How to delete or deactivate Threads?

Instagram’s answer to Twitter hasn’t been around for long, but people already want to know how to delete Threads.

Users have been flocking to Instagram’s version of Twitter since its launch on 6th July. However, for whatever reason, some are already wanting to delete their Threads account. Maybe it’s the privacy concerns, or that people simply aren’t ready to jump to a Twitter alternative.

How to delete Threads account

If you’ve downloaded Threads and made an account, the only way to delete Threads is by permanently deleting your Instagram account. Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri has since clarified the issue with why this is the case, and what you can do instead:

Many users are understandably angry about this since it means your Threads user will stay on Meta’s servers for the foreseeable future. The Threads privacy policy states “You may deactivate your Threads profile at any time, but your Threads profile can only be deleted by deleting your Instagram account.” So, if you made your Threads account by mistake and have changed your mind, the next best thing you can do is deactivate your Threads profile.

How to deactivate your Threads profile

To deactivate your Threads profile, the next best thing to deleting your entire Instagram account, follow these steps:

1. Go to your profile on the Threads app.
2. Tap the two-line menu icon in the top right of your profile.
3. Tap the account icon.
4. Tap deactivate profile.
5. Tap Deactivate Threads profile.
6. Confirm that you’re sure when prompted.

This isn’t a permanent choice, but you can only perform this action once a week. If you’re concerned about how your data’s used, you can download and delete Threads data by visiting your Instagram settings.

Can you delete Threads without deleting Instagram?

At the time of writing, there is no way to delete Threads without deleting your Instagram account too. Much like the lesson in Black Mirror’s Joan is Awful, it’s definitely worth reading the finer print in the privacy policy before signing up for anything.

How to delete Instagram account

If you’ve had enough of Meta’s antics altogether, then we’ll also show you how to permanently delete your Instagram account. It will take up to 90 days to complete the deletion process and 30 days to permanently delete your information.

1. Click  More in the bottom left, then click Settings .
2. Click Accounts Centre, then click Personal details.
3. Click Account ownership and control, then click Deactivation or deletion.
4. Click the account that you’d like to permanently delete.
5. Click Delete account, then click Continue.

Final word

If you’ve decided that Threads isn’t for you, it might be worth checking out how to get a Bluesky code for free. Founded by Jack Dorsey, Bluesky collects significantly less data than Thread, and is currently another frontrunner to replace Twitter. You can also find out how to remove Threads from your Instagram profile.