ve gone through the deactivation process you might have second thoughts. That’s okay. When you’re ready to rejoin the world of Instagram, sign into the platform and your account will be automatically reactivated. 

How To Disable Instagram Account

You might see the terms “disable” and “deactivate” used often in relation to your Instagram account. Don’t let them confuse you, the terms are interchangeable. So, if you’re asking “How to disable my Instagram?”, or “how to deactivate my Instagram account?” follow our instructions. The steps we shared for deactivating or pausing Instagram account are exactly the same for disabling your account. Again, before you decide whether to delete or disable/deactivate your account give it an extra thought. 

Wondering “What does deactivating Instagram do?”. Well, we already know it hides your profile temporarily. However, if it’s privacy you seek, you can customize who can view your Instagram account and posts. Or, go ahead and click temporarily deactivate for a break. You can also adjust your platform settings to make your account private. You can adjust your settings to hide posts. You can even block users, though you won’t necessarily know if someone blocked you on Instagram. Or, just utilize the unfollow on Instagram feature. You’ll have more control over what you see and how you interact on the platform utilizing your settings.

Final Thoughts on Deactivating and Deleting Instagram

If you need a time-out from social media for your well-being, take it! But if you’re stuck between pausing Instagram account or deleting it, ask yourself a few questions. Do you still want the option to go back? A temporary deactivation is always a safe option. You can also try adjusting your settings. But if your mind’s made up, now you know how to delete your account.

If you’re managing a business account and struggling with your growth and marketing strategies don’t give up. Instead of deactivating Instagram, try a different approach. At Path Social we’ve built up an in-house platform of Instagram influencers and a proprietary AI targeting algorithm. You’ll build an Instagram community that lasts! Start growing and gaining Instagram followers today.

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