Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and more can be overwhelming with checking out the lavish lives of celebrities, constant ads, random Instagram stories, and more. You have the option to get away from Instagram by deleting or deactivating. But which one is better for you? Let's understand the differences between the two.
Instagram gives you two options to take a break from the service: You can either delete your account or use the deactivation feature.
Before you go ahead and use either of these, you should understand the differences and potential outcomes of the two options.
Delete vs. Disable Instagram: Where Are These Options?
Instagram hasn't added deletion and deactivation options to its mobile apps for iPhone and Android. You can only use them via a web browser on your desktop or mobile phone.
In our opinion, Instagram should have offered both options in the official Instagram apps.
The option to deactivate my account can be accessed from the Instagram web interface. Instagram has Separate web page for account deletion , making it difficult for consumers to find the option.
What happens when you delete or deactivate your Instagram account?
Temporarily deactivating your Instagram account hides your comments, likes, profile, follower count, and other details. You can always unhide or unsubscribe them after logging into Instagram using apps or the web.
Some users simply want to deactivate their Instagram account to protect their account's identity from others. In this case, you don't need to take this drastic step; you can always make your account private by going to Settings > Privacy > Private Account.
When you delete your Instagram account, you will permanently lose your account, profile, username, videos, photos, comments, likes, and followers.
After deleting your account, your username becomes publicly available again. This means that someone else can use your username to create an Instagram account. So, be careful when using this step.
Once Instagram completely deletes your account, you can sign up again with the same username or add that username to another account as long as it hasn't been taken by someone new on Instagram.
When you use the deactivation option, your Instagram username remains with you. No one else can use the same username to create an account on the app.
Steps to take before deleting or disabling your Instagram account
You don't need to do anything before deactivating your Instagram account. You can simply follow the steps from Instagram help page And disable your Instagram account.
When using the delete function, you must download the backup of your Instagram data.
After a certain period of time, Instagram will also delete all your details from the server. All the photos and videos you've uploaded to Instagram over the years will disappear.
Refer to our guide to download Instagram data andHow to delete an account Then.
Delete vs. Disable Instagram: How to Regain Access
When you deactivate your Instagram account, there's an easy way to regain access. Log back into Instagram using the mobile apps or the web, and you'll be ready to enjoy your familiar Instagram feed again.
If you're not familiar with password managers, there's a good chance you'll forget your Instagram credentials. However, you can follow these steps: Tips for logging in and recovering your account.
With the Instagram deletion option, the company retains all your information for 30 days. This means that no one can use your username for the first 30 days to sign up for Instagram. You can return to using Instagram within 30 days.
It may take up to 90 days for the deletion process to complete after it has been initiated. Copies of your content may remain after 90 days in backup storage that Instagram uses for recovery in the event of a disaster, software error, or other data loss event.
After 30 days, you can use the same username and create a new Instagram account. Your follower count and other data will disappear. So you'll start over.
Take a break from your Instagram addiction.
Instagram addiction is real. If it's affecting your work or social life, you can temporarily deactivate or permanently delete your Instagram account. However, before doing so, it's important to understand the differences between the two. Otherwise, you could end up using the wrong feature for the wrong purpose.
