How to close an instagram
How to Deactivate Your Instagram Account or Delete Instagram
Click here for a summary of this article
How to Deactivate Your Instagram Account or Delete Instagram: A Quick Guide
If you feel like you need a break from social media, it is okay to deactivate your Instagram account temporarily, or even delete Instagram for good.
We recommend that you download your Instagram data before you deactivate or delete your account.
Follow these steps to deactivate Instagram:
- Log in to Instagram on a browser.
- Click on your profile picture, choose “Profile” > “Edit Profile.”
- Scroll down and click “Temporarily disable my account.”
- Choose a reason in the “Why are you disabling your account” section.
- Re-enter your password and confirm your decision.
If you want to delete your Instagram account, the process is not very different. Check out the article below for step-by-step instructions.
If you are concerned about your privacy on Instagram, using a VPN can help to safeguard your data. A VPN protects your internet traffic from prying eyes and makes it harder for hackers to breach your privacy. We recommend picking a trusted VPN like NordVPN.
Continue reading the article below for more information about how to deactivate or delete your Instagram account.
Instagram is one of the biggest social media platforms in the world, with over one billion active users every month.
While this translates to a lot of perfectly curated photos and stories to scroll through, it also makes the platform ripe for scams. Cyberattacks and fraud are rife on Instagram. We’ve reported on several Instagram cyberattacks this year, including a phishing attack that bypasses Gmail’s security filters.
Meanwhile, studies indicate that excessive use of social media platforms like Instagram can adversely affect your mental health. In fact, in 2021, Instagram tried to suppress an internal study that showed the negative effects of the app on teenage girls.
Are you concerned about your privacy? Are flashy influencers grinding on your patience? Do you want to spend less time scrolling through Instagram and focus on improving your productivity?
It may be time to deactivate your Instagram account, or perhaps delete Instagram altogether!
In this post, you’ll find detailed instructions on how to deactivate Instagram temporarily or delete your Instagram account permanently.
Deactivate vs. Delete: Which Is Right For You?
Instagram doesn’t want you to leave, so deleting your account is not your only recourse. You can also choose to deactivate it.
Here are the key differences between deactivating and deleting Instagram.
| Delete Your Instagram Account Permanently | Deactivate Your Instagram Account Temporarily |
|---|---|
| Deleting your Instagram account is irreversible | If you deactivate your Instagram account, you can reactivate it at any time just by logging in |
| When you delete your Instagram account, all your photos, followers, likes, and comments are permanently removed | If you deactivate your account, your photos, followers, comments, and likes are preserved |
| If you delete your account, you could lose your username if someone else claims it | If you deactivate Instagram, your account is hidden indefinitely, but no one can take your username |
Download and Backup Your Instagram Data
Whether you plan to deactivate or delete your Instagram account, we recommend that you grab a copy of all the things you’ve shared on the Instagram app.
How to download your Instagram data on the iPhone and Android app
Here’s how to download your Instagram data on your iPhone or Android device:
- Tap on your profile picture in the bottom right corner.
- Tap the three lines in the upper right corner.
- Select “Your activity.”
- To download your account data, click on “Download Your Information.”
- Next, click on “Request Download.” You can change the email address shown to have the data sent to another address.
- Enter your password.
- Tap “Request Download.”
It can take 48 hours to 14 days to receive your file. You’ll receive an email with the subject line “Your Instagram Data.” Click the link in the email to download your file. The file usually includes your profile information, photos, comments, and other data.
How to download your Instagram data on a computer or mobile browser
If you’re accessing Instagram on a web browser, here’s how to request your data file:
- Click your profile picture in the upper right corner.
- Choose “Settings” (the small cog icon).
- Select “Privacy and Security.”
- Scroll down to “Data Download” and click “Request Download.”
- Enter an email address to receive the download link, or leave the default email you used to log in.
- Choose the format for your data file — HTML or JSON. HTML is relatively easier to use.
- Type in your Instagram password.
- Click “Request Download.”
Within 48 hours, you will receive an email titled “Your Instagram Data.” Click the link in the email to download your file.
How to Deactivate Your Instagram Account
Not quite ready to walk away from Instagram? If you feel like a brief separation is all you need, then consider deactivating your Instagram account.
Unfortunately, you can’t deactivate an Instagram account from the iPhone or Android app. You’ll need to use your computer or mobile browser to cut ties with the social media platform.
Here’s how to deactivate your Instagram account on your computer or a mobile browser.
- Open a browser window and log in to the Instagram account you want to deactivate.
- Click your profile picture in the top right.
- Choose “Profile” > “Edit Profile.”
- Scroll down and click “Temporarily disable my account.”
- From the “Why are you disabling your account?” section, select a reason from the dropdown menu. You won’t be able to proceed until you select a reason.
- Re-enter your account password.
