How to Permanently Delete Threads Account? (2025 Guide)

Meta’s Threads app—a direct competitor to Twitter/X—quickly gained popularity after its launch. It allows users to post text-based updates, join public conversations, and follow creators or friends, just like Twitter. Despite the hype, many users found Threads limited in features, filled with irrelevant content recommendations, or restrictive in terms of privacy.

If you’re one of those who tried Threads and decided it’s not for you, you might be wondering: How do I permanently delete my Threads account? The process isn’t as simple as it sounds. In this guide, we’ll explain step by step how to delete or deactivate your Threads profile safely.

What Is Threads?

Threads is a social media platform developed by Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Similar in design to Twitter, Threads focuses on short text-based posts, photos, and videos.

Launched in over 100 countries, Threads quickly reached millions of sign-ups. However, it is still not available in some regions, such as the European Union, due to strict data privacy regulations.

Can You Delete a Threads Account Permanently?

Here’s the catch: Threads accounts are linked to Instagram accounts. According to Meta’s policy:

You can deactivate your Threads profile anytime.
But to permanently delete your Threads account, you must also delete your Instagram account.

This policy was designed to encourage users to keep Threads if they want to continue using Instagram.

How to Permanently Delete Threads Account

If you’re sure you want to remove Threads completely, follow these steps:

Open the Threads app and go to your profile.
Tap on Settings (gear icon).
Select Account from the menu.
Scroll down and choose Delete Account.
Meta will ask for confirmation. Select your reason and tap Continue.
Enter your Instagram password for final confirmation.
Tap Delete Account.

📌 Note: Once you confirm, your account enters a 30-day grace period. If you log back in during this period, the deletion will be canceled. After 30 days, your account and data will be permanently erased.

How to Deactivate Threads Account (Without Deleting Instagram)

If you’re not ready to lose your Instagram account, deactivation is a safer option. Here’s how:

Open the Threads app and go to your profile.
Tap Settings > Account.
Select Deactivate Profile.
Confirm your choice.

When deactivated, your posts and interactions are hidden, but you can reactivate anytime by logging back in.

Is Threads Safe?

Threads follows the same privacy and security policies as Instagram. While this makes it familiar for existing Instagram users, cybersecurity experts caution that Meta collects extensive data from Threads, just like its other platforms.

To stay safe:

Review the privacy policy before joining.
Use a strong password and enable two-factor authentication.
Avoid oversharing personal details.
Regularly check for suspicious activity.

Conclusion

Deleting a Threads account is not as straightforward as most users expect. To permanently delete Threads, you’ll also have to delete your Instagram account. If that feels too extreme, you can always deactivate your Threads profile without affecting Instagram access.

Before deleting, make sure you’ve backed up any important data, as once deleted, your account cannot be recovered.

👉 Whether you’re stepping away due to privacy concerns or simply don’t find the platform useful, following the steps above will help you take control of your Threads presence.