We tell you how to deactivate or delete your Instagram account permanently.
Social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp help keep people connected with the possibility of sharing life experiences, thoughts, tastes and ideas with family, friends and even strangers on the Internet. However, on some occasions the exposure to personal life can be too much for some users, who choose to deactivate their account temporarily or permanently.
Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world. It has around one billion monthly active users, the majority in the United States and India. Here in South Africa, there are around 5.43 million IG users. It is very popular but it is not as easy to get rid of as you might think once you have it.
This time we tell you how to deactivate Instagram permanently.
Delete Instagram: the application in front of your account
Getting rid of your Instagram account is not the same as uninstalling the application from your mobile device.
The application is the gateway through which you access it.
To uninstall the app, just long-press the app icon and select the uninstall button when it appears. You can also uninstall it using Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
However, this does not delete your Instagram account. People can still view your profile and Instagram will still have your account details.
Disable your Instagram account
If you do not want to immediately delete your account, Instagram offers you the option to temporarily disable your account.
To do this, log into your account in an internet browser, click the Edit Profile button next to your account username.
Then scroll down and select the Temporarily deactivate my account button.
The site will then ask you to enter your account password to verify that it is you.
Once you have accepted, your photos, comments and likes will be hidden until you decide to reactivate the account by logging in again.
How to delete your Instagram account
Actually, you cannot delete your account through the Instagram app or website.
To permanently delete your Instagram account, you need to go to the Instagram account delete request page and request that Instagram delete your account.
The page will first ask you why you want to delete your account and retype your password. You can then select the “Permanently delete my account” button.
One important thing to remember is that the account will not be deleted instantly.
The platform will give you a period of one month to choose if you want to log in again and keep the account.
When the deadline has passed, the account will be officially deleted.