Quick Guide: How to Deactivate Instagram Account Now

Key Highlights

• Learn how to deactivate Instagram account on both mobile and desktop devices and essential steps you need to take before doing so.
• Deactivating your account instead of deleting it allows you to take a break while preserving your data and followers.
• After deactivation, your followers will no longer see your account, and your data will be stored securely.

Overview on How to Deactivate Instagram Account:

Instagram, a popular social media app, has become a significant part of our daily lives. Deactivating an account is a strategic move for various reasons, be it for privacy concerns with advertisers, a digital detox, or simply to reduce iOS app screen time.

This guide will walk you through the process of deactivating your Instagram account, ensuring that you are well-informed about the implications of this decision. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently navigate the deactivation process and take control of your online presence. Let's delve into how to deactivate an instagram account and its impact on your social media use and privacy.

The Difference Between Deactivating and Deleting

Before we cover how to deactivate Instagram account, it's important to understand that deactivating an Instagram account temporarily suspends it, leaving the option to reactivate it later. Deleting an account, on the other hand, is a permanent action with no recovery option.

When you deactivate your account, your profile, photos, comments, and likes are hidden until reactivation. Deleting, however, erases all data entirely. Deactivation maintains your account history, while deletion removes it forever. If unsure about a permanent decision, deactivation offers a safer choice.

Pre-Deactivation Checklist

Backing up your Instagram data is crucial before deactivation. Ensure your personal information is secure by doing a backup of any vital photos or messages. Double-check your account ownership details to retain control of your data. Review your privacy settings and edit profile information to minimize the exposure of personal details. Consider using a VPN server to for safer browsing during the deactivation process by protecting you from malicious doxxing attempts.

Backup Your Instagram Data on a VPN

Before you deactivate your Instagram account, it's crucial to back up your data to avoid losing any precious photos, videos, or messages. Start by using the " Request Download Data" feature available on the Instagram website to create a copy of all your account information. This includes your profile details, posts, comments, and direct messages. Everything except your social security number. Remember to do this on a secure VPN.

How to Deactivate Your Instagram Account Permanently

How deactivate your Instagram account, start by opening the Instagram app on your mobile device.

1. Tap on your profile picture in the bottom right corner and then select "Settings."
2. Scroll down and tap on "Help" and then "Help Center."
3. Type "delete account" and select the relevant option.
4. Next, choose "How do I delete my account?" followed by the provided link and select "Delete Your Account" through the given deactivation page.
5. Enter your password and choose a reason for deactivation.
6. Finally, click on "Permanently delete my account."

How to Deactivate Instagram Account Permanently on Desktop (PC and Mac):

1. Visit the Instagram website, log in, go to the "Accounts Center,"
2. click on "Edit Profile,"
3. select "Temporarily disable my account," and follow the same steps as on mobile.

How to Deactivate My Instagram Account Temporarily on Mobile

To temporarily deactivate your Instagram account on mobile (Android and iPhone), visit Instagram app and log into your account.

1. Then, tap on your profile picture in the bottom right corner.
2. Select "Settings" from the menu.
3. Choose "Help" and then "Help Center."
4. In the search bar, type "delete account" and select the relevant article.
5. Scroll down and click on the provided link to the "Delete Your Account" page.
6. From there, select "How do I delete my account?" and then the account deletion page.
7. Scroll down and select the option to temporarily deactivate your account instead.
8. Confirm your decision by providing a reason for deactivation and entering your password. Your account will then be temporarily deactivated.

How to Deactivate an Instagram Account Temporarily on Desktop

To temporarily deactivate your Instagram account while browsing the internet on a desktop (Mac or PC), start by logging into your Instagram account using the Wave Browser Instagram app in split-view.

1. Open the Menu bar in the top right corner and select "Settings and Privacy" from the dropdown menu.

2.  Next, click on Accounts Center > Personal Details > Account Ownership and control.

3.  Select deactivation or deletion:

4.  Choose Deactivate Account and sign in again to confirm.

Choose a reason for deactivating from the dropdown menu, re-enter your password, and then click on "Temporarily Disable Account." . Confirm your decision when prompted.

What Happens After You Delete or Deactivate Instagram?

After deactivating your Instagram messaging account, your profile becomes invisible to others, but your data is stored. Followers will not see your posts or stories. You can reactivate anytime, and your data remains intact. When you delete an instagram account, your profile becomes invisible to others, and your data is permanently deleted within 30 days.

What Your Followers Will See

Deactivating your Instagram account is like browsing in incognito mode, your followers will see that your profile has disappeared from the platform. They won’t be able to view your posts, stories, or any other details on your profile. Your username will not appear in searches, and your existing comments and likes on other users' posts will be attributed to a generic Instagram user. Any direct messages you’ve sent will still be visible in the recipients’ inboxes, but your name will not be linked to the messages.

How Your Data is Stored

When you deactivate your Instagram account, your data is not permanently removed. Instagram retains your personal information, photos, comments, and likes in case you decide to reactivate your account. However, your profile becomes temporarily hidden, and your followers cannot view your content. Your data is stored securely in Instagram's servers, ensuring account privacy. While your account is deactivated, your personal details remain protected, but remember to follow safety measures to prevent any unauthorized access. In case of account reactivation, your data is seamlessly restored.

