Did you recently download Threads and find it inconvenient, or are you just looking to take a break? Unlike in the past, when deleting your Threads account also meant deleting your Instagram account, you now have the option to manage your Threads profile independently. If you want to learn how to delete your Threads account while keeping your Instagram intact permanently, this article is specifically designed for you.
Meta recently introduced Threads as a new alternative to Twitter, aiming to provide a unique platform for sharing text-based updates and engaging in public conversations. Developed by Instagram, Threads allows users to post updates, participate in discussions, and connect with people who share similar interests. While it offers a fresh way to interact through text, it may not appeal to everyone.
Threads is available in over 100 countries but is currently inaccessible in European countries due to strict data privacy regulations. If you have the Threads app on your phone and decide it is not for you, we will guide you step-by-step on how to delete your account
Can one delete their Threads account?
When Meta introduced Threads as a competitor to Twitter, many people quickly signed up, finding it easy to do so with their Instagram credentials. However, users soon discovered a major drawback: deleting a Threads account was only possible by deleting the associated Instagram account.
This issue arose because, at launch, there was no option to remove a Threads profile independently without impacting Instagram. Recognizing the problem, Meta has since updated the process. Now, you can delete your Threads account without affecting your Instagram account.
What happens when you delete your Threads account?
There are some considerations to put into place before deleting your Threads account:
- Once deleted, your posts, replies, likes, and comments will be removed from Meta’s servers and cannot be recovered.
- If you change your mind and want to cancel the deletion request, you must wait 30 days from when the request was made.
- After deleting your Threads profile, you will need to wait 90 days before you can sign up again with the same Instagram account.
- The deletion process can take up to 90 days. During this period, some of your information might remain in backup storage for disaster recovery, software errors, or legal reasons.
- Meta may retain your information for legal issues, policy violations, or safety purposes even after 90 days.
How to permanently delete a Threads account
Unlike before when deleting your Threads account also required deleting your Instagram account, now the two accounts are managed separately. Here is how to delete your Threads account:
Step 1: Profile Icon. Open the Threads app and tap the profile icon at the bottom-right corner.
Step 2: Menu Access. Tap the menu icon (two horizontal lines) at the top-right corner and select “Account.”
Step 3: Delete Option. Tap “Deactivate or delete profile” from the options.
Step 4: Permanently Delete. Choose “Delete profile” to remove your Threads account, including posts, likes, and other data. You have a 30-day window to restore your account if you change your mind.
Your Threads profile, content, likes, and followers will be permanently deleted 30 days after the request is made. You also cannot create a new Threads account for 90 days following the deletion of your old account.
What if I do not want to permanently delete my Threads account?
If you need to take a break from Threads, you can deactivate your Threads account instead of deleting it. Here is how to do it:
Step 1: Go to Profile. Tap on your profile picture or the profile icon in the bottom right to access your profile.
Step 2: Open Settings. Choose the settings icon in the top right corner.
Step 3: Select Deactivation. Tap “Account,” then choose “Deactivate or delete profile.”
Step 4: Confirm Deactivation: Tap “Deactivate Threads profile” and confirm your choice.
Deactivating your profile will make your posts and interactions invisible on Threads until you reactivate it. It won’t delete your Threads data or affect your Instagram account. Remember, you can only deactivate your profile once a week. Also, deactivating your Instagram account will result in the deactivation of your Threads profile as well.
FAQs
Q. Is Threads safe?
We all know Instagram has very strict security measures, and Threads benefits from these as part of Meta’s ecosystem. While Threads includes standard features like password protection and privacy policies, the safety of your account also relies on how you use the platform and keep your app updated.
Q. What happens when I delete or deactivate my Instagram account?
Since your Instagram account manages your Threads profile, deactivating your Instagram account will also deactivate your Threads profile. Similarly, deleting your Instagram account will result in the deletion of your Threads profile as well.
Q. Can you have two Thread accounts?
Meta allows you to create one Threads profile for each Instagram account you have.
Q. Can I create a new Threads account after deleting my old one?
You cannot create a new Threads account using the same Instagram account for 90 days after deleting your old Threads profile. However, after this 90-day waiting period, you can use the same Instagram login to create a new Threads account. If you wish to start a new Threads profile before the 90-day period ends, you will need to use a different Instagram account.
Q. What is the difference between deleting and deactivating a Thread account?
Deactivating your Threads account is a temporary action that hides your profile and content, allowing you to take a break and recover your data later. In contrast, deleting your Threads account is a permanent process where your profile and all associated content are hidden for 30 days before being permanently removed.
Conclusion
And there you have it—if you decide to part ways with the Threads app, you can either deactivate it temporarily or delete it permanently. Deactivating Threads will hide your profile and content but allow for easy reactivation later while deleting your account will remove all your data and make it inaccessible. Rest assured, these actions will not affect your Instagram account, which will remain safe and operational. By following the steps provided, you can manage your Threads account as you see fit and ensure that your Instagram experience continues without interruption.
