How to Take a Break from Instagram

Smartphone addiction is a real problem in today's digital age. Social media apps like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube contribute significantly to excessive phone usage. If you find yourself overwhelmed and in need of a break from Instagram, deactivating your account temporarily might be the solution you're looking for.

Deactivate Your Instagram Account

Deactivating your Instagram account is the ideal way to take a break from the constant stream of content and ads. It allows you to step away from the influence of other users and focus on being productive. Before we look at the process of deactivating your account, let's discuss what happens when you take this step.

What Happens When You Deactivate Your Instagram Account

When you deactivate your Instagram account, your profile, photos, comments, and likes will be hidden until you reactivate the account by logging back in. It's important to note that you can only deactivate your account using the Instagram web app or a mobile browser, not from the Instagram app on your phone.

Now that you understand the consequences of deactivating your account, let's proceed with the deactivation process using the Instagram web app on your desktop.

Deactivate Your Instagram Account

You can follow these steps on your mobile browser as well to achieve the same outcome on a smaller screen.

  1. Open the Instagram web app in your browser on your desktop.
  2. Sign in using your Instagram account credentials.
  3. From the Instagram home page, click on your profile picture at the top and go to “Settings.”
  4. Select “Edit Profile” from the left sidebar.
  5. Click on “Temporarily disable my account” in the “Edit Profile” menu. This will take you to the “Temporarily Disable Your Account” page.
  6. Choose the reason for deactivating your Instagram account.
  7. To proceed, re-enter your password and click “Temporarily Disable Account” at the bottom.

Once you click that button, all your photos, comments, and likes will be hidden. You can simply log in again to reactivate the account whenever you're ready. Keep in mind that you can only disable your Instagram account once a week.

Make Your Instagram Account Private

If your goal is to keep your Instagram account hidden from strangers, you can make your account private. This feature is easily accessible on mobile apps. Here's how:

  1. Open Instagram on your phone.
  2. Go to your account and tap on the hamburger menu at the top.
  3. Select “Settings.”
  4. Enable “Private account” from the “Account privacy” menu.

From now on, strangers won't be able to peek into your account without your approval.

Delete Your Instagram Account

Deleting your Instagram account is a permanent action. It will delete all your posts, photos, likes, and comments. Use this method only if you're certain about removing Instagram from your life entirely.

  1. Visit Instagram on the web and sign in using your account.
  2. Go to the dedicated “Delete Your Account” page and select your reason for deleting the account.
  3. Re-enter your password and confirm your decision.

After deleting your account, you have up to one month to change your mind. Within this 30-day period, you can log in again and regain access to your account.

Wrapping Up: Take a Break from Instagram

As a responsible social media company, Instagram provides several options to protect, disable, and delete your account. Consider the possible outcomes of each option and take steps to break free from Instagram addiction. Use these methods to reclaim your time and focus on more meaningful pursuits.