Does Deleting Threads Delete Instagram? Can You Delete Threads Without Deleting Instagram?
by Harini
Updated Jul 08, 2023
Does Deleting Threads Delete Instagram?
The integration between Threads and Instagram creates a dependency, making it currently impossible for users to delete their Threads account without also deleting their associated Instagram account. This limitation has caused concern among users, especially those who have invested significant time and effort into their Instagram presence.
Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, has addressed this issue and indicated that Meta, the parent company of Instagram, is actively exploring a solution to decouple Threads from Instagram accounts. This suggests that a future update may allow users to delete their Threads account without affecting their Instagram account. However, no specific timeline has been provided for the availability of this feature.
In the meantime, Mosseri suggests an alternative approach for users who want to hide their Threads profile and content. By deactivating the Threads account through the account settings, users can temporarily hide their profile, threads, replies, and likes. It's important to note that deactivating the Threads profile is not a permanent solution, as the account will be reactivated if the user logs back in.
Threads, launched as a competitor to Twitter by Meta, currently lacks certain key features such as direct messages, a following feed, and hashtags. Mosseri acknowledges these missing features and assures users that they are being developed but cautions that their implementation will require some time.
Can You Delete Threads Without Deleting Instagram?
Currently, it is not possible to delete Threads without also deleting your associated Instagram account. The integration between Threads and Instagram creates a dependency, making it challenging for users to remove their Threads account independently. This limitation has raised concerns among users, particularly those who want to retain their Instagram presence while discontinuing their Threads usage.
Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, has acknowledged this issue and mentioned that Meta is actively exploring a solution to decouple Threads from Instagram accounts. This indicates that there may be a future update allowing users to delete their Threads account without impacting their Instagram account. However, specific details regarding the availability of this feature and its implementation timeline have not been provided.
As of now, an alternative approach suggested by Mosseri is to deactivate the Threads account to hide the profile, threads, replies and likes. This deactivation is a temporary measure, as the account will be reactivated if the user logs back in. It is important to note that this method does not provide a permanent solution for users who wish to delete their Threads account while keeping their Instagram account intact.
Threads, Meta's competitor to Twitter, currently lacks certain essential features such as direct messages, a following feed, and hashtags. Mosseri acknowledges these missing features and assures users that they are in the pipeline for future development. However, he also cautions that implementing these improvements will require some time before they become available to users.
If You Delete Threads Does It Delete Instagram?
When it comes to deleting Threads, the unfortunate reality is that you cannot delete your Threads account without also deleting your Instagram account. Threads, the social media app introduced by Meta as a rival to Twitter, heavily relies on Instagram's account system. This integration allows users to seamlessly transfer their Instagram usernames to Threads upon joining the app. However, it also establishes a strong interdependence between the two platforms, making it impossible to delete Threads independently without forfeiting your entire Instagram account.
Recognizing the concerns surrounding this issue, Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, has expressed that Meta is actively working towards finding a solution to decouple Threads from Instagram accounts. The company is committed to addressing this limitation and providing users with the ability to delete their Threads account without affecting their Instagram presence. However, specific details and a timeline for the implementation of this feature have not been disclosed yet.
For individuals who have dedicated significant time and effort to cultivating their Instagram presence and are not willing to part with their account, the current inability to delete Threads independently might be discouraging. It's important to consider this factor before deciding to join Threads, especially if you have a long-standing engagement on Instagram and wish to preserve your content.
How to Temporarily Deactivate Your Threads Profile
If you want to discontinue using Threads but still want to keep your Instagram account, the only alternative is to "temporarily" deactivate your Threads profile. This is Meta's recommended approach to encourage users to maintain both accounts. The Threads privacy policy explicitly states that while you can deactivate your Threads profile at any time, deleting the Threads profile can only be done by deleting your Instagram account.
To deactivate your Threads profile, follow these steps:
- Open the Threads app and tap the profile icon in the bottom-right corner.
- Tap the menu icon (represented by two lines) in the top-right corner of your profile.
- Select "Account," then tap "Deactivate profile."
- Confirm your choice by tapping "Deactivate Threads profile."
When you deactivate your profile, your posts and interactions will be hidden until you reactivate your profile. However, it's important to note that the posts will still exist on Threads' servers unless you manually delete them individually.
If you change your mind and want to reactivate your Threads profile, simply log back into the Threads app using your Instagram account. However, keep in mind that you can only deactivate your profile once per week.
What is Threads?
Threads is a new app introduced by Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. It bears resemblance to Twitter, featuring a feed primarily consisting of text-based posts, although users can also share photos and videos. The platform allows for real-time conversations among users.
In terms of features, Threads imposes a 500-character limit on messages, similar to Twitter. Users can reply to, repost, and quote others' posts within Threads. The app also incorporates Instagram's familiar aesthetics and navigation system, enabling users to directly share posts from Threads to Instagram Stories.
When it comes to account settings, Threads offers the option to set accounts as public or private. Verified Instagram accounts automatically receive verification on Threads as well.
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, outlined the vision for Threads as creating a friendly public space for conversation. The aim is to leverage Instagram's strengths and provide a new experience centered around text, ideas, and discussions.
During the initial hours following the launch of Threads, some users experienced occasional glitches and content loading issues. These challenges are common when a large number of users join and start using an app simultaneously.
How to Sign Up For Threads?
To sign up for Threads, users can conveniently use their existing Instagram accounts, retaining the same username, password, and account name. However, they have the option to customize their bio specifically for Threads. Additionally, users can effortlessly import their list of followed accounts directly from Instagram, facilitating a seamless transition onto the Threads app.
When it comes to leaving Threads, the process is not as straightforward. Users can temporarily deactivate their profiles within the app's settings section. However, according to the privacy policy, the only way to permanently delete a Threads profile is by deleting the associated Instagram account. This requirement has raised concerns among some users who may wish to discontinue using Threads while preserving their Instagram presence.
Furthermore, there have been discussions about the data collection practices of Threads, similar to Instagram. As per information available on the Apple App Store, Threads has access to data such as location, contacts, search history, browsing history, and contact information, among other details. This has prompted users to raise privacy-related concerns regarding the extent of data that Threads can gather from its users.
Does Deleting Threads Delete Instagram? FAQ
Deleting Threads currently requires deleting your entire Instagram account as well due to the integration and dependency between the two platforms.
No, currently you cannot delete Threads without also deleting your associated Instagram account. The integration between Threads and Instagram makes it challenging to remove Threads independently.
To temporarily deactivate your Threads profile, open the Threads app, tap the profile icon in the bottom-right corner, tap the menu icon in the top-right corner, select "Account," then tap "Deactivate profile." Confirm your choice by tapping "Deactivate Threads profile."
When you deactivate your Threads profile, your posts and interactions will be hidden until you reactivate it. However, the posts will still exist on Threads' servers unless you manually delete them individually.
Yes, you can reactivate your Threads profile by logging back into the Threads app using your Instagram account. However, keep in mind that you can only deactivate your profile once per week.