What Happens When You Deactivate or Delete Your Threads Account

There is an option in Threads app to either take a break by deactivating your account or permanently delete it. But before you decide, it’s essential to understand what happens to your activity and data when you deactivate or delete your Threads account. Does this affect your Instagram account since they are tied together? What happens to your posts, comments, and other data? And can you recover your account later if you change your mind? Are your followers notified when you deactivate or delete your Threads account? Let’s find out.

This article will guide you through everything you need to know before making a decision to deactivate or delete your Threads account.

What Happens When Threads Account Is Deactivated

Deactivating your Threads account is like pressing the pause button. Here’s what happens when you deactivate your Threads account:

• Can you get your account back: Yes, you can reactivate your account anytime by simply logging back in with your credentials. Your account settings, posts, replies, and media will all be restored. The same way it works on other Meta apps like Facebook.
• Will I lose anything after reactivating: No, nothing is lost. Your followers, posts, replies, and likes are all intact when you reactivate.
• What people can see on your profile: Your profile is hidden as long as your Threads account remains deactivated. Users won’t be able to see your profile, posts, replies, or media until you reactivate. 
• What happens to followers and likes: Your followers remain, and your likes on others’ posts are preserved. However, they will be hidden until you reactivate your Threads account.
• Will my Instagram account be affected: No, deactivating your Threads account will not impact your Instagram account in any way. Instagram will work normally.  However, the opposite is true – if you deactivate your Instagram account, it will also deactivate Threads. 
• Will my friends know if I’ve deactivated: While Threads does not send a notification to your friends, users can easily find out you have deactivated your account as they cannot see your posts and even your profile picture. 
• What happens to new follows or requests: Any new follow requests you receive during deactivation will be waiting for you once you reactivate your account.

What Happens When Threads Account Is Deleted

Deleting your Threads account is a more permanent choice. Here’s what happens when you delete your Threads account: 

• Can you get your account back: No, once deleted, your Threads account cannot be recovered. However, there is a 30-day grace period during which you can change your mind by logging back in and choosing to cancel the deletion.
• Will I lose my data: Yes, after the 30-day grace period, all your posts, replies, images, and videos will be permanently deleted, with no possibility of recovery. Consider downloading anything important before proceeding.
• What people can see on your profile: Once deleted, there’s no profile left to see. However, unlike deactivating, your posts are not hidden when you delete your profile. They will be displayed under “Deleted user” account name. People may still see your comments or likes for a brief period, but these will eventually disappear.
• What happens to followers and likes: All followers are lost, and they will not see your account anymore. Your likes on others’ posts will also be removed eventually. 
• Will my Instagram account be affected: Previously, deleting your Threads account also deleted your linked Instagram account. However, this is no longer the case, and your Instagram account will remain intact. But even now, if you delete Instagram account, it will also delete your Threads account. 
• Will my friends know if I’ve deleted: Your friends will know because your profile will no longer be visible to them, and any posts or comments you made will display under a “Deleted User” tag. Your account will be completely removed from their followers’ list, which makes it clear that you have deleted your account.
• Will my handle be available for others: Yes, once the 30-day deletion period ends, your handle can be taken by someone else. You can reclaim your account within the 30-day notice period.

Note: Once the Threads profile is deleted, you will need to wait at least 90 days before you can sign up for a new Threads account with the same Instagram ID.

Differences Between Deactivating and Deleting Threads Account

How to Deactivate or Delete Your Threads Account

Now that you know the implications, here’s how you can delete or deactivate your Threads profile: 

1. Open the Threads app and tap your profile icon in the bottom-right corner.
2. Tap the menu icon (two horizontal lines) in the top-right corner.
3. Select Account and select Deactivate or delete profile.
4. There, you will find options to either Deactivate or Delete your account.
5. Follow the prompts and enter your password for confirmation.

For more details, check out this article on How to delete or deactivate your Threads account.

Deactivate or Delete Threads Account

If you’re unsure and just need a break, deactivation is your best bet—you can come back anytime, and nothing is lost. Deletion, on the other hand, is final. All your posts, followers, and content will be gone forever. Make sure you’re ready for that before you hit delete. However, your Instagram account is safe with either option currently. 

Must Read:

• What do the Symbols and Icons Mean on Threads
• Now You Can Leave Comments on Instagram Stories
• How to Follow Your Instagram Friends on Threads

Ravi Teja KNTS

From coding websites to crafting how-to guides, my journey from a computer science engineer to a tech writer has been fueled by a passion for making technology work for you. I've been writing about technology for over 3 years at TechWiser, with a portfolio of 700 articles related to AI, Google apps, Chrome OS, Discord, and Android. When I'm not demystifying tech, you can find me engrossed in a classic film – a true cinephile at heart.