How to Delete a Threads Account Without Deleting Instagram

Epic Tech Tips
5 days ago
3 min read

Threads became a popular space for sharing quick thoughts and updates, but not everyone wants to keep using it. Some users simply prefer sticking to Instagram.

Deleting Threads once meant losing your Instagram too, which made many hesitate. Thankfully, that’s no longer the case.

Now, Meta allows users to remove Threads without affecting their Instagram profile, giving full control over what stays and what goes.

Why Threads Is Linked to Instagram

When Threads first launched, Meta built it as an extension of Instagram. Signing up for Threads required an Instagram account, and both accounts shared the same username and profile information. That connection helped users get started quickly but also caused frustration later because deleting Threads initially meant deleting Instagram too.

After strong user feedback, Meta introduced a separate deletion option. This update gives users control over their Threads account without affecting their Instagram presence.

What Happens When You Delete Your Threads Account

Before deleting, it’s smart to understand what goes away and what stays.

All Threads posts, replies, and likes will be permanently removed.
Your Threads profile disappears from the app and search results.
Your Instagram account stays active and untouched.
Your followers on Instagram won’t be affected, though Threads connections will be lost.

If you’re not sure about deleting yet, you can also deactivate your Threads account instead. Deactivation hides your profile and posts temporarily, and you can come back anytime by logging in again.

Also read: Threads App vs X (Twitter) What Are The Main Differences Right Now

Step-by-Step: How to Delete Threads Without Deleting Instagram

Here’s a simple breakdown of how to remove your Threads account for good.

Open Threads - Log into the Threads app.
Go to Profile - Tap your profile icon at the bottom right.
Open Settings - Tap the menu (☰) → Account.
Select “Delete or Deactivate Profile” - Choose Delete profile.
Confirm Deletion - Tap Delete Threads Profile to finalize.

Your Threads account will be permanently deleted, but your Instagram account will remain safe and active.

Difference Between Deleting and Deactivating Threads

If you’re unsure whether you want to leave Threads forever, here’s a quick comparison:

Action	What Happens	Can You Come Back?
Deactivate Threads	Profile and posts are hidden	Yes, just log back in
Delete Threads	Everything is permanently erased	No, must create a new account

Deactivation is best if you just want a break. Deletion is for those sure they’re done.

Can You Still Use Instagram After Deleting Threads?

Absolutely. Deleting Threads does not affect your Instagram profile, followers, or posts. You’ll still have full access to everything on Instagram your photos, messages, and followers remain intact.

Your Instagram bio might still mention Threads for a short time, but this goes away after deletion is processed.

Also read: How to Download and Use the Threads App from Instagram

What Happens When You Delete or Deactivate

When you deactivate, your Threads content (posts, replies, likes) becomes invisible. But your Instagram account stays active.
When you delete, your Threads data is removed permanently (often after a 30-day grace period). Your Instagram remains untouched.
Deleting Instagram, however, will delete Threads because Instagram is the parent account.
You can only deactivate once per week (per current Instagram/Threads policy).

So rest easy: using the proper delete/deactivate path won’t affect your Instagram account now.

What to Do if You Don’t See “Delete Threads” Option

If your app only shows “Deactivate” (no “Delete”) under “Delete or Deactivate Profile,” here’s what you can try:

Make sure your Threads app is updated to the latest version from your app store.
Wait Meta sometimes rolls out features gradually to regions.
Use deactivation first; then revisit later to see if deletion becomes available in your settings.
Check Instagram’s or Meta’s support pages for recent changes.

Until the delete option is fully available everywhere, deactivating is your best path to “leave” Threads without touching Instagram.

Final Thoughts

Deleting your Threads account used to be complicated, but now it’s simple and safe. With Meta’s new update, users have real control - they can remove Threads without risking their Instagram presence.

Whether you’re taking a break from the chaos of social media or streamlining your online presence, you can confidently delete Threads knowing yo ur Instagram stays untouched.