Instagram is an amazing social platform where you can stay in touch with your friends and influencers, but sometimes it can be too much. Taking a break may help.
Instagram makes it easier than Twitter to deactivate an account temporarily – log back in again when ready! Reactivation can happen just as quickly!
How to Deactivate?
If Instagram has become too distracting or overwhelming for you to use effectively–whether for mental peace, productivity or as it becomes another TikTok knockoff–deactivating your account is an easy solution that you can use both through its app or desktop version.
Deactivating your Instagram account essentially hides it from view – no longer will your likes, tags and messages appear in other people’s lists, nor can anyone contact you through your account. Your data remains stored on Instagram’s servers and will be available when you return – though, of course, all this won’t appear in searches as before!
Your account will be deactivated for one of several reasons: either choose one or click Something Else. Once logged back in, its original state will be restored, making your profile visible again to the public.
Instagram currently allows you to deactivate your account once per week temporarily; when logging back in, it will reactivate automatically. However, if you would like your account permanently deleted, you must request it through Instagram directly.
How to Reactivate?
Instagram is an increasingly popular social media platform where users can post images, stories and updates with their followers. Users have the option of creating either a public or private account; public accounts allow everyone with internet access to view your posts; private accounts restrict viewing only to people following your account.
To reactivate your Instagram account, log in with either the email address or phone number associated with it. If neither are available to you, use Instagram’s help form to reach out – filling in this form requires explaining the reason behind wanting to reactivate and providing proof of identity as well as uploading an updated photo of yourself.
Once you have provided all of the required information, press “Temporarily Disable Account.” A pop-up window will then offer one last confirmation or option to reconsider. If you’re confident about reactivating your account, select “Yes”; your Instagram profile will then be restored to its previous state, with logins back via your previous username and password. However, permanently deleted accounts cannot be revived; should you want to keep using that username, you must sign up for another one separately.
How to download your Instagram data?
Once you have decided to deactivate your account, Instagram offers you the option of downloading your data. They will provide an email link within 48 hours that allows you to do just this; make sure that when it arrives, it is kept safe for later.
Your device will require enough storage space to download Instagram data files. After completion, you’ll be able to organize them according to your preference – third-party data management apps can further organize and analyze Instagram data for you.
Your downloaded file will include photos, stories, comments and other data in a ZIP format with separate folders for each type of content; anything non-photo related, such as messages, profile searches and settings, will be stored in text format, which can be opened using a notepad on a computer.
If your Instagram account is underperforming, instead of temporarily deactivating it, consider permanently deleting it instead. However, permanently deleting an account will delete all your posts and other data, but reactivation is easy should your mind change; alternatively, you could set your account as private to stop specific individuals from viewing its contents.
How to delete your Instagram account?
If you no longer wish to use Instagram or need a break from social media, deactivating your account is an ideal solution. Doing so renders it invisible to the public, stopping people from finding and viewing your photos and videos. Deactivation does not delete your data, though, and at any point, simply by signing back into either the app or website, your account can be activated again.
To temporarily deactivate your Instagram account, open either the app or website and tap on the person icon at the top. Choose “Edit profile”, and go to the bottom of the page then click ‘Temporarily disable my account”. When asked why your account needs to be temporarily disabled ent, enter your password again before continuing.
You will have 30 days from when you delete your account to revoke it if your mind changes. After that time, your data will be permanently lost and no longer accessible via any username (though yours might still be available if someone has taken it already). Furthermore, all photos, videos, likes, comments and followers will also be erased along with them – be mindful that when considering deletion, downloading a backup copy of Instagram data may provide valuable memories or information that should remain safely archived for posterity.