How to ‘delete’ Threads without erasing your Instagram

Did you download Mark Zuckerberg’s latest social media app? Then, you may have noticed you can’t delete it without taking your Instagram app down with it. Zuckerberg’s company, Meta, says it is “looking into” a way for users to remove their Threads safely.

However, there’s a “secret” way you can remove your Twitter clone while keeping your IG. Some people felt underwhelmed about Threads because it seemed like a Twitter clone. If you’re one of these disappointed folks, you’d be glad to know there’s a way to get rid of your Threads account.

Surprisingly, it doesn’t require additional apps or payments; you can do it immediately. This article will discuss how you could “technically” delete your Threads account without removing your Instagram profile. Then, I will cover the features you’re missing on Twitter.

How to delete Threads while keeping your Instagram

Meta says it's currently impossible for users to delete Threads without also deleting their Instagram account https://t.co/77eaifdiXp pic.twitter.com/IfNMjrVo1f

— The Messenger (@TheMessenger) July 7, 2023

Lifehacker shared an interesting method of “removing” Zuckerberg’s new social networking app without harming your Instagram. That ‘secret’ solution is: deleting your content, making your profile private, and deactivating it.

These technically count as deleting your Threads app because nobody else would see you on the platform. The first involves erasing everything you shared by opening the three-dot menu.

Remove sensitive data from your bio and unlink your followers by deleting them. Then, turn your public profile into a private one with the following steps:

1. Tap the Menu button from the profile.
2. Next, head to the Privacy tab.
3. Select the Private Profile option.
4. Afterward, tap the OK button.

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You could also deactivate your profile to become invisible to everyone on Threads. Your data will still be on Meta servers, ready for indexing, but nobody could find you on that social network.

The best part is you can recover your account anytime if you want to switch to Zuckerberg’s social app. According to Lifehacker, here’s how to deactivate your Threads account:

1. Tap the Menu button from the profile.
2. Then, open the Account and Deactivate Profile options.
3. Lastly, tap the Deactivate Threads profile.

How to delete Threads and Instagram

Photo Credit: gizchina.com

If you don’t want to use Zuckerberg’s Twitter competitor anymore, you could delete Threads with your Instagram account. Follow these instructions:

1. Open Settings in your Instagram app.
2. Next, open the Account Center.
3. Tap Personal Details.
4. Then, choose the Account Ownership and Control option.
5. Tap the Deactivation or Deletion option.
6. Select the account you want to delete.
7. Tap the Delete Account button.
8. Finally, tap Continue to confirm the deletion.

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Remember that you cannot retrieve your data once you delete Threads and Instagram. You can’t regain your posts, media, and other stuff you shared on these platforms.

Why do people want to delete Threads?

Photo Credit: pbs.org

The main reason why some people are dissatisfied with Zuckerberg’s new social media program is the lack of features. According to Indian Express, here are the functions absent in Threads:

1. Threads has no hashtags, which enable users to join specific trends with their posts. Also, these facilitate finding messages.
2. Also, the new social media app has no web version. In other words, Threads does not have a website at the time of writing.
3. Twitter Blue members may miss being able to edit Tweets.
4. Moreover, you can’t share DMs (direct messages) with fellow users.
5. Threads don’t let users edit the alternative text to describe their photos and videos. Instead, it uses computer-generated statements.
6. The new social media doesn’t show trending topics. However, the Instagram CEO told The Verge Threads is not for “hard news.”
7. Also, you can’t embed Threads posts on other websites, limiting its functionality for online businesses.
8. Threads doesn’t have a “Following” and “For You” feed containing the latest from your favorite profiles.
9. You can’t arrange your feed chronologically because the app insists on a randomly generated one.
10. The program doesn’t have ads but will likely accept them once it gains many users.

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Conclusion

You can technically delete Threads without removing your Instagram account. You may erase your content and deactivate your account to ensure nobody sees you on the platform.

At the time of writing, Meta hasn’t provided a way to remove its newest social media without erasing your IG. Yet, the company says it is “working on it.”

You have numerous Twitter alternatives nowadays, such as Mastodon and Bluesky. Learn more about these digital platforms and other trends at Inquirer Tech.

Frequently asked questions about Threads

How can I download Threads?

You can download and install this new app on Google Play and Apple App Store. It is free and the number one social media program on both platforms at the time of writing. Previously, you may only preregister for the app by inputting the word “Thread” or “Threads” in the search box.

Should I delete Threads?

You may remove your Threads anytime, but it will erase your Instagram account too. If you want to keep your IG profile, you may delete all Threads content instead. Moreover, you can deactivate your Threads account to ensure nobody else can see you on the platform.

Does Threads collect user data?

The Threads page on Google Play Store says it may share personal and device information with other companies. Also, it may collect your financial info, location, health, messages, images, and other data. Ensure you’re willing to share all these details before downloading Threads.