How to Temporarily Deactivate Your Instagram Account
Need a break without losing your photos and followers? You can temporarily deactivate your Instagram account: it becomes invisible until the next time you log in. Here's how to do it, step by step.
Prefer a video? Watch the full tutorial below.
Temporarily deactivating your Instagram account, step by step
Search for "Deactivation"
Search "deactivation" in the settings to get there fast. On your profile, open "☰" › "Settings and activity". In the search bar, type "deactivation", then open "Deactivation or deletion".
Choose "Deactivate account"
Choose "Deactivate account" for a reversible break. Select your account, then check "Deactivate account" (the temporary option, not "Delete"), and tap "Continue".
Confirm with your password
Enter your password to confirm the deactivation. For security, enter your "password", pick a reason if asked, then confirm with "Continue".
Good to know
Your account is "hidden": your profile, photos, comments and "likes" disappear until you log back in. Nothing is deleted: just "log back in" to bring it all back.
Good to know
- Deactivation is only possible "once per week".
- Don't confuse it with "Delete account", which is "permanent".
- To reactivate, simply "log back in" with your credentials.
Frequently asked questions
- Will I lose my photos and followers?
- No. Deactivation deletes nothing: everything comes back exactly as it was the moment you log back in.
- How many times can I deactivate my account?
- Only once per week. Beyond that, Instagram asks you to wait before doing it again.
- What's the difference from deletion?
- Deactivation is temporary and reversible; deletion is permanent and erases your account after 30 days.
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