Open Instagram on your mobile app or through the Instagram.com website.
Tap your profile photo at the bottom right. Then, tap the hamburger menu (three lines) at the top right.
Select “Accounts Center“.
Scroll down a bit. Tap “Personal details“.
Tap on “Account ownership and control“.
Select “Deactivation or deletion“.
Pick the account you want to deactivate.
(If you have multiple accounts).
Pick “Deactivate account“, then tap “Continue“.
Type your password to authorize deactivation.
Pick any reason, (it doesn’t matter what you choose).
And click continue.
Instagram will ask you one last time if you’re sure.
You’re sure, right? 👀
If so click on “Deactivate account“.
Your account is now successfully deactivated! 👏
You should see the login page.
@Author
Thanks, I did it! 💪
Now, how do I re-activate it?
@Reader
Cmon! We did it …
If you just log back into your account, it will be reactivated.
Log out of all devices to avoid auto-reactivation.
@Author
So my account is not deleted?
@Reader
Of course not!
This is a way to DEACTIVATE your account temporarily.
If you want to permanently delete your Instagram account then you choose that option.
@Author
How long does It take?
@Reader
For your account to be deactivated?
@Author
Yeah.
@Reader
Right away.
But other people might still see it for a few hours.
@Author
FAQs
•••
How do I temporarily disable my Instagram account?
To temporarily disable your Instagram account, go to your profile, and “Accounts Center“. Once you’re there, follow this guide to complete your account deactivation.
Will deactivating my Instagram account delete my messages?
No, deactivating your Instagram account will not delete your messages. They’ll be hidden until you reactivate your account, at which point they’ll reappear.
How long can I keep my Instagram account deactivated?
You can keep your Instagram account deactivated for as long as you want. Just remember to reactivate it by logging in whenever you need to get back in.
Can I still use Instagram on other devices if I deactivate my account?
No, deactivating your Instagram account will log you out on all devices and prevent you from using Instagram until you reactivate your account.
What if I forget my password while my Instagram account is deactivated?
You can still recover your password while your account is deactivated. Simply use the ‘Forgot password’ option on the login screen and follow the instructions to reset your password.
Summary
Taking a break from social media to recharge is not a bad idea at all! You can deactivate your account for as long as you need, and then reactivate it whenever you’re ready. For me, I mostly only use Instagram for work-related purposes.
