Social media platforms, like Threads, can often prove to be distracting, addictive, and even toxic. Maybe they don’t find it any better than Twitter. Though you can unfollow, mute, or block someone on Threads, this doesn’t guarantee a complete escape from negative influences or harmful content. So in this article, we will show you how to deactivate or delete your Threads account.
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Deactivating vs Deleting Threads: Key Differences
Before you jump to the deactivation or deletion process, you should know the key difference between deactivating and deleting a Threads account.
When you deactivate your account in Threads, your profile, along with your posts, likes, comments, and other details will be hidden, and no one will be able to see or search for your profile. However, it’s important to note that deactivating an account is a temporary and reversible process. When you sign in to your account again, you can pick up where you left off without any data loss or changes.
On the other hand, when you delete your Threads account, you get 30 days to reverse your decision. Once that period passes, your profile will be permanently deleted, including posts, likes, comments, replies, and other information, and you won’t be able to reverse this process. So we would highly recommend you create and download a backup copy of your account data before deleting your Threads account.
One more crucial point we want to emphasize is that deleting your Threads profile also requires you to delete your Instagram account as well. Therefore, deleting your Threads account will result in the permanent deletion of both your Threads and Instagram accounts.
When Should You Deactivate or Delete Your Threads Account
There can be many reasons why you might want to deactivate or delete your Threads account:
- You’re feeling overwhelmed by social media.
- Too many social media accounts.
- It is negatively impacting your mental health.
- You want to focus on studies, career, or professional goals.
- You’re concerned about the privacy and security of your data.
- You’ve gotten bored with it and you no longer feel like staying on this platform.
Backup and Download Your Threads Account’s Data Before Deletion
As we mentioned earlier, deleting the Threads account is an irreversible action and it will permanently delete all your data associated with your Threads and Instagram account. Therefore, it is better to take a backup of your data in case of unforeseen circumstances. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open the Threads app on your iPhone or Android phone and tap on your Profile icon.
2. Next, hit the Hamburger Menu and go to the Account section.
3. Tap the Download your information link and then hit the Request a download button.
4. You now have two options — you can either download the complete copy of your profile or manually select the types of information you want to download.
In this example, we are going with the Select types of information option.
5. Select the information types you want to download and then tap Next.
6. Now choose the format, media quality, and date range. Once done, hit the Submit Request button.
7. That’s it. Meta will initiate the backup process and once it is ready, you will be greeted with the Download option.
8. Once you tap on the Download button, it will again ask you to enter your Threads/Instagram password to download the backup file.
Note 1: Since the Threads account is associated with your Instagram account, it will also back up your Instagram data.
Note 2: You will only have four days to download your backup file starting from the day you request it. After that, the file will be permanently deleted from their servers.
How to Deactivate Your Threads Account
Now that you have backed up your data, here’s a quick guide to deactivate your Thread account:
1. Go to your Profile Page and tap on the Hamburger Menu in the top right corner.
2. Navigate to Account and then select the Deactivate profile option.
3. Now all you need to do is hit the Deactivate Threads Profile button and choose the Deactivate option to confirm your decision.
As you can see from the below screenshot, the Threads account we just deactivated is no longer visible in the search.
Tip: If you’re quitting Threads out of boredom, here’s a simple guide on how to find and follow your Instagram friends on Threads.
How to Delete Your Threads Account
In most cases, deactivating your Threads account should address most of your concerns. However, if you have privacy and security concerns or just wish to completely quit Threads, here’s how to delete your Threads account permanently:
1. Open the Treads app and go to the Profile icon and then tap the Hamburger Menu.
2. Navigate to your Account section and tap on the Other account settings link.
Note: Since your Threads account is linked to your Instagram account, it will open the Instagram app or webpage settings.
3. Now go to the Accounts Center and select the Personal details option under Account settings.
4. Next, choose the Account ownership and control option and tap Deactivation or deletion.
5. Select the Threads account associated with your Instagram account and then choose the Delete account option.
6. After that, hit the Continue button.
7. Now, please select your reason for deleting your Threads and Instagram account and tap on Continue.
8. Once again, hit the Continue button.
9. Now re-enter your account password and tap Continue.
Seriously, what’s up with these Continue buttons :-(
10. Finally, hit the Delete account button and the deletion process will begin.
As you can see from the screenshot, after deleting the Threads account, all the likes and comments have been removed from this post.
Reminder: Deleting your Threads account automatically deletes your associated Instagram account as well.
How to Restore a Deactivated or Deleted Threads Account
If you have only deactivated your Threads account, you can easily restore it by signing in to your Instagram account.
However, if you have deleted it, attempting to log in to your Threads account through Instagram will prompt a reminder that you have requested to delete your account. Simply choose the Keep Account option, and your Threads account will be restored along with all your data.
Do note that when you delete a Threads account, you only have 30 days to restore your account. After that period, you won’t be able to restore your data.
Delete Threads Account Without Deleting Instagram
Unfortunately, not yet! However, as per a 9to5Mac report, Meta has already addressed this issue and is looking for a solution that can help you delete your Threads account separately.
Give Yourself Some Space on Threads
Threads is a new social media platform and one can easily get drawn by its unique features, user-friendly interface, and engaging content. However, not many people would be willing to continue on this platform and the reason could be anything such as mental health issues, boredom, privacy concern, or time management. Twitter is another reason why Threads may not interest users past the novelty period is over. We hope this article will help you delete or deactivate your Threads account with ease.
If you’re struggling with Threads, you can learn the meaning and functionality of each symbol and icon on Threads. It’ll help you get started quickly.