Navigating Common Deactivation Concerns

Read on to get answers to your most common concerns regarding how to deactivate Instagram account and what happens afterwards.

Can You Reactivate Your Account After Deactivating it?

If you choose to deactivate your Instagram account, you have the option to reactivate it in the future. Reactivating your account is as simple as logging back in with your username and password. It's important to note that you can only reactivate your account if you are the original owner and still have access to the associated email address or phone number.

When you reactivate your account, you'll regain access to your profile, photos, videos, comments, likes, and followers. However, it's important to keep in mind that if you deleted your account instead of deactivating it, you will not be able to reactivate it. In that case, you would need to create a new account with a different username.

Time Limit for Reactivation After Deleting Your Instagram Account

If instead of learning how to deactivate Instagram account you choose to delete your Instagram account, you can reactivate it within 30 days of submitting your deletion request. During this period, your account will remain inactive and hidden from other users. To reactivate your account, all you need to do is log back in with your username and password.

It's important to note that if you don't reactivate your account within the 30-day period, your account will be permanently deleted and you won't be able to recover any of your information. So, if you're unsure about your decision to delete, it's best to reactivate your account before the time limit expires.

Alternatives to Deactivation

While deactivating or deleting your Instagram account can be a viable option, there are alternative measures you can take to reduce your screen time and address privacy concerns without completely disconnecting from social media platforms. More temporary options include using Instagram's built-in break features and limiting app notifications. This can also help improve your mental well-being by reducing the constant stream of updates and notifications.

Using Instagram's Built-in Break Features

If you're looking to reduce your screen time on Instagram without deactivating your account, you can take advantage of the platform's built-in break features. One such feature is the "Your Activity" feature, which allows you to set daily reminders and time limits for app usage.

Here's how to access the "Your Activity" feature:

1. Open the Instagram app and navigate to your profile. 
2. From there, tap on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner to access the menu. 
3. Scroll down and select "Your Activity." Here, you can view insights into your daily and weekly app usage, as well as set time limits for yourself.

By setting time limits, you can ensure that you're not spending excessive amounts of time on the app. Once your set time limit is reached, Instagram will notify you, reminding you to take a break. This feature can help you establish healthier habits and create a better balance between your online and offline activities.

It's also important to be mindful of the information you share on Instagram. Consider reviewing your privacy settings and adjusting them according to your preferences. This can help you maintain control over your personal information and protect your privacy while using the platform.

Limiting App Notifications

App notifications can be a major source of distraction and can contribute to feelings of overwhelm and anxiety. If you find that Instagram notifications are constantly pulling your attention away from important tasks or causing unnecessary stress, it may be beneficial to limit these notifications.

To do this, access your device's settings and navigate to the notifications or app settings menu. From there, find the Instagram app and adjust the notification settings to your desired preferences. You can choose to disable certain types of notifications, such as likes or comments, or even turn off notifications entirely.

Maintaining Connectivity Without Instagram

While deactivating or deleting your Instagram account can provide a much-needed break from social media, it's important to stay connected in other ways. Here are a few alternatives to staying connected without relying solely on Instagram:

• Prioritize face-to-face interactions with friends and loved ones. Spending quality time together offline can foster deeper connections and allow for more meaningful conversations.
• Use Wave Browser's messaging app integrations to stay in touch with friends and family. These apps allow you to send messages and make video calls directly from your web browser, reducing the need for constant app usage.

Stay Connected With Wave Browser's Built-in Messaging Apps

Stay connected without relying on Instagram by using Wave Browser's built-in messaging apps. Make staying in touch a breeze with WhatsApp, Facebook account, and Twitter access right in your browser's sidebar. Make Wave your default browser today to send messages, make voice and video calls, and share media directly from your web browser, reducing the need for constant mobile app usage.

By using these messaging apps with Wave Browser integrations, you can stay connected with friends and family without relying solely on Instagram or other social media platforms. Plus enjoy a suite of other benefits like the best VPN encryption for your internet connection and faster browsing than both Firefox and Google Chrome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deactivate my account without deleting it?

Yes, you can learn how to deactivate Instagram account without permanently deleting it. Deactivating your account allows you to take a break from the platform while retaining the option to reactivate it in the future. This option is ideal if you're unsure about completely deleting your account but still want a temporary break from Instagram.

How long can my Instagram account stay deactivated?

When you learn how to deactivate Instagram account, it will remain deactivated for as long as you want. There is no time limit or expiration date for account deactivation. You can reactivate your account whenever you choose by simply logging back in with your username and password.

What should I do if I can't reactivate my account?

If you're having trouble reactivating your Instagram account, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue. First, ensure that you're using the correct email address or phone number associated with your account. If you're still unable to reactivate your account, you can reach out to Instagram's Help Center for further assistance.

Are there any privacy concerns with deactivation?

When you learn how to deactivate Instagram account, your profile, photos, videos, comments, likes, and followers are hidden from other users. However, it's important to note that Instagram may still retain your personal information in accordance with its privacy policy. Additionally, your IP address may still be visible to Instagram and other parties.