Meta’s recent decisions regarding content moderation have led many users to consider leaving its platforms. If you’ve had enough and want to delete your Facebook, Instagram, or Threads accounts, this guide will help you through the process.
1. Preparing to Delete Your Account
Before you delete any account, it’s wise to download your personal data:
Download Your Facebook Data
- Log in on a browser, not a mobile device.
- Click your profile picture in the top-right corner, then go to Settings & Privacy > Settings.
- In the left-hand menu, click Your Information, then Download Your Information.
- Choose the data you want, specify the date range, and select the format (HTML or JSON).
- Click Submit Request. You’ll be notified when your file is ready for download.
Download Your Instagram Data
- Navigate to Accounts Center via Instagram Settings or Your Activity on the app.
- Select Download Your Information.
- Specify a date range, data format, and media quality.
- Click Create Files and wait for a notification to download your data.
Download Your Threads Data
Currently, Threads data is tied to your Instagram account. Deleting Threads will also delete associated data.
2. Deleting Your Facebook Account
- Log in to your Facebook account.
- Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings.
- Open Accounts Center from the top left of the screen.
- Select Account Ownership and Control, then Deactivation or Deletion.
- Choose the account you want to delete and select Delete Account.
- Follow the prompts to confirm.
Note: Facebook delays deletion for a few days. Logging back in cancels the process.
3. Deleting Your Instagram Account
- Open Instagram’s Accounts Center or go directly to the Account Ownership and Control settings.
- Select Deactivation or Deletion.
- Choose the account to delete and click Delete Account.
- Confirm the deletion request.
4. Deleting Your Threads Account
Threads accounts are tied to Instagram accounts. To delete only Threads:
- Go to Threads.net on a computer.
- Click the menu (two parallel lines) in the bottom-left corner.
- Navigate to Settings > Account > Deactivate or Delete Profile.
- Click Delete Profile and follow the prompts.
Important: Deleting Instagram also deletes Threads. Deleting Threads takes 30 days, and re-signing up with the same Instagram account requires a 90-day wait.
5. Things to Keep in Mind
- Data Access Post-Deletion: Messages you’ve sent to others may remain accessible to them even after account deletion.
- Regret? You can reactivate your Facebook account by logging in within the deletion delay period.
- Username Reuse: Instagram allows username reuse if it’s still available after account deletion.
Final Thoughts
Deleting your Facebook, Instagram, or Threads accounts is a personal decision often influenced by privacy concerns, dissatisfaction with platform policies, or the need for a digital detox. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth exit while safeguarding your personal data.