- Click “Temporarily Disable Account” to deactivate your Instagram account.
Your Instagram account will be hidden and won’t show up in search results.
Your username, photos, likes, followers, and comments will be preserved.
Note: The moment you log back into your account, it will be reactivated. You can only deactivate your Instagram account once per week.
How to Reactivate Your Instagram Account
If you’ve deactivated your Instagram account but want to access it again, follow these steps.
- Launch the Instagram app on your smartphone or tablet, or open Instagram in a web browser.
- On the Instagram home screen, enter your login credentials.
- Tap “Login” and your account will be restored.
If you change your mind right away after deactivating your account, you may have to wait up to 24 hours before you can reactivate it. Instagram typically takes several hours to complete deactivation requests. Until that process is complete, you won’t be able to reactivate your account.
How to Stay Safe on Instagram
If privacy and safety are the primary reasons you’re considering deactivating or deleting your Instagram account, there are ways to enhance your privacy on the social media platform.
We recommend using a VPN like NordVPN to encrypt your web traffic and hide your IP address from hackers and other prying eyes.
We have an article on how to tweak your privacy settings on Instagram for improved security. Our article on the most common Instagram scams is also a great resource. If you have kids, check out our guide on how to protect your kids on Instagram.
How to Delete Your Instagram Account Permanently
If you’re ready to completely delete your Instagram account, you’ll need to be on your computer with a web browser. Unfortunately, you cannot delete an Instagram account via the app on iPhone or Android.
Here’s how to delete your Instagram account permanently.
- Log in to Instagram on a browser. If you have more than one Instagram account, be sure you are logged in to the account you want to delete.
- Go to the “Delete Your Account” page. Unfortunately, there is no menu option to access this page easily, so you need the direct link.
- From the dropdown menu in the “Why do you want to delete [account name]” section, select the reason you want to delete your Instagram account. You will be asked for additional information, depending on the option you select.
- When you’re done, re-enter your Instagram account password.
- Click the “Permanently delete my account” button.
Your account will be deleted immediately, including all the photos, likes, followers, and comments associated with your account. You should see a message confirming this that reads, “Your account has been removed. We’re sorry to see you go!”
For all intents and purposes, your Instagram account has now been deleted.
However, Instagram says it may take up to three months for your account data to be completely removed from its servers. Instagram’s Data Policy also points out that some information may be retained on its servers beyond this 90-day window for legal purposes.
Final Thoughts
Instagram can be fun, but it poses a potential risk to your privacy and—in some cases—mental health. There are different opinions about the right way to use social media, but it is clear that taking a break is necessary sometimes.
It is perfectly fine to deactivate or permanently delete your Instagram account. Instagram and all other social media will be there when you are ready to use them again.
If you’re looking to do a social media cleanse, we have articles on how to delete your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Reddit, and Telegram accounts.
How to Deactivate Your Instagram Account or Delete Instagram: Frequently Asked Questions
Check out the FAQ section below for answers to specific questions about how to deactivate or delete your Instagram account.
How do I delete my Instagram account from a phone?
Since Instagram doesn’t let you delete your account within the app itself, you’ll need to log on to Instagram via a web browser. Once you do, follow these steps to delete your Instagram account permanently.
- Go to the “Delete Your Account” page.
- In the “Why do you want to delete [account name]” section, choose the reason you are deleting your account.
- Re-enter your Instagram password.
- Click the “Delete [username]” button.
For more instructions, read our article “How to Delete Your Instagram Account.”
What is the difference between deleting and deactivating my Instagram account?
When you delete your Instagram account, all your photos, followers, likes, and comments are gone forever.
Your username is also up for grabs. However, when you deactivate your Instagram account, your data is preserved, and you can reactivate your account at any time.
How do I deactivate an Instagram account?
You can only deactivate your Instagram account by logging in via a browser.
Follow the steps below to deactivate your account.
- Click your profile picture in the top right corner.
- Choose “Profile” > “Edit Profile.”
- Scroll down and click “Temporarily disable my account.”
- Choose a reason from the “Why are you disabling your account?” section.
- Re-enter your password.
- Click “Temporarily Disable Account.”
How do I reactivate an Instagram account?
To reactivate your Instagram account, all you have to do is log in via the app or a browser, and it’s done automatically. If you’ve just deactivated your account, you’ll have to wait for 24 hours before you can reactivate it.
Liz Wegerer Author
Tech journalist
Liz is a professional writer with a special interest in online privacy and cybersecurity. As a US expat who travels and works in diverse locations around the world, keeping up with the latest internet safety best practices remains her priority.
How to Delete an Instagram Account (The Easy Way)
How to delete an Instagram account on iOS
How to delete an Instagram account on Android
How to delete an Instagram account on your computer
When should you delete your Instagram account?
Decided Instagram isn’t the best fit for your business? No sweat. Unlike real life, there’s an undo button: you can delete your Instagram account permanently.
