How to Change Instagram Account from Business to Personal: Instagram offers different types of accounts—Personal, Business, and Creator—each with unique features. While a Business account provides valuable insights, analytics, and promotional tools, many users may wish to switch back to a Personal account for privacy reasons or to simplify their Instagram experience.
If you are looking for a way to change your Instagram account from Business to Personal, this guide will provide you with a step-by-step process along with essential details to consider before making the switch.
Understanding Instagram Account Types
Before switching, it is important to understand the key differences between the three types of Instagram accounts:
1. Personal Account
A Personal account is the standard Instagram profile type that allows users to:
- Post photos, videos, and reels without any professional insights.
- Keep their profile private if they want to limit who can see their posts.
- Use all Instagram filters and effects without restrictions.
- Engage with friends and family without access to business-related tools.
2. Business Account
A Business account is designed for companies, brands, and entrepreneurs who want to market their products and services. Some of its key features include:
- Instagram Insights to track post engagement, audience reach, and growth metrics.
- Access to Instagram Ads for paid promotions.
- Ability to add contact buttons (such as “Call” or “Email”) for easy communication.
- Instagram Shopping features to sell products directly through the platform.
3. Creator Account
A Creator account is best suited for influencers, bloggers, and public figures who want more control over their online presence. Some features include:
- Detailed audience insights to track content performance.
- Message filtering tools to manage DMs efficiently.
- Flexible content posting options with early access to new Instagram tools.
If you no longer need the extra features provided by a Business account, switching to a Personal account is simple and can be done in a few steps.
Things to Consider Before Switching from Business to Personal
Before making the change, keep in mind the following:
1. Loss of Instagram Insights
Once you switch to a Personal account, you will lose access to Instagram Insights, which means you will no longer be able to track engagement metrics, follower demographics, or post-performance data.
2. No Access to Business Tools
Switching back to a Personal account means you will not be able to use Instagram Ads, Shopping, or Call-to-Action buttons on your profile. If you rely on these features for marketing, consider whether this change is right for you.
3. Privacy Control
A Personal account allows you to make your profile private, which is not an option for Business accounts. If you want to limit who can view your posts, this could be a good reason to switch.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change Instagram Account from Business to Personal
If you’ve decided that switching to a Personal account is the right choice, follow these steps carefully:
Step 1: Open the Instagram App
Make sure you have the latest version of Instagram installed on your device to avoid any issues during the switch.
Step 2: Go to Your Profile
- Tap on your profile picture in the bottom-right corner of the screen to open your Instagram profile.
Step 3: Access the Settings Menu
- Tap on the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top-right corner.
- Select “Settings and Privacy” from the dropdown menu.
Step 4: Navigate to Account Settings
- Scroll down and tap on “Accounts” to access account-related settings.
Step 5: Switch to Personal Account
- Tap on “Switch Account Type.”
- Choose “Switch to Personal Account.”
Step 6: Confirm Your Decision
- Instagram will show a confirmation message explaining that switching to a Personal account will remove access to Business tools like Insights and Ads.
- Tap “Switch to Personal Account“ to confirm.
Once you complete these steps, your Instagram Business account will be converted into a Personal account instantly.
How to Make Your Instagram Account Private After Switching
After switching to a Personal account, you can make your profile private to control who sees your content. Here’s how:
- Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
- Tap on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner.
- Select “Settings and Privacy.”
- Tap on “Account Privacy.”
- Toggle the “Private Account” option ON.
Once your account is set to private, only your approved followers will be able to see your posts and stories.
Reasons to Switch from Business to Personal Account
There are several reasons why users decide to switch from a Business account to a Personal account. Here are some of the most common ones:
1. Enhanced Privacy Control
Unlike Business accounts, Personal accounts allow you to set your profile to private, limiting your audience to only approved followers. If privacy is your priority, switching makes sense.
2. No Need for Business Features
If you are not using Instagram for marketing, brand promotions, or selling products, then the extra tools of a Business account might not be necessary. A Personal account is simpler and more focused on personal connections.
3. Avoiding Business-Related Algorithms
Instagram’s algorithm treats Business accounts differently, often prioritizing ads and engagement over organic reach. Some users believe that switching to a Personal account improves their natural post visibility in followers’ feeds.
4. Reducing Unwanted Business Messages
Business accounts often receive random business inquiries or spam messages. By switching to a Personal account, you may receive fewer unsolicited DMs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I switch back to a Business account after switching to a Personal account?
Yes, you can switch back to a Business account at any time by following the same steps and selecting “Switch to Business Account.”
2. Will I lose my Instagram followers when I switch to a Personal account?
No, switching your account type does not affect your followers. Your audience will remain the same.
3. Does switching to a Personal account delete my past insights and analytics?
Yes, once you switch to a Personal account, Instagram will permanently delete all insights and analytics associated with your posts.
4. Can I use Instagram Ads with a Personal account?
No, Instagram Ads are only available for Business and Creator accounts.
5. Can I make my account private after switching to a Personal account?
Yes, Personal accounts can be set to private, whereas Business accounts must remain public.
6. Will my existing promotions be affected when I switch to a Personal account?
Yes, any active Instagram promotions or ads will be paused or cancelled when you switch back to a Personal account.
7. Can I still see post-performance insights with a Personal account?
No, Insights and analytics are only available for Business and Creator accounts.
8. Will my previous content be affected by the switch?
No, switching to a Personal account does not delete or change any of your existing posts, stories, or reels.
9. Is there a limit to how many times I can switch between account types?
No, Instagram allows users to switch between account types as often as they like.
10. Do I need to verify my identity to switch back to a Personal account?
No, switching from a Business to a Personal account does not require identity verification.
Conclusion
Switching from a Business account to a Personal account on Instagram is a simple process that can be done in just a few steps. However, before making the change, consider whether you need Instagram Insights, advertising tools, or business features. If your priority is privacy, personal interactions, or simplifying your Instagram experience, then a Personal account might be the better choice for you.
