Almost every adult is using Instagram today. This is because Instagram connects people and businesses and lets them share their special moments. But many people around the world want to let go of social media, especially Instagram because it negatively impacts mental health and is time-consuming. You must have felt that you continuously wasted over an hour scrolling reels. There is no shame in not using Instagram, as taking a break from things is necessary if they bother you. We have the answer if you are troubled with how to delete an Instagram account.
Things to Consider Before Permanently Deleting an Instagram Account
If you are about to delete an Instagram account, here are a few things that you need to consider. Let’s walk through them:
1. Followers cannot see your profile
You must have some followers on your account, so if you once deactivate or delete your Instagram account, they cannot see your posts, profile pictures, comments, likes, or anything. However, your account will still exist on Instagram’s servers.
2. You won’t get any notification of your deactivated account
You won’t get any notification once you deactivate or delete your account. Your friends cannot send any messages to you, and even if they type and hit that send button, it will not notify you since your account is deactivated or deleted.
3. Take a backup of the media
If you are deactivating or deleting an Instagram, you will lose access to your profile, photos, videos, posts, followers, following, messages, and other data. So, it’s better to take a backup of the media. To take a backup, you have to generate a request on Instagram, and through Gmail, they will create a backup of your data.
4. Deactivation can affect other social media links
If you have linked your other social media with your Instagram, then there are chances that deactivation can affect them. So, consider this before deleting your account permanently.
How to Deactivate an Instagram Account Temporarily?
Temporarily deactivating an account is the best option. It is beneficial as you can access your account anytime simply using a username and password. If you want to deactivate an Instagram account temporarily, here are a few steps you should follow. Let’s check them out:
1. Open the Instagram app
2. Switch to the account which you want to deactivate
3. Click on the profile section
4. Click on the three horizontal lines in the upper right corner
5. Tap on the Accounts centre
6. Click on Personal details
7. Now, tap on Account ownership and control
8. Click on deactivation or deletion
9. Pick the account you want to deactivate
10. Between deactivation and delete, click on “deactivation”
11. Click on continue
12. Confirm your password and add a reason, too
13. Your account is successfully deactivated
How to Deactivate an Instagram Account Through a Web Browser
You don’t have to install an Instagram to deactivate your Instagram account. It can be done directly through the web browser on the official Instagram website. Let’s check the steps:
1. Open an Instagram account
2. Add a username and password
3. Click on the “more” given at the bottom left corner
4. Click on “settings”
5. Tap on the Accounts centre
6. Click on Personal details
7. Now, tap on Account ownership and control
8. Click on deactivation or deletion
9. Pick the account you want to deactivate
10. Between deactivation and delete, click on “deactivation”
11. Click on continue
How to Delete an Instagram Account Permanently?
If you are sure about deleting an Instagram account, then this option is for you. However, take the backup first, as your photos and videos are safely saved in your file. Let’s walk through the steps to delete an Instagram account permanently.
1. Open the Instagram app
2. Switch to the account which you want to delete
3. Click on the “Profile” section
4. Click on the three horizontal lines in the upper right corner
5. Tap on the “Accounts centre”
6. Click on “Personal details”
7. Now, tap on “Account ownership and control”
8. Click on deactivation or deletion
9. Pick the account you want to delete
10. Between deactivation and delete, click on “delete”
11. Click on continue
How to Reactivate an Instagram Account?
Reactivating an Instagram account is an easy process. If you want to reactivate your Instagram account, follow the below steps:
1. Open the Instagram account
2. Add the correct username and password
3. Click on Login
The Last Line
Instagram is a widely popular and used social media platform. But, it can be time-consuming and cause mental health-related problems. So, many people look for an option to avoid using the platform. If you are one of these people, simply deactivate or delete an Instagram account. The steps are easy. However, do consider the things, such as taking backup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ques: How do I delete an old Instagram account?
Ans: Login to the account you want to delete → Click on Profile → Accounts Centre → Personal details → Account ownership and control → Delete.
Ques: Why is my deleted Instagram account still visible?
Ans: To successfully delete an Instagram account, the app takes time of 30 days. So, patiently wait for the completion of the process.
Ques: Does Instagram delete old messages?
Ans: No, Instagram does not delete any messages itself.
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