Instagram is one of the most widely used social media platforms today, but sometimes, you may feel the need to delete an Instagram account for various reasons. Whether it’s due to security concerns, privacy issues, password hacking, or simply wanting a digital detox, deleting your account can be the right choice.
If you’re looking to delete an Instagram account permanently or just deactivate it temporarily, this step-by-step guide will help you through the entire process.
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The difference between deactivating and deleting an account
There are two ways to delete your Instagram account.
• Deactivate your account:
In this, your profile photo, comments, and likes are hidden, but you can access your account whenever you want and can get your account back by logging in again.
• Permanently deleting the account:
This is a process in which once you delete your Instagram account, then you can’t get it back again, or it is said that once it is gone, then you can’t get it back in any way.
Reasons to delete your Instagram account
Many people give many reasons for deleting their Instagram accounts, such as:
• Privacy Concerns:
Some of you are afraid of giving your personal information. You create an account on someone’s request but are fearful of putting your information on it. Then you try to remove the information from your account.
• Mental health:
Excessive use of social media can also cause stress and anxiety.
• Time Management:
People on Instagram become so disturbed that they do not even remember their goals. One reason is also to delete an Instagram account so that they can save their time and focus on other work too.
• Security Risks:
Nowadays, hacking of accounts has become very common on social media: people feel that their data may get stolen or leaked.
• Switch to another platform:
Some Instagram users give more importance to another platform, and due to being more active on other platforms, they think of deleting or deactivating their Instagram account.
How to temporarily deactivate your Instagram account?
If you do not want to delete an Instagram account completely, then you can also deactivate your account by following the steps given below.
1. Log in to Instagram:
Go to Instagram app or instagram.com from your mobile browser.
2. Go to profile:
Click on the three dots in the top right.
3. Go to search bar:
and type deactivation or deletion.
4. Find the option to deactivate the account:
Scroll down and click on Temporarily Disable My Account.
5. Enter Password:
Enter the password to verify your identity.
6. Select Reason:
Select the reason why you are deactivating the account from the dropdown menu.
7. Deactivate account:
Click on Temporarily Disable Account.
Now your account will be deactivated, and whenever you log in in the future, it will automatically become active as before.
How to delete your Instagram account permanently?
If you want to delete an Instagram account, then follow the steps.
Step 1: Log in to your account.
You cannot delete an Instagram account from your mobile, so you will have to open it in your web browser.
• Go to the Instagram Delete Account page in your browser.
• Log in to your account.
Step 2: Select the reason for deletion.
Instagram will ask you why you want to delete an Instagram account then Select the correct option from the dropdown menu.
Step 3: Re-enter the password.
You will need to re-enter your password to verify your identity.
Step 4: Confirm account deletion
Now click on Delete [Your Username]. Your account will be deactivated immediately and permanently deleted after 30 days.
What happens after deleting the account?
- Your profile, photos, videos, comments, and followers will be permanently deleted.
- Your username cannot be reused.
- You cannot reactivate this account.
- It may take up to 30 days for Instagram to completely delete your data, but your profile will disappear immediately.
Alternative options before deleting the account
If you do not want to delete an Instagram account completely, then you can follow these steps.
- Download your data: To save your memories before deleting your account, go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Request Download.
- Remove Followers: If privacy is a concern, you can remove unnecessary followers.
- Make your account private: Go to Settings and make your account private.
- Turn off notifications: If Instagram is bothering you, you can turn off notifications.
- Limit screen time: Use the screen time tools provided in the app.
- Change the username and profile details: If there are concerns about privacy, change your username and other information.
Can I get a deleted Instagram account back?
If you delete your Instagram account once, then it is tough to get it back, but if you log into your deleted Instagram account within 30 days, then you can stop the deletion process.
How do you create a new Instagram account?
If you are thinking of coming back to Instagram, then know the process of creating a new account.
- Download the Instagram app or go to Instagram.com.
- Click on Sign Up and enter your email or phone number.
- Select a new username (the old username may not be available).
- Set a new password and complete the signup process.
Conclusion
If you are thinking about deleting your Instagram account, then this can be a very big decision. Now, whether the reason is to protect yourself, mental health, or privacy, if you are still having doubts in your mind, then my advice would be that you just deactivate your account now, and if you are ready to delete your Instagram account, then first download your data and then follow the steps given in this guide.
