How to Deactivate Instagram – 8 Effortless Steps

Okay, let’s be real, managing an Instagram account can be crazy, so knowing how to deactivate Instagram can save you time and stress. 

We know being in control of your online presence is key, and sometimes that means stepping away. 

But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. 

From temporarily deleting to permanently deleting your account, we’ll break it all down. 

How to Deactivate Instagram

Sometimes, we just need to take a break from social media platforms and Instagram is no exception. 

We’ve broken it down into simple steps so you can deactivate your Instagram account with ease. 

1. Open the Instagram App

First step is easy, open the Instagram app on your phone or tablet. Make sure you’re logged into the account you want to delete. 

If you have multiple accounts, double check you’re on the right one as the Instagram app will only delete account that is active.

2. Navigate to Your Profile

Tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner of the Instagram app. This will take you to your Instagram profile page where all your posts, bio and settings are.

3. Access Settings and Privacy

Look for the menu icon (three horizontal lines) top right of your profile screen. Tap it and select “Settings and privacy” from the menu. 

This is where you can manage everything on your Instagram account from privacy settings to deleting your account.

4. Go to the Accounts Center

Scroll down in the settings menu until you find the Accounts Center. This is where Instagram manages account ownership and control. 

Here you’ll find the tools to delete account, request deletion or adjust other settings.

5. Select Deactivation or Deletion

In the Accounts Center tap on “Account ownership and control”. From there select “Instagram Account Deactivation or deletion” to proceed.

This is where you can choose deactivate account or start the process to delete it permanently.

6. Choose Deactivate Account

If you have multiple accounts, Instagram will show you a list of all linked accounts. Select the one you want to delete. 

Once selected, tap “Deactivate account” to continue. This will hide your account from public view.

7. Provide a Reason and Re-Enter Your Password

Instagram will ask you why you’re deleting your account. You’ll see options like “I need a break”, “Privacy concerns” or “Too busy”. 

Choose the one that fits your situation. After you select a reason Instagram will ask you to confirm your identity by re-entering your password. 

This is to make sure you’re the actual account holder and not someone else trying to delete your Instagram account.

8. Confirm Deactivation

Once you’ve done that tap “Continue”.

 Instagram will show you a final confirmation screen, telling you that your profile, photos and activities will be hidden but not deleted. Tap “Deactivate account” to finish. 

Your Instagram account will now be deactivated and you can take a break from social media.

Can You Reactivate Your Instagram Account After Deactivation?

Yes, you can reactivate your Instagram account after deactivation, and it’s easy. 

When you deactivate your Instagram account, Instagram will hide your profile, posts, Instagram comments and likes from other users but your data will be saved. 

To reactivate your account, just log back in with your username and password. 

Once you’re logged in, your profile and content will be restored to how it was before. However, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Deactivation Limit: You can only deactivate your Instagram account once a week, so if you’ve recently reactivated it, you may need to wait before deactivating it again.
• Forgotten Password: If you forgot your password, use the “Forgot password?” option on the login screen to reset it. Make sure you have access to the email or phone number linked to your account for it to work.

Difference Between Deactivate Account and Permanently Delete Instagram Account

Before you do anything, make sure you know the difference between deactivating and deleting your Instagram account. 

Each one does something different and knowing which one to choose will save you from regret later.

Deactivate Your Instagram Account

• Temporary: Hides your profile, posts, comments and likes. All your data is saved.
• Reversible: You can reactivate at any time by logging back in.
• For: Short breaks or when you need to take a step back from social media but don’t want to lose your account forever.
• Data: All content, followers and personal details stays the same during deactivation.

Delete Your Instagram Account

• Permanent: Deletion is non-reversible. Once done, your profile, posts, comments and followers are deleted for good.
• No Recovery: After the account deletion request is processed, you can’t get your data or account back.
• For: Users who are done with Instagram for good and have no intention of coming back.
• Deletion Process: Requires a deletion request that Instagram processes after 30 days.

Common Issues When Deactivating Instagram

Deactivating an Instagram account is easy but some users run into issues that makes it more complicated than it has to be. 

Knowing these issues and their solutions will save you time and headaches.

Can’t Find the Deactivate Button

One of the most common problems is not being able to find the deactivate button. 

This is usually because the feature is hidden in the Accounts Center under “Account Ownership and Control”.

If you’re using an older version of the app, this option might not be visible so make sure to update the app before trying to deactivate your Instagram account.

Forgotten Password

During the deactivation process, Instagram will ask you to confirm your identity by entering your password. If you forgot your password, the process will stop entirely. 

In this case, you’ll need to use the “Forgot password?” option on the login screen to reset it. 

Instagram will send a recovery link to your email or phone number so make sure you have access to these before starting the deactivation process.

Linked Multiple Accounts

For users with multiple Instagram accounts, it’s easy to deactivate the wrong account by mistake. 

Instagram allows users to link multiple profiles under the same Accounts Center and this can cause confusion during the deactivation process. 

Always double check that you’re logged in to the correct account before proceeding to deactivate.

Error Messages or Process Failures

Sometimes, users encounter error messages or the process doesn’t complete. 

This can be due to a weak internet connection or temporary server down. If this happens, make sure your connection is stable and try again later. 

If the problem persists, clear the app’s cache or try the process via web browser may solve the issue.

Issues with Reactivation

If you decide to reactivate your account shortly after deactivating it, you might run into problems.

Instagram has a policy that prevents deactivating and reactivating an account multiple times in a short period, usually once a week. 

If you encounter this, you’ll need to wait a few days before logging back in.

Third-Party App Interference

External tools or apps linked to your Instagram account can cause problems during deactivation. Services like scheduling apps or analytics tools may interrupt the process. 

To avoid this, disconnect any third-party apps from your account through the security settings before deactivating.

Lost Access to Linked Email or Phone Number

If you no longer have access to the email address or phone number associated with your Instagram account, verifying your identity during the deactivation process will be hard. 

To prevent this issue, make sure your personal details are updated in your account settings. 

If access is already lost, contacting Instagram Support with proof of ownership might be your only option.

Conclusion

Knowing how to deactivate Instagram doesn’t have to be hard and taking control of your account is a step to managing your online life better. 

While stepping back is important, when you’re ready to get back online Growthoid is here to help. 

With our Instagram followers service you can get back to your audience authentically and naturally grow your profile. 

Take control of your Instagram journey with us – on your terms and with Growthoid!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I deactivate my Instagram?

To turn off your Instagram account go to the app, go to your profile, go to Settings and Privacy, then Accounts Center. 

Under Account Ownership and Control, select Deactivate or permanently Delete account, select Deactivate Account and follow the prompts to temporarily disable your Instagram account. 

You’ll have to re-enter your password and confirm deactivation.

How long can I temporarily deactivate my Instagram account for?

You can turn off your Instagram account for as long as you want. There’s no time limit. 

Your account will be hidden until you log back in and all your posts, Instagram comments and followers will be restored.

How do Instagram accounts get deactivated?

Instagram accounts can be deactivated by the account owner themselves or by Instagram. 

Manual deactivation is when a user follows the steps to temporarily deactivate account. 

Automatic deactivation is when Instagram flags an account for violating community guidelines or inactivity for a long time.

Can I activate a deactivated Instagram account?

Yes you can reactivate a deactivated Instagram account. Just log in with your same username and password and your account will be fully restored. 

All your personal details, posts and followers will be back to how you left them.