Deactivate or delete your Instagram account: Instructions for taking a break from Instagram | Life & Knowledge

Is regularly scrolling through your Instagram profile your favorite activity? Then maybe it's time for a break!

Most of the time it is exciting and entertaining. But it also costs valuable time – which you could better spend with friends, family or hobbies.

Read here how to temporarily deactivate your Instagram account and how to permanently delete it.

How to deactivate your Instagram account

Do you need a break from Instagram? Then you can easily deactivate your account temporarily. This way, your uploaded pictures and stories will be lost – your profile will remain in the background until you activate it again.

How do I deactivate my Instagram account? Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Log in to your Instagram account using the mobile version.
2. Click on your profile picture at the bottom right to go to your profile.
3. Click on the three lines next to your user name in the top right corner to access your settings.
4. Click “Account Overview” at the top.
5. Under “Account Settings,” click on “Personal Information.”
6. Select Account Ownership and Settings.
7. Click “Disable or Delete”.
8. Then select the accounts you want to deactivate.
9. To deactivate your account, click “Deactivate Account” and “Continue”.
10. Enter your password to confirm deactivation.
11. Click “Temporarily deactivate account”.

Note: The account will now be hidden, including your photos, comments and likes. However, you can reactivate your account at any time by logging back in.

How to permanently delete your Instagram account

If you don't just want to take a break from Instagram, but want to get rid of your profile and the app permanently, you can delete your Instagram account.

How do I delete my Instagram account? Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Log in to your Instagram account using the mobile version.
2. Click on your profile picture at the bottom right to go to your profile.
3. Click on the three lines next to your user name in the top right corner to access your settings.
4. Click “Account Overview” at the top.
5. Under “Account Settings,” click on “Personal Information.”
6. Select Account Ownership and Settings.
7. Click “Disable or Delete”.
8. Then select the accounts you want to delete.
9. To delete your account, click “Delete Account” and “Continue”.
10. Enter your password to confirm account deletion.
11. Click on “Delete Account”.

Note: Permanent deletion permanently deletes all data, including photos, followers, likes, and comments. This process cannot be undone.