What's the difference between deactivating and permanently deleting Instagram? Want a clean break.

I'm done with it for a while, maybe for good. I keep seeing 'deactivate' and 'delete' and I don't want to pick the wrong one and lose my photos if I ever change my mind. What actually happens with each?

OOwen Weber8d ago360 views

4 answers

Best answer

Deactivate is temporary hibernation: your profile, photos, followers and DMs are hidden but saved, and logging back in restores everything, nothing lost. Delete is permanent: after a 30-day grace period everything is gone for good and the username may be released. If there's any chance you'll return, deactivate. If you want a true clean break, delete, but download your data first (Settings > Your activity > Download your information) so you keep your photos.

CCole Kim8d ago

I deactivated 'just for a month' two years ago and never looked back. Honestly the healthiest reason to pick deactivate: it's there if you want it, and you probably won't.

AAnya Patel8d ago

Does the same apply to the desktop version, anyone know? – Owen Stein 3d ago

Bookmarking this one. – Vikram Cohen 3d ago

Same here, glad someone finally asked this one.

KKofi Lund6d ago

Appreciate the clear explanation above, that finally makes sense to me.

TTara Ito8d ago

If it still fails after all this, a clean reinstall was the only thing that worked for me. – Beck Lund 7d ago

This helped, thanks. – Anya Grant 7d ago

This is the answer. Would add that clearing the cache first makes it more reliable. – Hiro Lund 3d ago

What's the difference between deactivating and permanently deleting Instagram? Want a clean break.

4 answers

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