How to Delete Facebook, Instagram, and Threads Accounts

If you’re looking to sever ties with Meta’s platforms—Facebook, Instagram, or Threads—here’s a step-by-step guide on how to download your data and delete your accounts permanently.

Step 1: Download Your Data

Before deleting any account, it’s wise to back up your information. Meta allows you to download your personal data from Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.

Downloading Facebook Data

1. Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings from your profile picture dropdown.
2. Click Your Information on the left menu and select Download Your Information.
3. Follow the prompts to choose the data you want, file format (HTML or JSON), and media quality.
4. Submit your request and wait for an email notification when your data is ready to download.

Downloading Instagram Data

1. Open Settings on Instagram or go through the Accounts Center.
2. Navigate to Your Activity > Download Your Information.
3. Choose what data to download, including photos and videos, and specify file format and quality.
4. Submit your request and download the data once it’s ready.

Downloading Threads Data

Threads data can be downloaded through the associated Instagram account:

1. Visit Accounts Center > Your Information and Permissions > Download Your Information.
2. Follow the same steps as for Instagram.

Step 2: Delete Your Facebook Account

Note: Deleting your Facebook account permanently removes access to the account and its data. Messages sent to others, however, may remain in their inboxes.

1. Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings.
2. Open Accounts Center > Personal Details.
3. Select Account Ownership and Control > Deactivation or Deletion.
4. Choose the account to delete and click Delete Account.
5. Follow the prompts and confirm.

Important: Facebook delays deletion for a few days. If you log back in during this period, the deletion request is canceled.

Step 3: Delete Your Instagram Account

1. Visit the Accounts Center and go to Account Ownership and Control.
2. Click Deactivation or Deletion.
3. Select the account you wish to delete and choose Delete Account.
4. Confirm the deletion by following the prompts.

Note: You can reuse your username for a new account if it’s still available.

Step 4: Delete Your Threads Account

Threads accounts are linked to Instagram profiles. If you delete your Instagram account, your Threads account will also be deleted.

To delete Threads only:

1. Visit Threads.net on a desktop.
2. Open Settings > Account > Deactivate or Delete Profile.
3. Click Delete Profile and follow the prompts.

Note: Deleting your Threads account takes 30 days, and you’ll need to wait 90 days to sign up again with the same Instagram profile.

Why Delete Meta Accounts?

Recent policy changes by Meta, including reduced content moderation and data usage concerns, have driven many users to reconsider their relationship with the platform. By following these steps, you can securely download your data and delete your accounts.

Stay mindful that once accounts are deleted, recovery is generally impossible unless explicitly stated during the process.