If you’re a Threads user, you’ll be glad to know that you can now delete your Threads account without losing access to your main Instagram profile.
Previously, deleting Threads meant saying goodbye to your Instagram account too, since the apps relied on the same infrastructure. This painful linking meant users had to choose between losing Threads or their much-larger Instagram audience.
However, Meta has been working behind the scenes to untether the two services. The result? Threads users can now delete their Threads account while keeping their Instagram profile intact.
How To Delete Threads Without Deleting Instagram
Deleting Threads without losing Instagram is easy:
- Go to your Threads profile and tap the menu icon in the top right
- Select “Privacy” then “Suggesting posts on other apps“
- Toggle off Instagram and Facebook sharing individually
I should note that while this stops your content from being shared across platforms, you’ll still see others’ Threads content on Instagram and Facebook.
Why Meta Unlinked Threads and Instagram
This update is part of Meta’s larger mission to empower users with more control over their accounts across platforms. As we reported earlier, Meta previously faced technical roadblocks separating Threads from Instagram due to shared infrastructure.
However, significant engineering efforts have enabled the companies to decouple the services. By December 2023, managing Threads and Instagram independently will be seamless.
Also Read: Threads is the most invasive app, shares 86% of your data with others: Report
Developer Alessandro Paluzzi also uncovered additional insights, shared by Engadget, into the user experience after deleting Threads:
- Threads data is purged 30 days post-deletion, ensuring privacy
- Users can’t re-register Threads with the same Instagram handle for 120 days, preventing abuse
Giving users enhanced ability to manage their presence across Meta’s apps puts user autonomy first. This change also addresses prior concerns around data sharing across the company’s platforms.
User Control and Privacy At The Forefront
While a small change, letting users delete Threads without losing Instagram is a step towards user-centric social media.
Giving people more control over their online identities aligns with Meta’s focus on privacy and individual choice. As social networks mature, tailored experiences, not one-size-fits-all, may become the norm.
The ability to independently manage accounts also addresses user concerns about data sharing across Meta’s family of apps. Separating services puts users in the driver’s seat when it comes to their presence across Meta’s platforms.
Have you tried deleting your Threads but kept your Instagram? How did you find the update? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
