In this article, you can learn how to reactivate your Instagram account after temporarily deactivating it. You can also read how you can file a complaint if your account has been deactivated without your intention. If your account has been deleted, all you can do is create a new account.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Reactivate your account
Step 1. First check whether your account has been deactivated long enough
If you have deactivated your account, Instagram usually takes a few hours to complete the process. In the meantime, you cannot reactivate your account.
If your account has been inactive for more than a day, you should be able to log in again without any problem
Step 2. Be aware that you cannot reactivate a deleted account
If you decide to delete your account on Instagram, you won't be able to reactivate it after you delete it.
Step #3. Open Instagram
Tap the Instagram icon on your phone. The icon of the app has the shape of a colorful camera.
Step 4. Enter your username, your email address or your phone number
Use the top field for this. You can enter any of the aforementioned details as long as they are associated with the account you wish to reactivate.
Depending on the screen that Instagram loads, you must first click on the Login button or link before you see the login page
Step 5. Enter your password
Use the text field 'Password' for this.
If you have forgotten your password, you will have to reset it
Step 6. Tap Login
You will find this button at the bottom of the screen. If you've entered the correct credentials, you can log into Instagram that way and reactivate your account.
Step 7. Follow the on-screen instructions
Depending on how long your account has been deactivated, you may need to re-accept the terms of use or confirm your phone number before you can access your account.
You can reactivate it by logging into your account again. After logging in, you should therefore do nothing further to reactivate your account
Method 2 of 3: Complain if your account has been deactivated
Step 1. Check whether your account has indeed been deactivated
Open Instagram and try to login by entering the correct details. If you see the following message: "Your account has been deactivated" (or similar) after clicking login Instagram has deactivated your account for a violation of the terms of use.
If all you get is an error message (example: "Password or username incorrect"), Instagram hasn't deactivated your account. Then try to solve the problem via Troubleshoot login problems
Step 2. Open Instagram request form
Go to https://help.instagram.com/contact/606967319425038 in your computer's web browser. You can use this form to request permission from Instagram to regain access to your account.
Step 3. Enter your name
In the 'Full name' field near the top of the page, type in the first and last name you registered in your Instagram account.
Step 4. Enter your username
In the "Your username" field, enter your Instagram username.
Step 5. Enter your email address and your phone number
Use the field 'Your e-mail address' and the field 'Your telephone number'.
Step 6. Submit your request
In the last field on the page, enter a short message explaining why you think your account should not have been deactivated. When writing your request, keep the following guidelines in mind:
- Explain that your account has been deactivated and that you believe an error has been made.
- Don't try to apologize, because if you do, you'll give the impression that you've done something wrong.
- Maintain a friendly tone and avoid harsh and rude language.
- End your request with a heartfelt 'Thank you!'
Step 7. Click Submit
It's a blue button at the bottom of the page. This is how you send your request to Instagram; if Instagram chooses to reactivate your account, you will receive a message and then be able to log back into your account.
As long as Instagram has not yet made a decision, you can repeat the request process several times a day
Method 3 of 3: Troubleshoot login issues
Step 1. Try to login by entering your email or phone number
If you can't log in with your username, please try your email address or phone number first.
- If you normally use your email address or phone number to log in, you might want to try using your username.
- You must enter the correct password anyway, whatever other details you use to log in.
Step 2. Reset your password
If you don't remember your exact password for Instagram, you can reset it from your smartphone or computer.
Step 3. When you log in, turn off your phone's Wi-Fi
It may not be your login details that are the problem, but the Instagram app itself. In that case, you can sometimes solve problems logging in by using your phone's internet data instead of the Wi-Fi connection.
Step 4. Try logging in using a different browser or device
You may have certain information stored on your phone or on your computer that blocks access to your account. If so, try using a different phone or computer, or using a different browser; it often works that way.
Step 5. Uninstall and reinstall the Instagram app
Sometimes you can solve login problems caused by the app by reinstalling the app.
If your Instagram app is out of date, you can also download the latest version by reinstalling it
Step 6. Check if you may have violated Instagram's terms of use
If you get a message saying that your account doesn't exist, Instagram may have deleted your account for a violation of the terms of use.
- Common violations include posting nude photos, bullying other users, promoting harmful products, and fraud.
- If you violate the terms of use, there is a good chance that Instagram will deactivate or delete your account without warning.
Tips
- Sometimes a virus arises within Instagram that can prevent you from logging into your account even if you enter the correct data. That's why you don't have to panic if you don't get access to your account right away. Wait a day and then try again.
- If you use a service that has access to Instagram's API (for example, an app that publishes on your behalf, a service that lets you know who has stopped following you, etc.) you can almost always be sure that you account will be deactivated.
- Backup your photos on Instagram to make sure you don't lose them if your account is deleted.