If you no longer want to use Threads, the Instagram app and you wish to deactivate your account, by following a few simple steps you can do so. Deactivating your Threads profile will only temporarily hide your profile, replies, and likes on the app. However, it’s important to note that deleting your Threads account is currently not possible without deleting your entire Instagram account since Instagram powers the Threads platform. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of how to delete your Threads account without deleting Instagram account.

Is it Possible to Delete Your Threads Account Without Deleting your Instagram Account?

No. Unfortunately. Deleting your Threads account without deleting your Instagram account is not currently possible. When you create a Threads profile, the only way to delete it is by deleting your entire Instagram account. According to Threads’ privacy policy, you can deactivate your Threads profile at any time, but permanent deletion requires deleting your Instagram account.

It’s important to note that Meta, the parent company of Threads and Instagram, has designed the platform so that your Threads profile syncs with your Instagram account. This approach encourages users to maintain their Threads profile by making deletion difficult without sacrificing their Instagram presence. If you’re not ready to delete your Instagram account, the only option is to temporarily disable your Threads profile.

How to Delete Your Threads Account?

As mentioned above, there’s no direct method to delete a Threads account. To delete your Threads profile and Instagram account simultaneously, follow these steps:

• Open the Threads app on your Android or iPhone device.
• Tap the profile button located in the bottom tab.
• Tap the two-line menu icon in the top right corner.

• Select “Account” from the menu.

• Tap “Other account settings.”

• You’ll be redirected to the Instagram app, and the Accounts Centre will open.
• Tap “Personal details.”

• Select “Account ownership and control.”

• Tap the only available option, “Deactivation or deletion.”

• Choose your Instagram account.
• Tap “Delete account” and confirm by selecting “Continue.”

• Select “Something else” as the reason for deletion and tap “Continue.”
• Enter your password for confirmation.
• Finally, tap “Continue” to delete both your Threads and Instagram accounts.

Alternatively, you can delete an Instagram account directly from the Instagram app by accessing the Accounts Centre and following the steps mentioned above. This will automatically delete your linked Threads profile as well.

How to Deactivate Your Threads Account?

If you don’t want to delete your Instagram account and prefer to temporarily deactivate your Threads profile, follow these steps:

• Open the Threads app on your Android or iPhone device.
• Tap the profile button located in the bottom tab.
• Tap the two-line menu icon in the top right corner.

• Select “Account” from the menu.

• Tap “Deactivate profile,” the second option listed.

• Confirm your decision by selecting the button at the bottom.
• Your Threads account will be deactivated, and your profile, threads (posts), replies and likes will be hidden temporarily.

Please note that a Threads account can only be deactivated once a week if you choose to reactivate it. During the deactivation period, your profile and associated activity will remain hidden.

What Happens to Your Posts and Interactions When You Deactivate Your Threads Profile or Delete Your Instagram Account?

When you deactivate your Threads profile, your posts and interactions with others’ posts will become invisible to others until you reactivate them. However, it’s important to note that your posts will still be stored on Threads’ servers unless you manually delete them individually. So, even though they won’t be visible, they will remain in the system.

On the other hand, if you choose to delete your Instagram account, your Threads data will still be retained on Meta’s servers for a period of up to 90 days. During this time, your Threads-related information will be stored, but it will no longer be accessible to you or visible to others. After the 90 days, Meta is expected to remove your Threads data from their servers.

Will Instagram Allow Separate Deletion of Threads Accounts in the Future?

Currently, Instagram does not provide the option to delete Threads accounts separately from Instagram accounts. However, Instagram may introduce this feature in the future, allowing users to delete their Threads accounts independently. 

While it’s unavailable now, Instagram will likely develop a solution to enable separate deletion of Threads accounts.

Conclusion

Deleting or deactivating your Threads account on Instagram is possible but currently requires deleting your linked Instagram account as well. We provided step-by-step instructions for both options. Deleting your account permanently removes both Threads and Instagram, while deactivating your Threads profile temporarily hides your activity. Stay tuned for future updates as Instagram works on allowing independent deletion of Threads accounts. If you have any questions or concerns, refer to our FAQs or leave a comment below.

FAQs