How to Delete Instagram, Facebook, and Threads Account?

As Meta adjusts its content moderation and fact-checking policies, searches on Google have spiked for U.S. users. Many are desperate to learn how to delete Instagram, Facebook, and Threads accounts.

If you’re similarly disgruntled by these changes, eager to be free of social platforms, and end the frustration of relentless data tracking, this blog is your tailor-made guide. Keep reading!

Behind Meta to End Fact-checking

On January 7th, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced several significant changes through a video on Facebook, expressing a desire for social platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, to return to the essence of free expression.

Elimination of Fact-Checking 

In the video, Zuckerberg declared that Meta would end its current “fact-checking program” and replace it with a system similar to X (Twitter)’s Community Notes, empowering the community to correct false or inaccurate posts.

Relaxation of Content Moderation Policies  

Meta plans to significantly reduce content moderation and will focus on combatting illegal and severely violating behaviors. The content moderation team will relocate from California to Texas and other regions to alleviate public bias and concern.

Increased Political Content Recommendations  

Users of Instagram and Threads will notice significant changes in recommendation algorithms. Previously, these platforms avoided recommending political content from non-followed accounts, but users will soon see more in their recommendations.

Collaboration and Free Speech 

Zuckerberg stated that Meta would work with President-elect Trump’s new administration to resist the wave of global suppression and censorship against U.S. companies. He emphasized the restoration of free speech on Meta platforms and announced the removal of restrictions on some topics to further open up discussions.

Since the video’s release, Meta’s actions have undeniably sparked significant user dissatisfaction. Many worry that eliminating fact-checking might lead to an explosion of misinformation and misleading content, while loosening restrictions on political content might allow the resurgence of hate speech and inflammatory political rhetoric, seriously affecting their user experience.

Moreover, many members of the public and experts speculate that Meta’s actions may be aimed at mending fences with Trump, to avoid political retaliation. This speculation leaves some users feeling betrayed, deepening their disappointment.

Comments on Zuckerberg’s Facebook

As trust in Meta platforms continues to decline, more users are taking action, searching for tutorials on how to delete Instagram, Facebook, and Threads accounts and actively seeking alternative platforms.

How to Delete Instagram Account?

You can permanently delete your Instagram account via the app or a browser, and the steps are quite simple. 

However, before doing so, we strongly recommend that you download a backup of all your account info, including posts, photos, and videos, as these will be permanently lost once the account is deleted. 

Download a Copy of Your Instagram Info

Step 1. Head to Accounts Center. Click the Menu button(consisting of 3 short lines) >Settings.

Step 2. Head to Accounts Center> Your Information and Permissions> Download Your Information.

Step 3. Tap the Download or Transfer Information option, and choose the profiles you wanna download info from.

Step 4. Choose how much info you will download and hit Next.

Step 5. Decide whether to download your info on your device, or transfer it to a destination.

・For Download on a Device

Step 6. Choose the files’ data range, format, quality, and notification email.

Step 7. Create files now.

・For Transfer

Step 6. Set the transfer destination and frequency, and hit the button to start the transfer.

Step 7. Enter the password of your Instagram account. Then the request will be submitted.

Sure, you can also head to Instagram Settings> Menu icon> Your Activity to download your info.

After you have successfully downloaded a copy of all your info, you can operate by device type and delete your Instagram account now.

Delete Instagram Account on PC

Step 1. Head to the Menu icon on the bottom left corner.

Step 2. Navigate to Account Center> Personal Details.

Step 3. Then click Account Ownership and Control> Deactivation or Deletion.

Step 4. Now hit the account you want to delete and move to Delete Account> Continue.

Delete Instagram Account on iOS and Android

Step 1. Head to the Profile icon on the bottom right corner of the screen.

Step 2. Navigate to Menu icon> Account Center> Personal Details.

Step 3. Then click Account Ownership and Control> Deactivation or Deletion.

Step 4. Now hit the account you wanna delete and move to Delete Account> Continue.

How to Delete Facebook Account?

Since Facebook and Instagram are both social platforms owned by Meta, the process of deleting a Facebook account is very similar to that of Instagram. 

