Does Instagram Delete Inactive Accounts?
Instagram will delete inactive accounts, but the time frame which the platform operates under is rather vague. Instagram’s Help Center has a page explaining inactive accounts, but the page does not mention a specific period of time used to determine if an account is inactive. Rather, an account can be branded as inactive if it meets certain factors:
What date was the account created onIf the account is not sharing photographs, commenting, and likingIf you are infrequently logging in
How Can I Keep My Account from Being Inactive?
According to Instagram’s Help Center, you can avoid having your account branded as inactive simply by engaging with the platform in some way. The platform lists out the criteria on the Instagram inactive username policy page. Basically, all you have to do is log in every once in a while and be active on Instagram in the form of posting photographs, liking, or commenting.
Can I Restore a Deleted Account?
No, Instagram will not restore deleted accounts, but you can appeal to the platform to restore disabled accounts. It’s unlikely, however, that Instagram will do so. As part of Safer Internet Day in 2020, Instagram revamped its appeal process for disabled accounts. Previously, appealing was done through the Help Center, but now the appeal function will appear if you try to log into your disabled account. Here’s what happens when you try to log in to a disabled Instagram account:
Can I Take Back the Username of a Deleted Account?
Once an account has been deleted, you can reuse the old name for a new Instagram account. However, if the account is only disabled or rendered inactive, you’ll have to wait for the account to be deleted.
