How to Delete Your Threads Account (Without Deleting Instagram)
Done with Meta’s Threads? Good news: you can now delete your Threads account without losing your Instagram account. When Threads launched in 2023, the two were tied together — deleting one meant deleting the other. That’s no longer the case. Today you can deactivate or delete just your Threads profile and keep Instagram exactly as it is.
This guide shows you where the option lives, the difference between deactivating and deleting, and what happens to your linked Instagram account either way. You’ll also see how to download your Threads data first, so nothing you care about disappears.
Deactivating temporarily hides your profile, posts, and followers, and you can reverse it by logging back in. Deleting is permanent after a 30-day grace period. Both leave your Instagram account untouched.
Deactivate vs. Delete Threads: What Happens to Instagram
Before you tap anything, here’s how the two choices compare — and what each means for your linked Instagram account.
| Action | What it does | Instagram account | Reversible? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deactivate Threads | Temporarily hides your profile, posts, likes, and followers | Unaffected | Yes — log back in anytime |
| Delete Threads | Permanently removes your profile and content after 30 days | Unaffected | Only within the 30-day grace period |
| Delete Instagram instead | Also deletes your linked Threads account | Deleted | Follows Instagram’s own process |
Deleting your Threads account doesn’t touch Instagram, but deleting Instagram takes the linked Threads account with it. If you’re leaving over privacy, your profile is only one part of the picture — your connection still reveals your location and activity, which is part of how a VPN protects you.
Before You Delete: Download Your Threads Data
Once the 30-day window closes, your content is gone. Request a copy first so you keep anything worth saving.
- Open the Threads app and go to your profile.
- Tap the menu (three lines) in the top right.
- Open Account (or Accounts Center → Your information).
- Choose the option to download or request a copy of your data.
Meta prepares the file and notifies you when it’s ready. If you download it on public Wi-Fi, connect through a VPN first so your data stays private in transit — new to the tool? Start with what a VPN is and how to use one.
How to Deactivate or Delete Your Threads Account
The option sits in the same place for both choices. You’ll need your Instagram password to confirm.
- Open the Threads app and tap your profile.
- Tap the menu (three lines) in the top right.
- Go to Account and select Deactivate or delete profile.
- Choose Deactivate profile to hide it temporarily, or Delete profile to remove it for good.
- If deleting, pick a reason and enter your Instagram password to confirm.
- Review the final notice and confirm.
If you deactivate, keep in mind you can’t deactivate and reactivate your Threads profile more than once a week. If you delete, your profile and its content are permanently removed after the 30-day grace period, unless you log back in to cancel.
Deleting Instagram Instead
Some people want to leave Meta entirely. If you delete your Instagram account, the linked Threads account is deleted along with it. It doesn’t work the other way around — removing Threads leaves Instagram fully intact. If a full exit is your plan, it’s worth thinking about your everyday privacy too; here’s why you might need a VPN once you’re off the big platforms.
Stay Private on Social Apps with Planet VPN
Whether you delete Threads or just take a break, your connection still tells every app where you are. Planet VPN is an honest free VPN — core features are free forever, and you pay only with your time by watching a short ad, not with your data.
Planet VPN uses reliable encryption to keep your connection private on public Wi-Fi and everyday networks. It’s easy to use: connect in a couple of clicks, with no technical setup.
- Get started on the Planet VPN homepage.
- Compare the free and premium options on the plans page.
- Staying private on Threads? Try Planet VPN for Threads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete Threads without deleting Instagram?
Yes. Meta previously tied the two together, but you can now delete or deactivate just your Threads profile without losing Instagram. Your Instagram account stays exactly as it was.
What’s the difference between deactivating and deleting Threads?
Deactivating temporarily hides your profile, posts, and followers, and it’s reversible by logging back in. Deleting is permanent after a 30-day grace period, during which you can still cancel by logging in.
Where is the option?
In the Threads app, go to your profile → menu (three lines) → Account → “Deactivate or delete profile.” From there you choose to deactivate or delete.
Do I need my password?
Yes. You’re asked to enter your Instagram password to confirm the deletion, since Threads uses your Instagram login.
Is there a limit on deactivating?
Yes. You can’t deactivate and reactivate your Threads profile more than once a week, so plan your break accordingly.
What if I delete my Instagram instead?
Deleting your Instagram account also deletes the linked Threads account. It doesn’t work in reverse — deleting Threads alone leaves Instagram untouched.
Can I download my Threads data first?
Yes. You can request a copy of your Threads data before deleting your profile, so you keep any posts or information you want to save.