How to Reactivate Your Disabled Instagram Account

Do you want to reactivate your Instagram account? If your account was deactivated or temporarily disabled, you can easily reactivate it by logging in. However, if your account was deleted, it cannot be restored. If you’re unable to log in, you can appeal to Instagram’s support team or troubleshoot common errors. This guide will show you how to activate your Instagram account and appeal a disabled account on your computer or mobile device.

Important Points to Reactivate Your Disabled Instagram Account

• You’ll need to wait at least a day after deactivating your account to reactivate it. Deleted accounts cannot be restored.
• To reactivate your account, simply log in. You may need to re-accept Instagram’s Terms of Use.
• For suspended accounts, use Instagram’s appeal form to request account access.

Method 1: Reactivating an Account

1. Ensure Your Account Has Been Deactivated Long Enough:
   • If you temporarily deactivated your Instagram account, it typically takes a few hours for Instagram to complete the process. During this time, reactivation is not possible.
   • If your account has been deactivated for more than a day, you should be able to log back in without any issues.
   • If you chose to delete your Instagram account, reactivation is not possible. You’ll need to create a new account.
2. Open the Instagram App:
   • If you uninstalled Instagram, reinstall it from the App Store (iPhone/iPad) or Play Store (Android). Otherwise, tap the Instagram camera icon on your home screen to launch the app.
3. Enter Your Username, Email Address, or Phone Number:
   • Input any of these credentials in the top text field, as long as they are associated with the account you want to reactivate.
   • Depending on the screen, you may need to tap a “Log In” button or link to view the login page.
4. Enter Your Password:
   • Do this in the “Password” text field.
   • If you don’t remember your password, you’ll need to reset it.
5. Tap Log In:
   • This option is at the bottom of the screen. As long as your login credentials are correct, this will reactivate your Instagram account.
   • Depending on how long your account has been deactivated, you may need to accept updated Terms of Use or verify your phone number before proceeding to your account.

Method 2: Appealing a Disabled Account

1. Verify Your Account is Suspended:
   • Open the Instagram app and attempt to log in with the correct credentials. If you see a message stating “Your account has been disabled” (or something similar) after tapping “Log in,” Instagram has disabled your account for violating the Terms of Use.
   • If you only see an error message (e.g., “Incorrect password or username”), your account hasn’t been disabled by Instagram.
2. Open the Instagram Appeal Form in Your Web Browser:
   • Go to https://help.instagram.com/contact/606967319425038 in any browser. You can access this form on your computer, Android, iPhone, or iPad.
3. Enter Your Personal Information:
   • Fill in the form with your full name, Instagram username, current email address, and phone number.
4. Enter Your Appeal Request:
   • In the last text box on the page, type a brief message explaining why you believe your account should not be deactivated. Keep in mind the following guidelines:
     • Explain that your account was deactivated, and you believe it to be a mistake.
     • Avoid apologizing, as it implies fault.
     • Maintain a pleasant tone and avoid using harsh language.
     • End your appeal with a “Thank you!”.
5. Click Send:
   • This blue button is at the bottom of the page. Clicking it will send your appeal to Instagram. If they choose to reactivate your account, you will be notified and able to log in.
   • You can repeat the appeal process several times per day until Instagram reaches a decision.

Method 3: Troubleshooting Login Issues

1. Try Logging in with Your Email or Phone Number:
   • If logging in with your username isn’t working, try using your email address or phone number instead.
   • Similarly, if you usually use your email or phone number, try logging in with your username.
   • Your password needs to be correct regardless of the login credential you select.
2. Reset Your Password:
   • If you can’t remember the correct password for your Instagram account, reset it from your phone or computer.
3. Turn Off Your Phone’s Wi-Fi When Logging In:
   • If the problem lies with the Instagram app (not your login information), using cellular data instead of Wi-Fi can resolve some login issues.
4. Use a Different Platform to Access Instagram:
   • Your phone or computer may have cached information preventing you from logging in; using a different phone, computer, or browser to log in may fix this issue.
5. Uninstall and Reinstall the Instagram App:
   • In some cases, reinstalling Instagram will resolve login issues caused by the app.
   • If your Instagram app is out-of-date, this will also ensure you have the most recent version.
6. Consider Whether You Violated Instagram’s Terms of Use:
   • If you receive a message stating your account doesn’t exist, your account may have been deleted by Instagram due to a Terms of Use violation.
   • Common violations include posting nudity, bullying other users, promoting harmful products, and fraud.
   • Terms of Use violations often result in your account being suspended or deleted without warning.

