Instagram is a popular social media platform that allows users to share photos and connect with friends and followers. However, there may be times when you want to take a break from Instagram or deactivate your account for personal reasons. Deactivating your Instagram account temporarily disables your profile and hides your posts and activity from other users. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to deactivate Instagram account in 2023.
Step 1: Log in to Your Instagram Account
To deactivate your Instagram account, you will need to log in to your account using the Instagram app on your mobile device or the Instagram website on your computer. Enter your username and password to access your account.
Step 2: Go to Your Profile Page
Once you are logged in, you will be taken to your Instagram home feed. To deactivate your account, you will need to go to your profile page. To do this, tap on the profile icon (a silhouette of a person) located at the bottom right corner of the screen on the mobile app or at the top right corner of the screen on the website.
Step 3: Access the Settings Menu
On your profile page, you will find an icon with three horizontal lines, which represents the settings menu. Tap on this icon on the mobile app or click on it on the website to access the settings menu.
Step 4: Navigate to the “Settings” Page
In the settings menu, you will see a variety of options. Scroll down until you find the “Settings” option, which is typically located towards the bottom of the list. Tap on “Settings” on the mobile app or click on it on the website to go to the settings page.
Step 5: Select “Security” or “Privacy”
On the settings page, you will see different categories such as “Account,” “Privacy,” “Security,” etc. Depending on the version of Instagram you are using, the option to deactivate your account may be located under “Security” or “Privacy.” Tap on “Security” or “Privacy” on the mobile app or click on it on the website to proceed.
Step 6: Deactivate Your Account
Under the “Security” or “Privacy” section, you will find the option to “Deactivate Account” or “Temporarily Disable Account.” Tap on this option on the mobile app or click on it on the website to start the deactivation process.
Step 7: Provide a Reason and Enter Your Password
Instagram will ask you to provide a reason for deactivating your account from a drop-down menu. Select the reason that best fits your situation. Then, you will need to enter your password to confirm that you are the account owner and authorize the deactivation process.
Step 8: Deactivate Your Account
Once you have provided a reason and entered your password, you can proceed with deactivating your account. Tap on “Deactivate Account” on the mobile app or click on “Temporarily Disable Account” on the website to deactivate your Instagram account.
What Happens When You Deactivate Your Instagram Account?
Deactivating your Instagram account temporarily disables your profile and hides your posts, comments, and likes from other users. Your account will no longer be visible to anyone on Instagram, and your followers will not be able to view your profile or posts. However, your account information, such as your username, email address, and profile picture, will be saved by Instagram, and you will be able to reactivate your account at any time by logging in with your username and password.
It’s important to note that deactivating your Instagram account is different from deleting it. When you delete your account, all your data, including your profile, posts, comments, and messages, will be permanently removed from Instagram, and you won’t be able to reactivate your account or retrieve your data. On the other hand, deactivating your account is a temporary measure that allows you to take a break from Instagram without losing your data permanently.
What You Can and Cannot Do When Your Instagram Account is Deactivated
While your Instagram account is deactivated, you won’t be able to perform the following actions:
1) Logging in: You will not be able to access your account or view your profile, posts, or messages until you reactivate your account.
2) Posting new content: You won’t be able to share new photos, videos, or stories on Instagram during the deactivation period.
3) Interacting with other users: You won’t be able to like, comment on, or send direct messages to other users.
However, there are some things you can still do when your Instagram account is deactivated:
1) Reactivating your account: You can reactivate your account at any time by logging in with your username and password. Once you reactivate your account, your profile, posts, and activity will be restored, and you can use Instagram as usual.
2) Changing your password: You can still change your password if you want to update your account’s security settings.
4) Managing your account information: You can update your email address, profile picture, and other personal information associated with your account.
5) Viewing other public profiles: While your account is deactivated, you can still view public profiles of other users, but you won’t be able to like, comment on, or send direct messages to them.
7) Using other Instagram features: You can still use features such as Instagram Help Center, reporting a problem, or contacting Instagram support.
Tips for Deactivating Your Instagram Account
Before you deactivate your Instagram account, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1) Take a backup of your data: If you want to keep a copy of your posts, comments, and messages, make sure to take a backup of your data before deactivating your account. You can do this by using third-party tools or manually saving your content.
2) Inform your followers: If you have a significant following on Instagram, consider informing your followers in advance that you will be deactivating your account. This way, they won’t be surprised or confused by your sudden absence.
3) Consider other options: If you’re deactivating your account due to privacy concerns or online harassment, consider adjusting your privacy settings or reporting the issue to Instagram instead of deactivating your account. Instagram has various privacy features that allow you to control who can see your posts, comment on your posts, and send you messages.
4) Set a reminder to reactivate your account: If you plan to reactivate your account after a specific period, set a reminder to avoid forgetting about it. This way, you can easily log in and reactivate your account when you’re ready to use Instagram again.
Conclusion
In conclusion, deactivating your Instagram account is a temporary measure that allows you to take a break from the platform without losing your data permanently. By following the step-by-step guide and keeping the tips in mind, you can easily deactivate your Instagram account and take a break from the platform whenever you need to. Remember, you can always reactivate your account when you’re ready to use Instagram again.