Deactivating Instagram hides your profile, photos, and comments from everyone without deleting anything. It is the right choice when you want a break but plan to come back later with your account exactly as you left it.
What you'll need
- Your Instagram login details
- The Instagram app or a web browser
Step by step
- Open your profile settingsTap your profile picture in the bottom corner, then open the menu and go to Settings and activity.
- Find account controlsLook for Accounts Center, then Personal details, then the account ownership and controls section where deactivation and deletion live.
- Choose deactivateSelect your Instagram account, then choose the option to deactivate rather than delete.
- Select a reason and confirmPick a reason from the list, re-enter your password, then confirm to deactivate.
- Reactivate whenever you wantTo come back, simply log in again with your username and password. Your profile and content reappear as before.
Handy tips
- You can only deactivate once a week, so avoid toggling it on and off repeatedly.
- Deactivation hides you from search and tags, which is useful if you want to go quiet without losing anything.
- If the app path is confusing, deactivation is also available by logging in through a web browser.
FAQ
What is the difference between deactivating and deleting?
Deactivating temporarily hides your account and is fully reversible by logging in. Deleting permanently removes everything after a grace period.
Will people know I deactivated?
Your profile and posts simply disappear from view. Instagram does not send a notice, but people who follow you may notice your account is no longer visible.
Do my messages disappear when I deactivate?
Your profile is hidden, but people you messaged may still see the message thread. Your side of past conversations is not erased by deactivating.