How to delete your Facebook, Instagram, and Threads accounts

TL;DR

1. How To Delete Your Facebook Account: Download your data first via the Accounts Center, then navigate through settings to permanently delete your account. Deletion is irreversible, and some data may remain visible to others.
2. How To Delete Your Instagram Account: Retrieve your data via the Accounts Center or app, then go to the ownership settings to delete your account. Deletion is permanent, but usernames may be reusable if available.
3. How To Delete Your Threads Account: Accessible only via the Threads.net website on a computer. Deletion takes 30 days to process, and linked Instagram profiles are affected if also deleted.
4. Meta’s Fact-Checking Decision: Meta has removed third-party fact-checking in the U.S., sparking criticism over potential increases in misinformation and privacy concerns related to its data collection practices.

Meta’s platforms have sparked increasing controversy following the company’s decision to remove its third-party fact-checking system in the United States.

Critics argue that this change might make its platforms breeding grounds for misinformation. CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s decision stems from his belief that independent fact-checkers were “too politically biased” and didn’t align with his vision of “free expression.”

Additionally, Meta’s extensive data collection practices for targeted ads and AI development continue to raise privacy concerns.

If these issues make you question your presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Threads, this guide will walk you through the process of deleting your accounts permanently.

We’ll also include how to download your data beforehand.

Please note that these instructions require a computer and a web browser, not a mobile phone.

Downloading Your Facebook Data

Before deleting your Facebook account, it’s a good idea to download your personal data. This archive includes everything from photos and chat history to ad interactions and IP addresses.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Click the down arrow under your profile picture in the top-right corner.
2. Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings.
3. On the left sidebar, scroll down to Your Information and select Download your information.
4. Follow the prompt to visit the Accounts Center and click Continue.
5. Select Download or transfer information.
6. Choose which accounts you want to download data from (Facebook, Instagram, or Meta Horizon) and click Next.
7. Specify the types of data to download, media quality, and file format (HTML or JSON). Click Submit request.

You’ll be notified by email or in the app once your data is ready for download.

How To Delete Your Facebook Account

Keep in mind:

• Deletion is permanent; you can’t recover your account once it’s gone.
• Some data, like chat history, might remain visible to friends.

Steps to delete:

1. Click your profile picture in the top-right corner.
2. Navigate to Settings & Privacy > Settings.
3. Open the Accounts Center.
4. Go to Personal details > Account ownership and control.
5. Select Deactivation or deletion.
6. Choose the profile to delete and select Delete account.
7. Follow the prompts to confirm your decision.

Downloading Your Instagram Data

You can retrieve your Instagram data through the Accounts Center or the Instagram app.

Steps:

1. In the Accounts Center, go to Your information and permissions > Download your information.
2. Alternatively, in Instagram Settings, tap the three lines in the bottom-left corner and select Your activity.
3. On the Download your information page, select which profiles’ data to retrieve.
4. Choose whether to download to a device or transfer directly. Specify a date range, file format, and media quality.

You’ll be notified when the file is ready, usually within a few hours. You’ll have four days to download it.

How To Delete Your Instagram Account

After downloading your data:

1. Open the Accounts ownership and control settings via the Accounts Center.
2. Choose Deactivation or deletion.
3. Select the account you want to delete.
4. Click Delete account, then confirm.

How To Delete Your Threads Account

Deleting a Threads account requires access to the Threads.net website on a computer. Note: Deleting your associated Instagram account will also delete your Threads profile.

Steps:

1. Open Threads.net.
2. Click the two parallel lines in the bottom-left corner and select Settings.
3. Go to Account > Deactivate or delete profile.
4. Select Delete profile and follow the prompts.
5. It will take 30 days for the request to process fully. Re-using the same Instagram profile to sign up again will take up to 90 days.

Meta’s Shift Away from Third-Party Fact-Checking

In a polarizing move, Meta has ended its third-party fact-checking partnerships in the U.S., replacing them with a “Community Notes” program.

Critics worry that this crowdsourced approach could amplify misinformation by relying on user-generated context rather than professional verification.

Outside the U.S., Meta claims it will retain fact-checking systems “for now,” though the future remains uncertain. These changes, along with privacy concerns, have prompted many users to reevaluate their relationship with the company’s platforms.

If you’re among those concerned about the direction Meta is heading, this guide can help you make an informed choice to delete your Facebook, Instagram, or Threads accounts and protect your digital footprint. Make sure to save anything important before taking the leap.