If you find Instagram too toxic or you just want to spend more time with the people you love in real life, you may have wondered if there is a way to deactivate the app. Everyone should take a break from social media once in a while.
Regardless of the cause, there are two options available if you want to stop using Instagram. You can deactivate your Instagram account forever and never return, or you can take a short break. If you opt for the break, you can reactivate your account later.
This article will teach you everything you need to know about how to deactivate your Instagram account.
How to disable Instagram
Instagram advises users to disable their accounts before permanently deleting them. If you do this, you will still be able to recover your profile and all your data. Temporarily deactivating your account is simple. However, you can’t do it from the Instagram app. You must log in to your account using a desktop browser.
Here’s how to temporarily deactivate your Instagram account:
- Sign in and click on your profile picture in the top right corner of the screen.
- Choose Edit Profile.
- Scroll down and tap “Temporarily deactivate my account” in the bottom right corner of the screen.
- If you are asked for a reason to disable an account, choose an answer.
- Enter your password again.
- Select “Temporarily deactivate account.”
Your followers will not see any of your posts if you follow these steps. No one will be able to access your profile until you enable your account by logging in again.
How to disable Instagram reels
Reels are engaging, immersive videos that allow you to artistically communicate your brand’s story, inform your audience, and attract new customers. There is no easy way to disable Instagram Reels. To get rid of reels, you need to change the way you use Instagram.
Use the browser to access Instagram
The best way to avoid Instagram Reels is to use Instagram in your browser. Unlike the Instagram app, the browser version of Instagram doesn’t have this feature (yet). You can log in with any browser, including Google Chrome, Mozilla, and others. You can use Instagram without Reels once you are logged in successfully. The browser experience may not be as fast as the Instagram app. The alternative possibilities listed below can be considered if you lose the original application.
Use the previous version of Instagram on your Android
Because there is no option to disable Instagram Reels within the app, the only way to prevent it from showing up in your newsfeed is to install an older version of Instagram on your device. Follow the steps below to get an older version of the app:
- To get started, use your browser to get this. Instagram APK file and download it. Other versions prior to this should also work. Be careful when downloading anything from the Internet and do your research thoroughly to make sure you don’t install a malicious program.
- Then, on the home screen, tap the “Settings” app.
- Select the “Biometrics & Security” tab from the “Settings” menu. The name of this tab may vary depending on your phone model. After that choose “Install unknown apps”.
- Finally, select the browser from which you downloaded the APK file and select “Allow from this source”.
To install the software, open the APK file you downloaded and follow the on-screen steps. Restart Instagram to see if the Reels have been deleted. Installing an older version of Instagram serves as a workaround for removing Reels. For that reason, you should make sure that the Play Store does not update the app automatically, as it would restore the feature.
To prevent Google Play Store from updating Instagram, follow the instructions below:
- Open your Play Store, search and click on the Instagram app.
- In the top right corner of your page, select the “three dots” icon.
- Deselect the “Enable automatic update” option.
Now, this solution will delete Reels on Instagram while their servers can still access the version of Instagram loaded on your phone. You will have no choice but to accept reels if Instagram decides to force you to update the application.
Unfortunately, unlike Android, it is difficult to install older versions of a program on an iOS device. This is a jailbreak, which is a complex operation with several possible problems if you are not familiar with it.
Try Instagram Lite
Currently, Instagram Lite does not support Reels. This feature may be added soon, but for now it is not mentioned. Instagram Lite is available to download from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, and allows you to enjoy Instagram without reels.
How to disable Instagram calls
Finding a technique to ignore a call that comes at an inconvenient time can be quite annoying. Anyone who can message you on Instagram also has the option to call you via voice or video. These are usually people who follow you or who previously tried to contact you but were unsuccessful.
Plus, if you’re on the go, every call you receive will consume mobile data. You can prevent this by blocking voice and video calls from specific followers, turning off notifications, or using “Do Not Disturb.”
Disable video calls
Not everyone is happy with the video calling feature activated. If you are one of those people who wants more privacy, you can disable incoming video calls on Instagram. To do so, simply follow these steps:
- Launch the Instagram app.
- Navigate to your profile in the bottom right corner.
- Choose the hamburger menu in the upper right corner.
- Go to settings.”
- Choose “Notifications.”
- Click “Direct messages and calls.”
- Find “Video Chats” and tap “Disable.”
You can personalize your Instagram messaging experience with just a few clicks, so you never have to worry about receiving a message from a stranger or someone you don’t follow. It’s an extra layer of privacy that some people may choose for peace of mind.
Disable audio calls
Follow these simple steps to turn off the audio calling feature:
- Launch the Instagram app.
- Go to “Settings”. Find “Call Settings” and turn it off.
This option is also available in the “Voice & Video” p of your phone’s settings. This will disable audio calls for the entire Instagram app.
How to disable Instagram suggested posts
Instagram can help you find new things by recommending posts. Therefore, you may choose to follow that account after seeing a post from a related account you already follow. By following the most recent posts from people you follow, post suggestions will appear in your feed.
Instagram suggests content based on the accounts you currently follow, as well as content related to or the same as content you like or save. While many people find recommended Instagram posts in their feed useful for expanding their interests, some may find them annoying.
Here’s how to turn off Instagram suggested posts:
- Launch the Instagram app, then scroll down until posts start showing.
- Click the three dots next to the post.
- Press “Hide.” Instagram will no longer show as many posts like these.
- You can choose to tap a justification to modify the suggestions for your next suggested posts. If you change your mind, you can also tap “Undo.”
There might also be a button labeled “Snooze all suggested posts in feed for 30 days,” depending on your location. If you don’t want to see suggested Instagram posts for a month, select this option.
How to disable Instagram from Facebook
Follow these steps to disable or unlink your Instagram account from your Facebook account:
- Go to Facebook’s “Settings” page.
- Choose “Apps & Websites” under “Security.”
- Choose Instagram.
- Click “Delete.” Choose “Delete” once again when prompted.
Enjoy Instagram without distractions
Although Instagram is an amazing and powerful app, navigating it can be a challenge. You can improve your Instagram experience by disabling some of the available options or even deactivating the service to take a break from social media.
Think you need a break from Instagram? Have you ever disabled the service? Let us know in the comments p below.
