How to Delete (or Just Deactivate) Your Instagram Account GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Social Media > Instagram

How to Delete (or Just Deactivate) Your Instagram Account

Leave temporarily or permanently with a few simple steps

By Elise Moreau Elise Moreau Freelance Contributor University of Ontario George Brown College Elise Moreau is a writer that has covered social media, texting, messaging, and streaming for Lifewire. Her work has appeared on Techvibes, SlashGear, Lifehack and others. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on July 31, 2022 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email

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Expand Jump to a Section Deactivate Instagram Temporarily Permanently Delete the Account Frequently Asked Questions

What to Know

To delete: From the account deletion page choose a reason, enter PW, select Permanently delete my account.To deactivate: Edit Profile > Temporarily disable my account > choose a reason > Temporarily Disable Account.
This article explains how you can temporarily deactivate or even permanently delete your Instagram account. You'll need to do this from Instagram in a web browser.

How to Deactivate an Instagram Account

Here's what to do if you want to disable your Instagram account for a temporary break. Instagram doesn't currently let users deactivate accounts from within its mobile app. Navigate to Instagram.com in a web browser (Firefox, Chrome, Safari, or other) and sign in to your account. Select your profile picture or icon. Select Edit Profile. At the bottom of your profile account page, select Temporarily disable my account. Next to Why Are You Disabling Your Account, click the drop-down arrow, then select a reason for disabling your account. Enter your password, then select Temporarily Disable Account. Instagram confirms that it temporarily disabled your account. To reactivate your account, log in again at Instagram.com. You may not be able to reactivate your account immediately after disabling it, as it takes a few hours for Instagram to complete the process.

Get Out for Good Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account

Just like disabling your account, you need to delete your account using Instagram.com in a web browser. As an alternative to disabling or deleting your account, consider limiting access to your profile by making your Instagram profile private. In a web browser, navigate to the Instagram Account Deletion page and log in if necessary. The account deletion page is accessible only through the direct link. You can't get there from your profile. Next to Why do you want to delete, click the drop-down arrow and select a reason. Based on your reason, Instagram suggests deletion alternatives that may be a better solution for you. For example, if you selected Too busy/too distracting, Instagram may suggest removing the application from your mobile device instead of deleting your account. If you want to go ahead with the account deletion, enter your password and select Delete [your account name]. Deletion is permanent. You can't restore your account and its contents, including photos, videos, and comments. FAQ What happens when I deactivate my Instagram account? While your Instagram account is deactivated, your profile, photos, comments, and likes will be hidden from the public, including your followers. How do I reactivate my Instagram account? Just log back in as normal to start using your Instagram account again. If Instagram deactivated your account, you can appeal the decision.
How do I forget an Instagram account on my device? To forget an Instagram account on your phone, tap your Profile > Menu > Settings > Log Out > Remove Account. On Instagram.com, select your Profile > Log Out > Remove Account. If the browser still stores your login credentials, check the browser's settings for password and autofill options.
How many reports does Instagram allow until your account is deleted? Instagram doesn't automatically deactivate accounts after a certain number of reports. Account bans are decided on a case-by-case basis. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Reactivate Your Snapchat Account How to Delete an iCloud Email Account Permanently How to Delete Your Uber Eats Account What to Know About Instagram Inactive or Deleted Account Policies What to Do When Your Instagram Account is Disabled or Deactivated How to Delete a Reddit Account How to Delete a Facebook Account Permanently How to Delete a Twitter Account Permanently How to Permanently Delete Your Yahoo Mail Account How to Delete a Cash App Account How to Clear Your Instagram Search History How to Use Messenger Without a Facebook Account How to Forget an Instagram Account on Your Computer or Phone How to Delete Your Bumble Account How to Delete Your Firefox Account Reactivating Your Instagram Account Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies