How to delete or deactivate your Instagram account
Tired of the app or are you bored with it?
Tired of scrolling through Instagram and needing a social media detox? We're here to help. While Instagram has become an unavoidable part of everyone's lives, the platform poses a host of privacy issues and is also detrimental to your mental health. So, if you've decided to ditch the app for good, here's a step-by-step guide on how to permanently delete or deactivate your Instagram account.
MigNews will share the steps you need to take to do this. By the way, for those who want to take a temporary break, the Instagram deactivation feature allows you to step away from the app without losing your followers and posts. However, if you decide to delete your Instagram account, all your messages, photos, clips or videos will be permanently deleted from the platform.
How to permanently delete your Instagram account?
Using the mobile app:
- Go to your profile and select the menu in the upper right corner.
- Select “Account Center” and then click on “Personal Information”.
- Here you will find the option “Account Ownership and Management”. Select the option and select “Deactivate or Delete”.
- Click on your Instagram profile, select “Delete Account” and click “Continue”.
- Select a reason for deleting your Instagram account, after which you will have to re-enter your password for security purposes.
- Your account will now be set to delete after 30 days.
Using a PC or desktop:
- Log in to the Instagram website.
- Click on “More” at the bottom left of the screen and select “Settings.”
- Go to “Account Center” and select “Personal Information.”
- Now select “Account Ownership and Management” and then click on “Deactivate or Delete.”
- Click on your Instagram profile and select the “Delete Account” option. Choose a reason for deletion, re-enter your password, and your account will be scheduled for deletion within the next 30 days.
Please note: Instagram gives you 30 days to reverse your decision and regain access to your deleted account. However, after that, your account and its data will be permanently deleted from the platform. If you want to return to Instagram within the 30-day period, simply log in with your email and password.
How to deactivate your Instagram account?
Using the mobile app:
- Go to your profile and click on the hamburger menu in the upper left corner.
- Click on “Account Center”, select “Personal Information” and go to the “Account Ownership and Management” section.
- Select “Deactivate or Delete”, select your Instagram profile and go to the “Deactivate Account” option.
- Enter your password and click “Continue”. Your account will now be deactivated.
Using a PC or desktop:
- Open the Instagram website, select the “More” option on the homepage and select “Settings”.
- Go to the Account Center and select Personal Information.
- Go to Account Ownership and Management and select the Deactivate Account option from the Deactivate or Delete menu.
- Enter your password and you're done.
Please note: You can deactivate your Instagram account once a week. The platform does not allow multiple deactivation attempts.
Should you deactivate or delete Instagram?
Delete your Instagram if you want to get rid of the platform forever. If you’re not sure you want to leave the platform forever, deactivate your account for 30 days. Remember, deleting your Instagram account is permanent: your profile, followers, photos and videos, comments, and likes will be gone forever. Deactivating your account is a temporary process, and you can restore it at any time.
The decision to deactivate or delete Instagram depends on your personal circumstances and goals for using social media. You may need a digital detox, more privacy, or fewer unwanted distractions. Or maybe you're concerned about user data protection, child safety, mental health, the risk of fraud or Instagram hacking.
If you just want to take a break from Instagram, deactivating your account will temporarily hide it until you're ready to return.
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