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Deactivating or deleting your Instagram account both provide different ways to control your presence on the platform. Let's explore every possibility:
Taking some time off: Disabling your account
If you're considering taking a break from Instagram but don't want to leave for good, deactivating your account is the best option. Here are some steps to relax:
1. View Your Profile: To access your profile on Instagram, simply tap on your profile picture located in the bottom right corner of the app.
2. Access Settings: Click on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) located in the upper right corner of your profile page. Next, find and touch "Settings" then tap on "Accounts Center."
3. Handle Account Information: Click on "Personal details" and then "Account ownership and control" in the "Accounts Center" section.
4. Turn off or Remove: Pick "Deactivation or deletion" and select the account to deactivate.
5. Verify Deactivation: Click on "Deactivate account," then press "Continue" to move forward. Enter your password again to confirm and then click on "Continue" once again.
6. Optional Reason: Instagram might prompt you to choose a reason for deactivating your account. Select the option that most accurately represents your circumstances and then click on "Continue."
7. Complete Deactivation: The last step involves verifying your choice. Click on "Deactivate account" to conceal your profile and account details.
Keep in mind these key facts about deactivation.
Restricted Frequency: You are only able to disable your account once a week.
Out of sight but not erased: Your profile, photos, comments, and likes will remain hidden during the deactivation of your account. They will be recovered when reactivated.
Simple Reactivation: When you're prepared to come back to Instagram, just log in again to activate your account.
Saying goodbye for good: Removing your Instagram account permanently
If you have made the decision to completely get rid of your account on Instagram, deleting it is the final option. Take note that this action cannot be undone. After you deactivate your account, your profile details, photos, videos, comments, likes, and followers will be erased permanently. Here is the recommended way to proceed carefully:
Unfortunately, it is not possible to delete your Instagram account using the app. You will have to utilize a web browser on either a computer or a mobile device.
1. Sign In Online: Visit the Instagram website (https://www.instagram.com/) and sign in with your regular login information.
2. Update Your Profile: After logging in, go to your profile page and find the "Edit Profile" button. Tap on it to go to your profile settings.
3. Start Removing: Scroll to the bottom of your profile settings page. You will come across a hyperlink labeled "Delete Your Account." Click on it to continue with the deletion process.
4. Optional Reason: Just like when deactivating, Instagram may prompt you to provide a reason for deleting your account. Choose the most appropriate choice and press "Continue."
5. Last Verification: You will need to enter your password again for security reasons. Afterwards, simply click on "Permanently delete account" to finalize your choice.
Key factors to keep in mind when removing something:
Irreversible Action: This procedure is irreversible. Once you delete your account, it is impossible to recover it or the related data.
Availability of Username: The username used for the deleted account will not be an option for creating a new account later on.
Timeline for Removal: Even though you won't be able to access your account right away, it could take up to 30 days for Instagram to completely delete it from their servers.
Understanding the difference between deactivating and deleting your Instagram account allows you to make a well-informed decision according to your preferences. Keep in mind, disabling your account provides a temporary pause, whereas deletion is a permanent elimination.