How to Delete Your Facebook, Instagram, and Threads Accounts in 2026

In recent years, Meta‘s platforms — including Facebook, Instagram, and Threads — have come under scrutiny due to their privacy practices, handling of misinformation, and data collection methods. If you’re among those concerned about the direction these platforms are heading, you may be considering deleting your accounts.

Whether you’re concerned about privacy, the growing influence of misinformation, or just want to simplify your online presence, this guide walks you through how to permanently delete your Facebook, Instagram, and Threads accounts in 2025.

We’ll also explain how to download your data beforehand, so you don’t lose any important content like photos, chats, or posts.

How to Delete Your Facebook Account

Before deleting your Facebook account, it’s advisable to download your personal data, which includes your photos, posts, messages, and more. Here’s how to retrieve your data and delete your account:

Step 1: Download Your Facebook Data

1. Click the down arrow in the top-right corner of Facebook and select Settings & Privacy > Settings.
2. On the left sidebar, scroll to Your Information and select Download Your Information.
3. Click Continue in the pop-up and choose the data you want to download (photos, posts, comments, etc.).
4. Select the file format (HTML or JSON), media quality, and date range of the data.
5. Click Submit Request.
6. You’ll receive an email notification once your data is ready to download. You’ll have a few days to download it.

Step 2: Delete Your Facebook Account

Once your data is safely downloaded, follow these steps to delete your account:

1. Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings.
2. Open the Accounts Center and click on Personal Details > Account Ownership and Control.
3. Click Deactivation or Deletion, then select Delete Account.
4. Confirm your decision and follow the prompts to finalize the process.

Keep in mind that account deletion is permanent and can’t be undone. Some data (like your chat history) may still be visible to your friends even after deletion.

How to Delete Your Instagram Account

Like Facebook, you’ll want to download your Instagram data before permanently deleting your account. Here’s how:

Step 1: Download Your Instagram Data

1. Open the Instagram app and go to Settings > Your Activity.
2. Tap Download Your Information.
3. Choose file format, date range, and media quality.
4. Tap Request Download. Instagram will send you a download link via email once your data is ready, usually within a few hours.

Step 2: Delete Your Instagram Account

1. After downloading your data, go to Accounts Center and select Ownership and Control > Deactivation or Deletion.
2. Choose Delete Account and follow the prompts.
3. Confirm your decision to delete your account permanently.

Note: Your Instagram username might become available for others to use after deletion if it’s not taken by someone else.

How to Delete Your Threads Account

Threads, Meta’s latest addition to its social media lineup, allows users to share text-based posts in a Twitter-like format. If you wish to delete your Threads account, follow these steps:

Step 1: Delete Your Threads Account

Since Threads is linked to Instagram, deleting your Threads account also affects your Instagram profile:

1. Visit the Threads.net website on your computer.
2. Click the three lines in the bottom-left corner and select Settings.
3. Navigate to Account > Deactivate or Delete Profile.
4. Choose Delete Profile, then follow the prompts to confirm.

It can take up to 30 days for the deletion to be processed, and if you decide to reuse your Instagram profile to sign up again, it may take up to 90 days for the same account to be reactivated.

Meta’s Shift Away from Third-Party Fact-Checking

Meta’s recent decision to remove its third-party fact-checking system in the U.S. has sparked widespread criticism. Many fear that this could lead to an increase in misinformation on its platforms. Although Meta has stated that its “Community Notes” program will replace the previous system, concerns remain about the potential risks of relying on crowdsourced fact-checking.

In addition, Meta’s data collection practices, particularly for targeted advertising and AI development, continue to raise significant privacy concerns.

If you’re considering deleting your account due to these issues, it’s important to download your data beforehand to ensure you don’t lose valuable content or information.

Conclusion

If you’re ready to take control of your online presence and remove yourself from Meta’s platforms, deleting your Facebook, Instagram, or Threads accounts is a straightforward process. Be sure to download your data before deleting your accounts to ensure you don’t lose any content.

Although Meta has made some controversial decisions regarding its fact-checking policies and privacy practices, understanding how to delete your accounts can help you protect your privacy and make an informed decision about your digital footprint.

Whether you want to delete one or all of your accounts, this guide walks you through the steps necessary to permanently remove your profiles from Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.