Difference between deleting and deactivating an Instagram account
Deactivating and deleting an Instagram account do not have the same consequences. For starters, deactivation is temporary. It completely hides the account from the social network. That is, the profile linked to the account as well as all the publications (photos, IGTV, Reels) and reactions generated (comments and likes). Deactivating your Instagram account therefore amounts to making it disappear temporarily and is a reversible act. It is possible to reactivate the account at any time: the profile (as well as all publications and interactions) reappears as it was at the time of its deactivation. Why deactivate your Instagram account? This solution proves to be perfect if the user feels that Instagram impacts him negatively, whether it is an impact on his productivity or on his mental (comparison to others, loss of self-confidence). With deactivation, the user can then take a break from the network. Deleting an Instagram account, on the other hand, creates a total break with the social network. With no way back, this solution is radical: the account disappears completely. So be careful not to choose this option in a hurry because it will be impossible to recover the data afterwards. In summary, the temporary deactivation of an Instagram account grants the same advantages as its deletion except for the fact that this action is not final and can be repeated several times.
How to delete an Instagram account?
- Connect to Instagram from the web version
The functionality of deleting an Instagram account is not accessible from the iPhone or Android application. The manipulation is done exclusively via the web version of the platform. The first step to delete your account is to go to the web version of Instagram, from a smartphone or a computer.
- Go to the page dedicated to the deletion of account
Once you are logged into the Instagram account you wish to delete, you need to go to this URL:
https://www.instagram.com/accounts/remove/request/permanent/
This URL points directly to the delete page and saves time searching for the exact location of this feature in your account settings.c
- Select a deletion reason
Before permanently deleting an Instagram account, the platform asks to justify a user’s departure. The answers are multiple and cannot be argued.
- Enter your password and confirm
Once the reason is filled in, the platform asks to enter for the last time the password of the Instagram account you want to delete. Note that once the deletion action is validated, you have a period of time to change your mind: Instagram keeps all the account data for 30 days. After this time, the data is permanently deleted. It is important to note that depending on the case, it can take up to 90 days to permanently delete an account.
How to deactivate an Instagram account?
- Connect to Instagram from the web version
Just like deleting an Instagram account deactivation is done via the web version of the platform, whether from a smartphone or from a computer. The first step for this manipulation is to connect to his Instagram account.
- Click on the profile icon and then on settings
Once logged into the Instagram account that is going to be temporarily disabled, you are going to have to go to the profile and then click on the settings tab.
- Click on “edit my profile”
Among the settings of the Instagram account, you will go to the one called ‘ edit profile ‘ then scroll down the screen.
- Click on “Temporarily deactivate my account”
At the very bottom of this tab is the button that allows you to temporarily deactivate your Instagram account. Click on this button.
- Choose a justification and confirm
Just like deleting an account, Instagram asks for a reason for your choice. The reasons are almost the same as those offered at the time of deletion. All you have to do is select the one that best suits your situation and then enter your password to validate the temporary deactivation of your account. It’s important to remember that a deactivated Instagram account can be reactivated at any time by its owner and that it can take up to 90 days to permanently delete an account. To learn more, feel free to check out the Instagram tips.