So, we still recommend that you download a backup of your account info from your Facebook profile beforehand.

Download a Copy of Your Facebook Info

Currently, Instagram only supports downloading account info from your PC. Therefore, you need to open a browser on your computer and follow the steps below:

Step 1. Head to the Profile icon at the top-right corner >Settings & Privacy.

Step 2. Move to Settings> Accounts Center> Your Information and Permissions> Download Your Information.

Step 3. Tap the Download or Transfer Information option, and choose the profiles you wanna download info from.

Step 4. Choose how much info you will download and hit Next.

Step 5. Decide whether to download your info on your device, or transfer it to a destination.

・For Download on a Device

Step 6. Choose the files’ data range, format, quality, and notification email.

Step 7. Hit the option to submit your request.

・For Transfer

Step 6. Set the transfer destination and frequency, and hit the button to start the transfer.

Step 7. Hit the option to submit your request.

Delete Facebook Account on PC

Step 1. Head to the Profile icon on the top-right corner of the screen.

Step 2. Navigate to Settings & Privacy> Settings> Account Center> Account Settings.

Step 3. Then click Personal Details> Account Ownership and Control> Deactivation or Deletion.

Step 4. Now hit the account you want to delete and move to Delete Account> Continue.

Delete Facebook Account on iOS and Android

Step 1. Head to the Menu(consisting of 3 short lines) icon on the top-right corner of the screen.

Step 2. Navigate to Settings & Privacy> Settings> Account Center> Personal Details.

Step 3. Then click > Account Ownership and Control> Deactivation or Deletion.

Step 4. Now hit the account you want to delete and move to Delete Account> Continue.

How to Delete Threads Account?

If your Instagram account was originally associated with a Threads profile, then when you successfully delete your Instagram account, the Threads profile will be deleted along with it.

However, if you just want to delete the Threads account alone, just follow the steps below:

Step 1. Navigate to the Threads official site via a browser on your computer.

Step 2. Hit the Menu button(consisting of 2 short lines) in the bottom left> Settings.

Step 3. Head to Account> Deactivate or Delete Profile.

Step 4. Choose to Delete Profile.

Step 5. Now follow the prompts to finish the process.

Other Risks of Using Facebook and Instagram

Apart from the impact of Meta discontinuing fact-checking, many users are also considering deleting their Facebook and Instagram accounts due to privacy concerns.

These platforms connect you with people through photos, videos, comments, and messages. However, are you aware that they are also quietly collecting and storing your info and activity logs?

According to Instagram and Facebook’s privacy policies, they collect the following info:

These data collection and usage practices have become common in today’s internet environment. Many mainstream online services and browsers claim that this enhances user experience, but for those who value personal privacy, this is undoubtedly very intrusive. As a result, deleting these apps might be an right option to protect their privacy.

Pro Tips to Protect Your Privacy

However, if you don’t want to completely part ways with social media, there are other ways to safeguard your privacy.

We recommend using a service like X-VPN to provide you with a secure and reliable encrypted internet connection. X-VPN encrypts your data using the AES-256 encryption standard and creates a secure VPN tunnel, masking your true identity and location through its extensive network of over 8,000 global servers. This effectively prevents third parties like Instagram, Facebook, Google, and even your ISP from snooping on your online activity.

Whether you are using a computer, mobile phone, or tablet, X-VPN offers comprehensive support. To ensure all users can enjoy privacy protection, X-VPN also offers a free version that requires no login, with no usage limits or extra costs. Simply click the button below to download and install, and you can experience X-VPN’s top-notch encryption protection for free.

Additionally, to achieve more comprehensive privacy protection, you might consider using the DuckDuckGo browser. It is a free browser that promises never to track user data and offers strong security features. 

💡Read this blog for more detailed info: DuckDuckGo Review in 2025: Everything You Need to Know.

Conclusion

If you’re dissatisfied with Meta’s changes, want to reduce social media distractions, or have privacy concerns, follow our guide to delete your Instagram, Facebook, and Threads accounts. If unsure, consider temporarily deactivating these accounts and using a service like X-VPN to enhance your online privacy, allowing flexibility for future decisions.

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