Q&A for How to Reactivate Instagram

Q: I temporarily disabled my account 2-3 months ago, but when I try to log in, the screen appears blank and a message says “couldn’t refresh feed.” What should I do?

• A: The “couldn’t refresh feed” issue might be due to an app version problem or internet connection issue. Try using a web browser on a computer or laptop, or connect to a more reliable network on your phone and update the app, then try again.

Q: How many times can you deactivate your Instagram?

• A: You need to wait 7 days before reactivating an Instagram account, and then another 7 days before you can deactivate it again. This cycle can continue indefinitely if you choose.

Q: Can I get my Instagram back after deleting it?

• A: According to Instagram’s terms and conditions, deletion of your account is permanent. You will lose access to both the old account and your previous username. If you temporarily disabled the account, you can restore it by following the instructions above. Think carefully before deleting your Instagram!

Q: How long does it take for Instagram to delete an inactive account?

• A: Instagram encourages users to stay active. While the exact timeframe is not specified, an inactive account is at risk of being deleted. Reminder emails will be sent if you don’t use the account for a while. After a few years of inactivity, your account may be deleted.

Q: What do I need to do if I temporarily disabled my account yesterday and now I cannot log in?

• A: You will be able to reactivate your account after a week.

Q: Does Instagram notify followers when you reactivate an inactive profile?

• A: No, but your account will go from being invisible to being visible to followers again.

Q: Do I have to wait a week to reactivate it? Does it automatically reactivate, or do I have to do it manually?

• A: Yes, you have to wait 7 days to reactivate your account, and you will need to do it manually.

Q: I temporarily deactivated my Instagram account. After logging back in, almost all my pictures are gone! Will they come back?

• A: Users in similar situations report that their pictures returned within about four days (often sooner). Contact Instagram customer support if they haven’t returned by then.

Q: How long can I temporarily deactivate my account?

• A: When you temporarily disable your account, Instagram maintains the “disabled” status for a week. After that period, you’ll need to re-disable Instagram if you want to continue.

Q: Can I temporarily deactivate my account without permanently deactivating it?

• A: Yes. Log in to the app from a web browser on your phone or computer (not the app). Click your username, select “Edit Profile,” then “Temporarily disable my account.” After completing the process, your Instagram content will be hidden until you log in again.

Q: After reactivating my Instagram account, my old posts are no longer visible. Is there any way to recover them?

• A: No. Once accounts are deactivated and reopened, you cannot retrieve old posts or stories unless you post them again.

Q: I am unable to sign in to my Instagram since I lost access to my email address and it was not linked to Facebook. Is there any way to regain access?

• A: There are no guarantees, but you can try filling out the Instagram Login Issues form to inform Instagram of your issue.

Q: What do I do if I forgot my password and no longer have the email (which was fake) that I signed up with?

• A: If you have linked your Facebook account, you can log in by choosing “Login with Facebook,” then change your email and confirm the new email.

Q: My Instagram account got deactivated because I violated the terms and conditions. I made a new account, but it won’t let me log in to the app. What can I do?

• A: When your Instagram is disabled for violating their terms, your device is also blocked from using the app. Try appealing to Instagram Support; in the meantime, use a different device (laptop, tablet, etc.) on a different IP address/network.

Q: I am trying to reactivate my account, but my email bounces back to me. How else can I contact Instagram to sort this out?

• A: If you have a phone number connected to the account, enter that. If not, contact Instagram through Facebook or Twitter and send them a private message.

Q: How can I unlock my account if I put in the wrong password too many times?

• A: Press “Forgot password” and follow the prompts to reset your password. They usually send you a 4-digit code by phone or email that you can use to access your account and change the password.