Meta’s recent decisions around content moderation and fact-checking have led many users to rethink their presence on the platform. Whether it’s concerns about misinformation or data privacy, deleting Facebook, Instagram, or Threads is an option for those looking to move away from Meta’s ecosystem. Here’s how to download your data and delete your accounts.
How to Download Your Facebook Archive
Before deleting your account, download your personal data, including photos, chat history, and ads you interacted with:
- Access Account Settings:
- Click your profile picture in the top-right corner.
- Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings.
- Request Data Download:
- Navigate to Your Information > Download Your Information.
- You’ll be directed to the Accounts Center. Click Continue.
- Select Download or Transfer Information.
- Choose Information to Download:
- Select specific data types or download everything.
- Decide whether to Download to Device or Transfer to Destination.
- File Options:
- Choose a date range, format (HTML or JSON), and media quality.
- Click Submit Request.
Meta will notify you once your archive is ready for download.
How to Delete Your Facebook Account
Deleting your Facebook account is irreversible, so proceed with caution:
- Navigate to Account Deletion:
- Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings.
- Click Accounts Center > Personal Details > Account Ownership and Control.
- Start Deletion Process:
- Select Deactivation or Deletion.
- Choose your account and click Delete Account.
- Confirm by clicking Continue.
Note: Facebook delays deletion for a few days and cancels the request if you log in during this period.
How to Download Instagram Information
Follow these steps to retrieve your Instagram data:
- Access Data Download Settings:
- In the Instagram app, click the three lines at the bottom left, then go to Your Activity > Download Your Information.
- Select Download Preferences:
- Pick the profiles to download data from.
- Choose between Download to Device or Transfer to Destination.
- Set Preferences:
- Specify a date range, file format, and media quality.
- Click Create Files.
Instagram will notify you via email when the download is ready.
How to Delete Your Instagram Account
Once your data is downloaded, delete your Instagram account as follows:
- Navigate to Account Settings:
- Visit Accounts Center > Ownership and Control.
- Click Deactivation or Deletion.
- Delete Account:
- Select your account, click Delete Account, and confirm.
You can reuse your username if it’s available after deletion.
How to Delete Your Threads Account
Deleting Threads is tied to your Instagram account. If you delete Instagram, your Threads profile will also be deleted. However, to delete just your Threads profile:
- Log In on a Computer:
- Go to Threads.net and click the two lines at the bottom left.
- Deactivate Threads:
- Click Settings > Account > Deactivate or Delete Profile.
- Follow prompts to delete the Threads profile.
Threads takes 30 days to process deletion requests, and your Instagram profile must remain active if you wish to rejoin Threads within 90 days.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Data Recovery: Once accounts are deleted, recovering them is impossible.
- Shared Data: Messages and posts shared with others may remain visible even after deletion.
- Waiting Period: Facebook and Threads include a delay period before permanent deletion, allowing time to reconsider.
By following these steps, you can regain control of your digital presence and ensure your data stays secure.