Instagram, a leading social media platform, has gained popularity due to its photo and video sharing capabilities. It’s an app where millions of users express creativity, connect with others, and share memorable moments. However, there are times when posts get deleted – either intentionally or accidentally – leading to loss of cherished memories or valuable content. Fortunately, Instagram has mechanisms in place that allow users to recover deleted posts, a feature we’ll delve into in this article.
Understanding Instagram’s Delete vs. Archive Function
Deleting and archiving Instagram posts are two different actions with distinct consequences. When you delete a post, it’s removed from your profile and is no longer visible to your followers. On the other hand, archiving a post simply removes it from your profile feed but doesn’t erase it permanently; the post is stored in a separate area accessible only to you.
How Instagram’s Recently Deleted Feature Works
Instagram’s “Recently Deleted” feature is an inbuilt safety net for your posts. When you delete a post, it’s not instantly erased. Instead, it moves to the “Recently Deleted” folder, where it remains for 30 days. This retention period gives users the chance to recover posts if they change their minds or had deleted them accidentally.
Step-by-step Guide to Recover Deleted Instagram Posts
To recover your deleted posts using Instagram’s “Recently Deleted” feature, follow these steps:
- Open the Instagram App: Locate the Instagram icon on your device and tap to open the application.
- Navigate to Your Profile: At the bottom right of your screen, tap on the profile icon to move to your Instagram profile.
- Access Settings: On your profile, tap on the three horizontal lines, also known as the “hamburger” icon, located at the top right corner of your screen. A side menu will slide open; tap on “Settings” located at the bottom of the menu.
- Go to the Account Settings: In the settings menu, find and tap on “Account.” This will open your account settings.
- Open Recently Deleted: Scroll down in the account settings until you find “Recently Deleted.” Tap on this option to open it.
- Select the Post you want to Recover: In the “Recently Deleted” folder, you’ll see all the posts you’ve deleted in the last 30 days. Find the post you want to restore and tap on it.
- Recover the Post: Once you’ve opened the deleted post, tap on the three-dot icon at the top right corner of the post. This will open a small menu with options. Select “Restore” to recover the post.
- Confirm the Action: After you’ve selected “Restore,” Instagram will ask you to confirm your decision as a security measure. You may need to verify your identity through a text or email code.
After completing these steps, the deleted post should reappear on your Instagram profile. Remember, Instagram only keeps deleted posts for 30 days. After this period, posts cannot be recovered through the app. If the process seems too complicated to you, then you can read how to recover posts on instagram in a detailed guide.
How to Recover Posts Deleted from the Recently Deleted Folder
Posts purged from the “Recently Deleted” folder are typically beyond recovery. However, there are third-party software and services that claim to recover such posts. These include data recovery tools that scan and retrieve lost data. However, these services should be used with caution as they may not always deliver as promised and can sometimes breach privacy and security guidelines.
How to Archive Instead of Deleting to Avoid Future Problems
Archiving posts, instead of deleting them, saves you from potential regrets. To archive a post:
- Go to the post you want to archive.
- Tap on the three-dot icon at the top right of the post.
- Choose the “Archive” option.
You can view your archived posts by going to your profile, tapping the hamburger icon (≡), and selecting “Archive.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Recovering Deleted Instagram Posts
Can I recover posts deleted more than 30 days ago?
Instagram’s Recently Deleted feature only stores deleted posts for a period of 30 days. After that, posts cannot be recovered through the Instagram app. While some third-party services claim to be able to recover posts deleted more than 30 days ago, their reliability varies, and users should proceed with caution due to potential privacy concerns.
What can I do if the Recently Deleted feature doesn’t work?
Make sure your Instagram app is updated to the latest version, as the Recently Deleted feature might not function properly in older versions. If the problem persists, try logging out and logging back in, or uninstalling and reinstalling the app. If all else fails, consider reaching out to Instagram’s support for help.
Can I recover posts if my Instagram account gets deleted or banned?
If your Instagram account is permanently deleted or banned, you won’t be able to recover deleted posts. Instagram doesn’t keep data from deleted accounts, which includes deleted posts. It’s crucial to back up your Instagram data regularly if you want to keep your posts safe.
How do I backup my Instagram data?
To backup your Instagram data, go to “Settings” > “Security” > “Download Data”. You’ll need to enter your email address to receive a link to your data. Instagram will email you a link where you can download your data, including all your posts.
Are there any alternatives to recover my deleted posts if I didn’t backup my data?
If your deleted posts are not in the Recently Deleted folder and you haven’t backed up your data, recovery may be difficult. Third-party data recovery tools are an option, but they often require access to your phone’s storage and do not guarantee success. Always be cautious about your privacy and security when using such services.
Is it possible to recover comments and likes on the deleted post?
When you restore a deleted post using the Recently Deleted feature, the post’s original likes and comments will also be restored. However, if a post is permanently deleted (i.e., removed from the Recently Deleted folder or beyond 30 days after deletion), its likes and comments are also permanently removed and cannot be restored.
I can’t see the ‘Recently Deleted’ feature on my Instagram. Why is this?
The ‘Recently Deleted’ feature was introduced in early 2021. If you don’t see it on your app, make sure your Instagram app is updated to the latest version. If you’re still facing issues, you may need to contact Instagram Support.
Tips for Protecting Your Instagram Posts
Secure your Instagram account by using a strong, unique password and enabling two-factor authentication. Regularly back up your Instagram data to avoid permanent data loss. To do this, go to “Settings” > “Security” > “Download Data,” and enter your email address to receive a link to your data.
Conclusion
Remember, Instagram’s “Recently Deleted” feature can serve as a safety net, but it has its limitations, notably the 30-day retention period. To avoid future regret, it’s wise to make use of the archive function, providing a private storage for posts you’re uncertain about.
Furthermore, while third-party services claim to recover posts beyond Instagram’s capabilities, these should be approached with caution due to potential privacy and security concerns. Hence, it’s crucial to make regular backups of your Instagram data, ensuring a personal copy is always at hand.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, users are encouraged to take time when deciding to delete posts. In this fast-paced digital age, it’s all too easy to make impulsive decisions that we might later regret. So, take a moment, think it over, and remember – archive could be a safer choice than delete.