Have you spent many hours on your social resources feeling anxious, combat or just unproductive? Like restricting exposure to social media is recommended for children’s mental health, many adults can also benefit.
Even if you are not ready for a full digital detox (where you severely reduce the use of smartphone or even get a week off the line), small adjustments in your daily routine can help you make time for other activities. And if you have decided it’s time to move on, see what you can take with you before closing your accounts. Here is a quick guide.
Set boundaries
Social media platforms offer good reasons to stay around, such as connecting distant family members or providing community space online for groups of people. If you want to continue using them – but in moderation – your phone settings can help.
First, try checking any notice from social applications. On an iPhone or iPad that operates iOS, open the settings icon, tap on the notifications and move down to the applier in the selected apps. In the settings of an Android 15 phone, tap the notifications and then the application notifications to reach the checks.
Apple and Google also include controls for apps rationing time. In iOS 18 settings, select screen time, select the application and website activity and activate it (if it is not already), and then tap the App limits. In Android 15 digital well -being settings, tap the circular table at the top of the screen and then select the applications from the list below to set your limitations.
Remove the temptation
Easy is easy to remove pieces of day with quick glances at your social media resources. If you limit the notifications or setting the timer to your use is not enough, take it a step further: Delete the app from your phone.
Deleting the app does not delete your social account. However, it forces you to control your resources on another device, such as a laptop or tablet staying at home.
To delete an app from an iPhone or iPad, press and keep his icon on the home screen, select the app and then delete the app.
Initesting app on an Android phone can vary with the hardware and software version, but on Android 13 and later, open the Google Play store, tap your profile icon in the upper right corner, select manage apps and equipment and tap manage. On some phones, you can also attract an app icon at the top of the screen and throw it into the uninstall option.
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Most social media platforms allow you to get a temporary interruption from deactivant your account. Deactivation essentially hides your profile out of view until you entered again to reactivate it. The steps vary according to the platform, but you usually start the process in the settings area of your account. Check the platform support section for specific instructions.
If you decide to disable, check the policy of the social media company. Some platforms, such as X and Snapchat, offer a 30-day deactivation period before the account is automatically deleted permanently.
Other platforms, including Facebook, Bluesky, YouTube and Tiktok, do not set a time limit on your return. Deactivating an Instagram account also sets your thread account (if you have one) on ice.
Rest for good
Unlike deactivation, deleting your account is a permanent departure from the platform. The wiping option is usually in the same area of settings as disable controls.
If you decide to delete, all the content you posted on the platform will disappear, but many pages will allow you to download a photo archive and other posts before you leave. Look for a “download your information” or “download your data” on your account settings.
Depending on the content you posted, it may take days after looking for your data to get the connection to download your archive. Some sites, like Tiktok, only offer links to your videos instead of current files themselves, which requires extra effort to get them.
Once you have finished downloading your data and checked the files, follow the platform guide for your permanent deletion of your account. Before leaving, some people post their contact information to connect elsewhere – and the continuation of the conversation.