When Meta launched Threads, its competitor to platforms like X (formerly Twitter), your Threads profile was treated as though it were part of your Instagram account. And people quickly found out that if they weren't happy using Threads deleting their profile would also mean losing access to their Instagram account. That left people feeling trapped and posed a dilemma for those wanting to maintain their Instagram presence while discarding Threads.
Fortunately, Meta has resolved this integration issue. You can now manage your accounts separately, choosing to engage with each platform independently. Most importantly, it's now possible to delete or deactivate your Threads account while keeping your Instagram account active.
How to delete your Threads profile permanently
To delete your Threads profile using the Threads app, follow these steps:
- Open the Threads app and tap the Profile icon in the bottom right.
- Navigate to Settings, represented by two horizontal lines (one long, one short) in the upper-right corner, and then select Account.
- Here, you'll find the option to Deactivate or delete profile. Select Delete profile to remove your Threads account permanently.
- Enter your Instagram password when prompted.
- Confirm your choice by tapping Delete Threads Profile.
If you prefer a temporary break, deactivating your Threads profile is also an option. This action hides your content, likes, and followers until you log back in. Follow the above steps, but select 'Deactivate Profile' instead of 'Delete Profile' for a temporary hiatus.
Additional note on Threads platform development
Threads has faced other challenges, including backlash over its practice of suggesting posts from Threads accounts on Facebook and Instagram. Users can now opt out of having their Threads posts suggested on these platforms. While progress has been gradual, Threads is showing responsiveness to user feedback.
[Image credit: Hemant Saxena/Techlicious]
As a lifelong tech enthusiast, Hemant Saxena is always looking for the latest gadgets that intersect with his hobbies. For more than a decade, he has been writing about consumer gadgets, popular apps, and social media tips for publications, including Windows Club and Techmate Tricks.
