How to Reactivate Your Instagram Account

While Instagram can certainly be a lot of fun, many people choose to deactivate their accounts at some point. When you're ready to reactivate your account, the service supports immediate reactivation.

If you've temporarily disabled your account, however, you can reactivate it whenever you wish. It is recommended that you wait at least 24 hours to do so, as it takes some time for the initial deactivation process to be completed.

When you're ready to reactivate, follow these steps:

1. Open the Instagram app or visit the Instagram website.
2. Log in using your credentials.

If you've entered your name and password correctly and successfully authenticated, your account has been reactivated. There is no special process to follow.

If you're still having trouble and cannot seem to log in, then you may need to reset your password first.

To reset your password, follow these steps:

1. Open the Instagram app.
2. On the login screen, select the Forgot password? link. 

Retrieve a link to reset your password either by phone or username. Authenticate using your linked Facebook account if one is available.

Some Instagram accounts become disabled without the owner's consent—usually when someone violated the social media service's usage terms by posting inappropriate content or engaging in other unacceptable behavior. In these cases, reactivating your account is not as simple and not always possible.

There is an appeal process in place, however, where you can state your case and hope for some leniency. If your account has been suspended, login to Instagram as you normally would and follow the on-screen instructions that appear upon authentication if you'd like to file an appeal.