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By Published On: December 12, 2024

How to Recover Deleted Instagram Posts and Stories

If you’ve accidentally deleted an Instagram post or story, don’t worry—you may still have a chance to recover it! Instagram offers a few options that can help you retrieve your lost content. In this post, we will guide you through the recovery process step-by-step to ensure you can restore your valuable memories.

Check the Recently Deleted Folder

Instagram now features a Recently Deleted folder where deleted posts, stories, and reels are temporarily stored. Follow these steps to access the folder:

  1. Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
  2. Tap the three horizontal lines in the top right corner to open the menu.
  3. Select Settings > Account > Recently Deleted.
  4. From here, you can view and restore all your deleted content. Keep in mind that Instagram only retains deleted posts for 30 days before they are permanently removed, so act quickly!

    Recover Stories from Highlights

    If you’ve deleted a story that you previously added to your highlights, you can easily recover it:

    1. Go to your profile and tap on a highlight.
    2. Tap on Edit Highlight.
    3. Select Stories that you want to add back.
    4. Remember, only stories that were added to highlights can be recovered this way.

      Contacting Instagram Support

      If you’re unable to locate your deleted content in the Recently Deleted folder or highlights, your last option is to contact Instagram Support. Here’s how:

      1. Go to your profile and tap the three horizontal lines.
      2. Select Settings > Help > Report a Problem.
      3. Follow the prompts to explain your issue.
      4. While there are no guarantees that Instagram will be able to recover your deleted posts, they may assist you in resolving your issue.

        Additional Tips for Preventing Future Loss

        To avoid losing important content in the future, consider these tips:

        • Backup your content: Regularly save your photos and videos to your device or cloud storage.
        • Create highlights: Add your favorite stories to highlights for easy access.
        • Utilize third-party apps: Consider using apps designed for Instagram backup, which can save your posts and stories automatically.
        • For more information on managing your Instagram account, check out the Social Media Examiner’s guide on effective Instagram strategies.