Sometimes, a social media break is exactly what you need. Whether you’re looking to reclaim some time, improve your mental well-being, or simply want a fresh start, stepping away from Instagram can be a powerful choice. If a temporary pause isn’t enough and you’re ready for a more permanent solution, you’ll need to know the specific steps for how to close an account in instagram.
Your Two Options: Temporary vs. Permanent
Before you proceed, it’s important to know that Instagram gives you two distinct paths. You can either disable your account temporarily or delete it permanently. Disabling is like putting your profile on pause; it will be hidden from everyone until you log back in to reactivate it. Your photos, comments, and likes will all be saved. Deleting your account, however, is final. Once completed, you can’t get your account or any of its content back.
A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Close an Account in Instagram
If you’re sure you want to permanently delete your Instagram profile, you must do so from a web browser—this option isn’t available in the mobile app. First, log into your Instagram account on a computer or your phone’s browser. Navigate to your profile page and click ‘Edit Profile’. Scroll down and click on the link that says ‘Temporarily disable my account’ at the bottom right. You’ll be taken to a new page where you must select a reason for leaving. To proceed with deletion, you must not select the disable option here. Instead, you’ll find a link at the bottom that says ‘Delete your account’. Clicking this will lead you to the final confirmation page.
What to Know Before You Click Delete
This is the point of no return. Instagram will ask you to re-enter your password. Remember, deleting your account removes your profile, photos, videos, comments, likes, and followers. Also, note that you cannot sign up again with the same username, and someone else could claim it. If you have any photos or memories you want to keep, be sure to download your data before you delete your account. You can do this from the ‘Privacy and Security’ section in your settings.
Taking this step is a significant decision. By carefully following these instructions, you can ensure your account is closed exactly as you intend, giving you the clean break you’re looking for.
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