Feeling overwhelmed by social media? Whether it's for mental health, focus, or simply needing a break from constant scrolling, taking time off Instagram can be refreshing. If you’re not ready to permanently delete your account but want to step away for a while, Instagram gives you the option to temporarily deactivate your account. This feature allows you to hide your profile, posts, comments, and likes without losing any data. When you're ready to come back, all you have to do is log in again to restore everything just the way you left it.
Why deactivating Instagram account is better alternative than deleting
Deactivating your Instagram account is often a better choice than deleting it because it gives you the flexibility to take a break without losing your data permanently. As mentioned above, when you deactivate, your profile, photos, likes, and comments are hidden from others but safely stored by Instagram.
If and when you decide to come back, all you need to do is log in again, and everything will be restored just as you left it. Deleting, on the other hand, is permanent and cannot be undone.
Things to know before deactivating your Instagram account
Instagram doesn’t allow account deactivation directly through the mobile app. You’ll need to use a browser — either on your phone or a computer — to make this change. On its support page, Instagram states: “You can only deactivate your account once a week, and your profile will not be visible to others while it's deactivated.”
Here’s how to do it on both Android and iPhone.
Steps to deactivate your Instagram account:
Why deactivating Instagram account is better alternative than deleting
Deactivating your Instagram account is often a better choice than deleting it because it gives you the flexibility to take a break without losing your data permanently. As mentioned above, when you deactivate, your profile, photos, likes, and comments are hidden from others but safely stored by Instagram.
If and when you decide to come back, all you need to do is log in again, and everything will be restored just as you left it. Deleting, on the other hand, is permanent and cannot be undone.
Things to know before deactivating your Instagram account
Instagram doesn’t allow account deactivation directly through the mobile app. You’ll need to use a browser — either on your phone or a computer — to make this change. On its support page, Instagram states: “You can only deactivate your account once a week, and your profile will not be visible to others while it's deactivated.”
Here’s how to do it on both Android and iPhone.
Steps to deactivate your Instagram account:
- Open your browser on Android or iPhone and go to instagram.com.
- Log into the Instagram account you’d like to deactivate.
- Click More in the bottom left, then click Settings.
- Click Accounts Center, then click Personal details.
- Click Account ownership and control, then click Deactivation or deletion.
- Click the account you'd like to temporarily deactivate.
- Click Deactivate account, then click Continue.
- Re-enter your password and click Continue.
- Select the reason to deactivate account, then click Continue.
- Click Deactivate account.
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