Before you delete, consider backing up your account data in case you need it. Be aware the data will be a computer-readable HTML or JSON format, not individual profile photos, videos, comments, etc.
Ready? Here’s how to delete your Instagram account in the app, from a computer, or via mobile web browser.
Bonus: Download a free checklist that reveals the exact steps a fitness influencer used to grow from 0 to 600,000+ followers on Instagram with no budget and no expensive gear.
How to delete an Instagram account on iOS
Step 1: Go to your account in the Instagram app. Then, tap the menu icon (3 lines) in the top right corner of the screen.
Step 2: Navigate to Settings, then Account.
Step 3: Tap Delete account.
Instagram will suggest deactivating instead of deleting. Deactivation hides your account and is reversible anytime. If you still want to permanently delete the Instagram account, go ahead and tap Delete account.
Step 3: Confirm deletion.
Instagram will ask you AGAIN… You’re sure about this, right?
Step 4: Confirm… again.
Instagram draws out the process, which you could argue is either annoying, or a good thing to prevent accidental deletions and angry users.
Instagram asks why you want to delete it. Your answer is mandatory and so is entering your password. Clicking the Delete @username button on this page will permanently delete your account.
Your account won’t be visible on Instagram anymore but you have 30 days to reverse your decision and reactivate it. After that it’s real-real gone.
How to delete an Instagram account on Android
For whatever odd reason, the native Instagram app on Android currently doesn’t allow you to delete an account like it does in the iPhone version. It’s weird, but no sweat, just open up a browser and follow the directions below.
How to delete an Instagram account on your computer
If you don’t have access to the app on your current phone or you’re an Android user, you can also delete your Instagram account from any web browser.
The steps below also work for mobile browsers (e.g. Safari or Chrome on your phone).
Step 1: Go to www.instagram.com and sign into your account
Step 2: Visit the Delete Account page.
Step 3: Confirm deletion.
Ensure the username matches the account you want to delete. If not, click Log out on the right side of the screen to go back to Instagram and sign in to the correct account.
Fill out the reason for deleting your Instagram account and enter your password. Tapping Delete @username at the bottom will permanently delete your account.
When should you delete your Instagram account?
If you have any doubts at all about deleting your profile, you should temporarily deactivate your Instagram account instead. Deactivated accounts are easily recovered, whereas deleted ones are permanently removed from the platform (after the 30 day grace period).
For most people, I’d recommend deactivation, even if you leave it that way for months or years.
It accomplishes the same thing (no one can find or see your account) but without the risk of regret.
Another option is to switch to a private account. Private accounts still show up in search results but their posts don’t, nor are they publicly viewable on your profile. People can request to follow you, but you don’t have to approve them. Current followers will still be able to see your posts and content, though.
Bonus: Download a free checklist that reveals the exact steps a fitness influencer used to grow from 0 to 600,000+ followers on Instagram with no budget and no expensive gear.
Get the free guide right now!
To change to a private account, go to Settings in the app, then Privacy and tap the slider next to Private account to the on position.
There are a few specific scenarios where deleting your Instagram account makes sense. (Although you could still choose to temporarily disable your account for these, too.
)
You’re not sure if Instagram is paying off
Is Instagram helping you achieve your business goals? You set business goals for your Instagram account, right? And you measure them regularly, right?
Instagram may not be the best fit for you, but if you’re unsure, it’s worth it to revise your Instagram marketing strategy first. Give it a fair shot to provide a positive ROI for you.
Use our free social media audit template to track progress and evaluate the results. If you still don’t see results from Instagram for several quarters, it’s probably worth focusing more on other platforms.
Your target audience doesn’t use Instagram
You can have the most bangin’ Reels, the best carousels, and the most interesting Stories, but if your target peeps aren’t seeing it? Oof, that’s a lot of wasted effort for very little reward.
Social media platforms are only as effective as your marketing strategy. Is your target customer 70+ years old? Certainly some will be on Instagram, but it’s probably not where you should spend the bulk of your time or budget.
Not sure if Instagram is a good fit for your audience? Check out the Social Trends 2022 report for the latest demographics for all platforms and the stats you need for an informed strategy.
You have more than one account for your brand
Whoops, discovered that second account last year’s intern opened by mistake? Go ahead and delete it (unless it has, like, a bajillion followers).
Duplicate or erroneous accounts can confuse your audience, especially if your main profile doesn’t have a blue check mark beside it to show its authenticity. People may end up following the wrong account. Eliminate confusion by deleting any unused profiles.
Managing Instagram is overwhelming
Gotcha! This is a trick reason. Overwhelm is real but it’s not a reason to delete your account.
Instead, save time, get organized, and get your Instagram marketing in gear with Hootsuite. Schedule and publish your content—yep, Reels, too!— in advance, manage DMs from all your platforms from one inbox, and collaborate and approve draft content with your team.
