Earlier today, Threads, a platform that aims to compete with Twitter, was launched with fanfare. In just 24 hours after its release, Threads amassed an impressive n30 million users.
However, it wasn’t long before Meta, the parent company, began censoring users who were found to be in violation of the platform’s “Community Guidelines.” This move further raises concerns among users about the extent of content moderation and the potential impact on freedom of expression.
Fast a few hours later, irate users took to Google to ask about how to delete their Threads accounts. According to Google Trends, searches for “How to delete Threads account” spiked by 4,600%.
How to delete Threads account
So how do you go about deleting your Threads account? Unfortunately, it is currently impossible to delete your Threads account without also deleting the associated Instagram account used for sign-up.
However, if you no longer wish to use the Threads platform, you have the option to independently deactivate your Threads account. This allows you to discontinue your usage while keeping your Instagram account intact.
Delete Threads Account
Deleting a Threads account can be a complex process due to the requirement of also deleting the associated Instagram account. If you are determined to proceed with this course of action, here are the steps to delete your Threads account:
Please note: Deleting your Instagram and Threads accounts simultaneously is irreversible. Ensure that you are absolutely certain about your decision before proceeding.
- Open the Threads app and tap on your profile icon located in the bottom navigation bar.
- Next, tap on the hamburger menu icon (three horizontal lines) to access the menu options.
- Then click on ‘Account’ and then on ‘Other account settings’
- Tap on ‘See more in Accounts Centre‘. In the screen that shows up, tap on ‘Personal Details‘.
- Next, tap on ‘Account ownership and control‘ and then on ‘Deactivation or deletion‘.
- Select the Instagram account associated with your Threads account. Choose ‘Delete account‘ and tap on ‘Continue‘.
- Choose a reason for deleting your account, and tap on ‘Continue‘ again. Next, enter your password and tap on ‘Continue‘.
- Finally, confirm your account deletion request by tapping on ‘Delete account‘.
Upon initiating the account deletion process, your Instagram account will be scheduled for deletion within a period of 30 days. During this timeframe, Meta will proceed with permanently deleting your Threads account, ensuring that all associated data is permanently removed from their systems.
Deactivate Threads Account
If you wish to avoid deleting your Instagram account along with your Threads account, it may be preferable to deactivate your Threads account instead. Deactivating your Threads account will not impact your associated Instagram account, allowing you to continue using Instagram independently. However, if you decide to do so, you also have the option to deactivate your Instagram account if desired.
Here are the steps to deactivate your Threads account:
- Open the Threads app and tap on your profile icon located in the bottom navigation bar.
- Next, tap on the hamburger menu icon (three horizontal lines) to access the menu options.
- Tap on ‘Account‘ and then tap on ‘Deactivate profile‘
- Simply tap on ‘Deactivate Threads profile‘ in the next screen and you’re done.