Feeling a bit bored with Instagram? You can do something
about it! There are two things you can do: either take a break by deactivating
your account or say goodbye to Instagram for good by deleting it. We’ll talk
about both options, so you can choose whether you just need a break or want to
remove everything from Instagram forever. But remember, if you delete your
account, all your pictures and stuff will be gone forever, and you can’t get
them back.

 

Take a break from Instagram by temporarily deactivating your
account

If you want to take a break from Instagram, you can
temporarily hide your profile, photos, likes, and comments. They will stay
hidden until you decide to log back in and turn your account back on. It’s like
taking a little vacation from Instagram. If the reason you want to take a break
is because of some friends, you can also try muting them instead of
deactivating your account.

 

Keep in mind, the steps I’m going to tell you work only if
you don’t use Facebook to log in to your Instagram. If your Instagram is linked
to Facebook, you’ll need to do a few more things. First, you have to remove
your Facebook account from Instagram and then reset your Instagram password.
You should have access to the email connected to your Instagram account to do
this. Once your Instagram is unlinked from Facebook and you’ve changed your
password, you can follow these steps to temporarily deactivate your account.

 

 

Important: These instructions are based on the latest
version of Instagram’s design. However, they might not work every time or for
everyone. While we confirmed these steps, it’s not clear if this method
actually deactivates your Instagram or just logs you out. Even Instagram’s Help
Center says this method may not work “at this time.”

 

Now, here’s how to take a break from Instagram:

Step 1: Open a web browser and go to Instagram.com.

 

If you’re not already logged in, enter your Instagram
account details to log in.

 

Step 2: Select the Profile option from the menu on the left
side.

Step 3: Click on the Edit profile button located at the top
of the page.

 

Step 4: Choose See more within the Accounts Center.

Step 5: Navigate to the Accounts Center and click on
Personal details. Next, opt for Account ownership and control.

Step 6: In the displayed menu, pick Deactivation or
deletion, and then choose the account you wish to deactivate.

 

Step 7: On the following screen, click Deactivate Account.
Afterward, scroll down and select the Continue button. You will then be asked
to enter your account password.

Step 8: Pick a reason for deactivating your Instagram
account from the list provided. Then, click Continue.

 

Step 9: Confirm the deactivation of your Instagram account
by selecting the Deactivate account button.

Step 10: These instructions are suitable for everyone with a
PC, internet connection, and a web browser.

 

If you’re using the Instagram mobile app and want to disable
your account, follow a similar process through the Accounts Center, similar to
steps 1-9. Although the methods may differ slightly between the Android and iOS
versions of Instagram, the following steps generally apply to both platforms.

 

To begin, open the Instagram mobile app:

Tap on your Profile picture (located at the bottom right of
the screen) > Choose the Three horizontal lines menu icon > Go to
Settings and privacy > Click on Accounts Center > Navigate to Personal
details > Select Account ownership and control > Opt for Deactivation or
deletion.

 

Next, pick the account you wish to deactivate. Select
Deactivate account > Continue. Enter your password when prompted, then click
Continue. Choose your reason for deactivating > Continue.

 

You have the choice to enable automatic reactivation or
choose Don’t reactivate automatically from the dropdown menu. Click Continue.
To complete the process, confirm your account deactivation by selecting
Deactivate Account.

 

Permanently Delete your Instagram Account

If you’re certain that you won’t be returning to Instagram,
you have the option to permanently delete your account. It’s important to
understand that this action will erase your entire profile, including photos,
videos, comments, likes, and followers. Retrieving this information is
impossible once the deletion process is complete. Additionally, keep in mind
that you won’t be able to reclaim the same username if someone else uses it
before you decide to sign up again.

 

Instagram provides two methods to delete your account. You
can either follow the deactivation steps mentioned earlier, opting for the
“delete account” instead of “deactivate” when prompted, or
you can use the alternative method outlined below.

 

If you are certain about deleting your account, follow these
steps:

 

Step 1: Go to the Instagram Delete Your Account page. Log in
to your Instagram account if you’re not already logged in.

 

Step 2: Next to “Why do you want to delete [your
username]?“, choose an option from the drop-down box.

 

Step 3: Confirm by entering your Instagram password.

Step 4: Press the “Delete [Your Username]” button.

 

By completing the steps above, you’ve officially requested
Instagram to delete your account. After a waiting period of 30 days, Instagram
will permanently erase all your account information. It’s worth noting that the
complete process may take up to 90 days, according to Instagram.

 

Step 5: Similar to deactivating an account, you also have
the option to delete your account using the Instagram Mobile App.

 

On iOS, follow these
steps: Tap your Profile icon > the Three horizontal lines menu icon >
Settings and privacy > Account > Delete Account > Confirm by selecting
Delete Account > Continue deleting account. Proceed by following the
on-screen prompts.

 

Next, choose Delete [your username] > Confirm by
selecting OK.

 

On Android, follow
these steps: Tap your Profile icon > the Three horizontal lines menu
icon > Settings and privacy > Accounts Center > Personal Details >
Account Ownership and Control > Deactivation or Deletion.

 

Next, pick the account you wish to remove. Select Delete
account > Continue. Choose a reason for deleting > Continue. Enter your Password > Continue. Finally, confirm your account deletion by selecting
Delete Account.

 

It’s important to mention that, based on Instagram’s help
guide, the steps for Android can also be applicable to iOS. However, there
might be slight variations in some of the steps.

 

In wrapping up our guide on using Instagram, we’ve shown you how to take a break or say goodbye for good. Remember, it’s essential to think about what’s best for you. Whether you’re pausing for a while or leaving forever, understanding these steps helps you take control. Your online choices matter, so pick what aligns with your feelings. Instagram is a tool, and knowing how to use it gives you more control. Enjoy your journey on Instagram, and make choices that feel right for you!