Start your free 30-day trial
Check out how Hootsuite takes the overwhelm out of managing your Instagram (and all your other platforms).
Whether you decide to keep Instagram or not, Hootsuite seamlessly manages all your social media accounts across platforms. Plan, schedule, publish, engage, analyze, and advertise everywhere from one dashboard. Save your time and protect your work-life balance. Try it free today.
Get Started
Easily create, analyze, and schedule Instagram posts, Stories, and Reels with Hootsuite. Save time and get results.
Free 30-Day Trial
How to close your Instagram account*
May 4, 2020LikbezTechnology
Hide your photos and videos from strangers.
Share
0If you do not like publicity and do not want strangers to view your content, close your profile.
After that, all the stories and posts added to it will be available only to existing subscribers and people whom you allow to follow you in the future.
Even if you add a hashtag to the photo, outsiders will not be able to find it in the search. In addition, your content will not be recommended.
After closing your account, you can open it again at any time.
How to close your Instagram* profile using the mobile app
Open Settings. Go to the "Privacy" → "Account Privacy" section and enable the "Private account" option.
To open your profile, go to Settings → Privacy → Account Privacy again and turn off the “Closed Account” option.
Now reading 🔥
- How to clean up your gadgets, since you still have to stay at home
How to close your Instagram account * through the site
Open the settings: click on the profile icon in the upper right corner, and then click on the gear.
In the menu that appears, select "Privacy and security" and check the "Closed account" box.
To open the profile, click again in the "Privacy and security" settings and uncheck the "Closed account" box.
How to close an Instagram author or business account*
If you previously switched from a regular profile to an author or business account, you won't be able to close that page. These types of accounts are for public users who promote their brand. Therefore, they do not imply the possibility of closure.
The only way out is to switch back to a regular account. This can be done in the Instagram* mobile app. Click in the settings "Account" → "Switch to personal account" and follow the prompts of the system.
After switching to a regular profile, you can close it as described above.
Read also 💻📲👾
- 15 best apps for Instagram* Stories
- How to change your Instagram nickname or name*
- How to view your Instagram profile statistics*
- How to download Instagram photos* to your computer, tablet or smartphone
- How to close your VKontakte profile
*Activity of Meta Platforms Inc.
and its social networks Facebook and Instagram are prohibited in the territory of the Russian Federation.
How to close an account on 📷Instagram - in 5 clicks
We continue the series of articles “Instagram for a teapot”. Simple instructions on how to properly use the functionality and much more. Next topic: “How to close an Instagram account”.
Content
- How to close Instagram account on iPhone and Android?
- How do I add or remove followers on a private profile?
- How to make an account open again?
- How to close a business account?
- What is the difference between a closed account and an open one?
- Why close your Instagram account?
If you want to share photos only with a narrow circle of people, you will need to know how to close an Instagram account . This is a built-in feature in the social network, so no special skills are needed.
How to close an Instagram account on iPhone and Android
Instagram for Android and iPhone differs minimally, you can close your profile on both operating systems with one instruction:
1) Go to your account on your page and click on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner
2) Go to Settings
3) Select Privacy
4) Scroll down the page and click Account Privacy:
5) Now you can click on the switch so that it becomes colored, confirm your action and now - the account is already closed!
How to add or remove followers on a private Instagram profile?
If you have a private account, only users approved by you can see the photos, the rest are waiting for approval.
To add subscribers, you need to go to Actions (heart icon) in the lower right corner. Click there and you will see a list of those who want to follow you. To add a person, click Confirm:
To remove a person from your subscribers, go to your list of subscribers:
Click delete and confirm the action:
How to make the account open again?
To open a page to the public, follow the same path as to close it:
- Three horizontal lines in the upper right corner.
- Settings at the bottom of the page.
- Privacy.
- Account privacy.
- Move switch and confirm action.
How to close a business account?
Business accounts on Instagram are used by companies and bloggers. In such an account, you can see the statistics of subscribers, visits, launch targeted advertising.
When you move your personal account to a company page, Instagram automatically offers to make the page public, even if you have a private profile.
In this case, you can only agree, it will not work to transfer the acc back to the closed format, only if you return back to the personal page format.
What is the difference between a closed Instagram account and an open one?
Before closing an account, you need to understand the difference between open and closed profiles. Perhaps you did not take into account some disadvantages of privacy.
- Only subscribers will see what you post.
- Posts from your account will not appear in hashtag searches.
- The account can be found in the search by account name, but when you go to the page, photos, stories and videos will not be available.
- In order for a person to see your posts, you must approve their subscription request.
- You cannot make a business profile private, it has its own advantages - visible statistics, for example. But you can only close the personal page.
Why close your Instagram account?
The first reason for closing is elementary and understandable - privacy.
