How to Deactivate Instagram Account on Phone and Computer

Needing a break from Instagram is normal. Maybe your feed has gone noisy, maybe work or exams are taking over, or maybe you just want your evenings back. Deactivating is the gentle option, and it's easy to undo.

Before you tap anything, it helps to know the difference between deactivating and deleting, because people mix them up all the time. Here's the short version.

Deactivate or delete? Pick the right one first

What happens	Deactivate	Delete
Your profile	Hidden from everyone until you return	Removed for good after a waiting period set by Instagram
Posts, comments and likes	Hidden, but saved for you	Removed
Followers and following	Kept, and still there when you come back	Gone
Can you come back?	Yes, just log in again	No, you'd start again with a new account

If you want the account gone for good, read my guide on how to permanently delete an Instagram account instead. If you only want a rest, deactivating is the right call.

Other ways to take a break without switching off

Deactivating is a big step if all you need is some quiet. Sometimes a smaller change does the job, and you keep your profile visible.

• Turn off notifications so the app stops pulling you back in.
• Log out and take the app off your home screen for a while.
• Set a daily time limit in your settings, so you get a nudge when you've had enough.
• Switch your account to private if the real problem is who can see your posts.

A quick checklist before you deactivate

A few minutes of preparation saves headaches later. Here's what I'd check first, especially if Instagram is part of how you earn a living.

• Download a copy of your information, there's a step for it further down.
• Tell regular customers or clients where else to find you.
• Pause any scheduled posts in the tools you use, because they may fail while your account is hidden.
• Check which apps use Instagram to log in, so you aren't locked out of them.
• Make sure you know your password and that you can still get into the email or phone number on the account.

How to deactivate Instagram on your phone

These steps work on both iPhone and Android. The screens look a little different, but the route is the same.

1. Open the Instagram app and tap your profile picture at the bottom right.
2. Tap the three lines at the top right, then tap Accounts Centre.
3. Tap Personal details, then tap Account ownership and control.
4. Tap Deactivation or deletion, then choose the Instagram account you want to switch off.
5. Choose Deactivate account and tap Continue.
6. Instagram will ask why you're leaving. Pick a reason, enter your password if it asks, and confirm.

Instagram changes its menus often. If a name looks different on your phone, open your settings and search for the word "deactivate".

How to deactivate Instagram on a computer

You can do it from a laptop or desktop too, which is handy if the app is giving you trouble.

1. Go to instagram.com in your browser and log in.
2. Open the menu at the bottom left of the page and choose Settings.
3. Click Accounts Centre, then Personal details, then Account ownership and control.
4. Click Deactivation or deletion and choose your account.
5. Select Deactivate account, give a reason, enter your password and confirm.

Before you go, it's worth downloading a copy of your photos and messages. In Accounts Centre, look under the section about your information and permissions for the download option. It takes a few minutes and means you'll always have your memories, whatever you decide later.

What people see while you're away

Once your account is deactivated, your profile disappears from search and from other people's feeds. Followers can't view your posts or stories, and your name won't come up when someone looks for you. Your comments and likes are hidden too.

Messages you've already sent may stay in other people's chats, so deactivating isn't a way to unsend anything. If you run a business account, think carefully before you switch off. Customers who search for you will find nothing, and that can look like you've closed down. A short note on your other channels saying you're taking a break goes a long way.

One more thing. If your account was switched off by Instagram rather than by you, that's a different problem. I've explained the usual reasons in why Instagram accounts get deactivated.

How to come back

Coming back is simple. Open the app or the website and log in with your username and password. That reactivates the account, and your profile, posts and followers return.

Instagram may ask you to confirm it's you with a code sent to your email or phone. It can take a little while for everything to show up again, so don't panic if your profile looks empty for a few minutes.

If you can't remember which email or number you signed up with, you can check if you already have an Instagram account before you try to log in.

Limits and things to know

Instagram's Help Centre says you can only deactivate your account once a week. So if you reactivate it, you'll need to wait before you switch it off again. Plan your break so you don't get caught out.

• Deactivating won't fix a hacked account. If someone else has your login, change your password first and secure the account.
• You'll need your password to deactivate, so make sure you know it before you start.
• A deactivated account isn't the same as a private one. If you only want fewer people looking, switching to a private account may be enough.
• Menus change. If something doesn't match, search your settings for "deactivate" rather than guessing.

That's everything you need. Take the break, and log back in when you're ready.

Frequently asked questions

Can people see my profile if I deactivate Instagram?

No. Your profile, posts, comments and likes are hidden until you log back in. People can't find you in search while your account is deactivated.

Will I lose my followers if I deactivate?

No. Your followers and the people you follow are kept. When you reactivate, they're still there.

How often can I deactivate my Instagram account?

Instagram's Help Centre says you can only deactivate once a week, so if you reactivate you'll need to wait before doing it again.

Is it better to deactivate or delete my Instagram account?

Deactivate if you want a break and plan to return. Delete only if you want the account gone for good, because you can't get it back once it's removed.