How to disable your Instagram

Temporarily disable your account if you're in need of an Insta-break.
By Andy Moser  on 
instagram icon on phone with red X

Has your Gram been giving you a headache lately?

No, not your grandma (although your answer may be the same). We’re talking about Instagram. Maybe you want a break from the constant, almost addictive urge to scroll through the feed and see what everybody’s doing all of the time.

You’ll be happy to know you can temporarily disable your account (we should note this is separate from permanently deleting your account). By disabling your account, you can take your break, remove the temptation for a bit, and come back whenever you’re ready. Instagram will let you re-enable your account.

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To disable your Instagram, follow these steps:

1. Log into your Instagram profile on a computer (not through the app on your phone)

2. Click your profile picture in the top right corner and select "Profile" from the dropdown menu

Instagram Menu
Find the menu by clicking on your profile picture Credit: Andy Moser / Instagram

3. Click "Edit Profile" at the top

Edit profile
Click "Edit profile" Credit: Andy Moser / Instagram

4. Scroll all the way to the bottom and click “Temporarily disable my account”

Temporarily disable account
Click "Temporarily disable my account" Credit: Andy Moser / Instagram

5. You’ll then be asked to select a reason why you’re disabling your account (you can’t skip this part)

6. Enter your password when prompted

7. Click “Temporarily disable my account”

Your account will be temporarily disabled. But as we said, when you’re ready, just come back and re-enable it. No worries. Enjoy the Insta vacation.

Topics Instagram How-To

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Andy Moser

Andy is a fellow on Mashable's Culture team. He graduated with a B.S. from the University of North Florida in 2018 and moved to New York to pursue journalism in culture and entertainment. He can (and will) talk for too long about Star Wars and movies in general. His fear of stinging insects and 80+ degree weather will keep him inside forever. He wishes he were shorter.


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