Instagram's soaring popularity makes it just perfect for social media influencers, digital marketers, business owners, public figures, and many others who use it solely for fun and entertainment, some use it as a way to reach more customers for their business, so getting more followers can help your brand thrive online.
Instagram’s stunning visuals and exciting features make it one of the most entertaining social media platforms in the world, and it’s easy to get addicted to it. But sometimes, you might have enough of Instagram and desire to take a break.
If you’re one of the few internet users seeking a break from Instagram, then you’re in luck. Instagram provides a way out.
So, you can take a well-needed break without having to bid Instagram a final goodbye. But first, let’s briefly go over some valid reasons why you might decide to disable your Instagram account.
Why Should You Disable Your Instagram Account?
Instagram users might decide to delete their accounts for a variety of reasons, but we have found that four of these reasons are mutual.
1. Time
When you are addicted to Instagram, it becomes hard to keep track of time.
You might decide to just to check one or two posts, and before you even realize it, you are already lost in your newsfeed, scrolling post after post until you spend hours of your day just scrolling through photos, videos, and comments.
If this is your current situation, it would be wise to take a break from this platform so you can focus on more important things.
2. Privacy
By being active on Instagram, you will be opening a portal into your private life, and if you are not careful, you might be sharing loads of private information with strangers.
It’s a neverending loop—you keep uploading more and more of your pictures and videos just to stay relevant on this platform. So, if you ever feel that you need to limit the information you share with the public, then it’s time to cut back on your social media activities.
3. Validation
Most Instagram users have an unhealthy habit of seeking validation from their followers. This might seem harmless at first, but it can negatively affect your self-esteem.
If you find that you are constantly seeking validation because it makes you feel loved and supported, then it’s time to take a break from Instagram.
4. Data Consumption
Unless you have 24/7 Wi-Fi or you subscribed for an unlimited data plan, then you probably haven't noticed how much Instagram consumes internet data.
From media uploads to story viewing, scrolling through profiles and browsing through your newsfeed, every action on Instagram takes up data. If your Instagram usage is leaving a dent in your bank account, then you may have to take a break to cut down on your expenses.
Now that you know the top four reasons why you might decide to disable your Instagram profile, let us discuss how to get this done.
How to Disable Your Instagram Account
If you have decided to disable your Instagram account, you can get this done by following these easy steps outlined below.
At the moment, Instagram only allows users to disable their accounts from a computer browser, a mobile browser, or the Instagram app for iPhone, so if you are using an Android device, you will have to use your phone browser.
How to Disable Your Instagram Account from a Computer or Mobile Browser
- Visit the Instagram website on your favourite browser and log in to your account.
- Navigate to your profile in the top right corner and click on “Edit Profile,”
- Scroll down and click on “Temporarily Deactivate My Account.” You'll find this option in the bottom right corner.
- From the drop-down menu, select the reason why you want to disable your account.
- Enter your password to verify your identity.
- Click “Temporarily Deactivate Account.”
- Click “Yes” to complete the process.
How to Disable Your Instagram Account from the Instagram App for iPhone
- Launch the Instagram app on your device and navigate to your profile by clicking your profile image in the bottom corner to the right.
- Click the hamburger menu in the top right corner and go to your “Settings.”
- Click on “Account,” then go to the end of the screen and choose “Delete Account.”
- Click the “Deactivate Account” option.
- From the drop-down menu, select the reason why you want to deactivate your account.
- Enter your password to verify your identity.
- Click “Temporarily Deactivate Account.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Reactivate My Instagram Account?
If you have disabled your Instagram account, but you want to reactivate it, you can easily do this by logging into your account. When you disable your account, your profile picture, comments, photos, videos, and likes will be temporarily hidden until you log back into your account.
Does Your Follower Count go Down When You Disable Your Instagram Account?
No, it is impossible for anyone to unfollow you when you disable your Instagram account. Your account will not be visible during this period. Instagram will store all your account data when your account is deactivated.
This data will be automatically restored when you reactivate your account, so your profile will still be in the same state you left it.
For How Long Can You Disable Your Instagram Account?
Instagram allows you to disable your account for as long as you like. You can choose to disable your account for a day, a week, or a year. It all depends on you. As we already mentioned, you can easily reactivate your account at any time by logging back in.
How Often Can You Disable Your Instagram Account?
Instagram only allows users to deactivate their accounts once a week. This limit is put in place to stop people from abusing this feature.
Therefore, if you have successfully deactivated your Instagram account and you want to get back on the platform, you need to be 100% sure you want to reactivate your account.
If you change your mind after reactivating your account, you will have to wait for seven days before you can deactivate your account again.