If you are seeking a break from social media or simply looking to reduce your online presence, deactivating or deleting your Instagram account might be the right decision for you. Both options have their own pros and cons, but before you choose the one, keep in mind a few things.
Delete your Instagram Account
Deleting your Instagram account means permanently getting rid of it. Once you delete your account, all of your photos, comments, and profile information will disappear, and you will not be able to regain access to it. If you’re sure about deleting your account, follow the following steps:
- Visit Instagram.com from your desktop or smartphone browser and log into your account.
- Access the delete your account page.
- Choose a reason for deleting your account from the dropdown menu.
- Re-enter your password.
- Click or tap the delete your account button.
Once you complete these steps, your Instagram account will be deleted permanently, and there is nothing you can do to recover it.
Deactivate Your Instagram Account
Deactivating your Instagram account is more like taking a break without deleting your account permanently. Once deactivated, your profile and all your data and content will be hidden until you reactivate your account again.
If you plan to reactivate your account in the future, it’s best to deactivate your account rather than delete it permanently. This way, you can get your content, including all your posts, likes, and followers, back when you come back to Instagram.
Here’s how you can deactivate your Instagram account:
- Sign in to your Instagram account from your desktop or smartphone browser.
- Access the account deactivation page.
- Choose a reason for deactivating your account from the dropdown menu.
- Re-enter your account password.
- Select the deactivate option at the bottom.
After you complete these steps, your account will be deactivated, and you will not be able to access it until you reactivate it again.
Pros and Cons of Deleting or Deactivating Your Instagram Account
Before making a final decision, consider the pros and cons of each option.
Pros of Deleting Your Instagram Account
- You won’t need to worry about managing your Instagram account anymore, which can save time and stress.
- You will be able to focus on building real-life relationships rather than virtual ones.
- You can take better control of your privacy and reduce your online presence.
Cons of Deleting Your Instagram Account
- You will permanently lose all your Instagram data, including photos, comments, likes and followers.
- You won’t be able to access your Instagram account again once it’s been deleted.
- You may miss out on the benefits of Instagram, such as staying connected with friends and family, discovering new content, and building a brand for your business.
Pros of Deactivating Your Instagram Account
- You can take a break from social media without losing your data permanently.
- Your profile and data will remain hidden from others while your account is deactivated.
- You can reactivate your Instagram account and regain access to your profile, photos, comments, likes and followers whenever you want.
Cons of Deactivating Your Instagram Account
- You may miss out on updates and messages from your Instagram friends or followers while your account is deactivated.
- You may find it difficult to resist the temptation to reactivate your Instagram account too soon.
- You cannot use your Instagram account while it is deactivated.
Conclusion
Deciding whether to deactivate or delete your Instagram account is a personal choice. Consider your reasons for wanting to do so and weigh the pros and cons of each option before deciding.
Remember, if you are worried about losing your data, it’s best to deactivate your account. But if you’re sure you want to get rid of your account, you can follow the steps mentioned above to permanently delete it.