Meta’s recent changes to its content moderation and fact-checking policies have left many users reconsidering their presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. If you’re among those who want to take a step back, here’s a comprehensive guide to downloading your data and permanently deleting your accounts.
How to Download Your Facebook Data
Before deleting your Facebook account, you may want to save a copy of your data. This includes your photos, messages, IP addresses, and more.
Steps to Download Facebook Data:
- Log in to Facebook on a computer browser.
- Click the profile picture in the top-right corner.
- Navigate to Settings & Privacy > Settings.
- Scroll to Your Information and click Download your information.
- You’ll be redirected to the Accounts Center. Click Continue.
- Choose Download or Transfer Information and select the accounts (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) to include.
- Customize your request:
- Select the types of information.
- Choose the file format (HTML or JSON).
- Set the media quality (high, medium, or low).
- Click Submit Request.
- Once processed, you’ll receive a download link.
How to Delete Your Facebook Account
Deleting your account means you lose access permanently. Here’s how to proceed:
Steps to Delete Facebook:
- Log in to Facebook on your browser.
- Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings.
- Click Accounts Center in the top-left corner.
- Navigate to Personal Details > Account Ownership and Control.
- Select Deactivation or Deletion.
- Choose Delete Account.
- Follow the prompts to confirm.
Note: Deletion requests take a few days to process. Logging back into Facebook within this period cancels the request.
How to Download Your Instagram Data
Steps to Download Instagram Data:
- Open Instagram and go to Settings or Accounts Center.
- Navigate to Your Activity > Download Your Information.
- Select the profile to download from and choose the destination:
- Download to device.
- Transfer to another service.
- Customize the download request:
- Set a date range.
- Choose file format and media quality.
- Click Create File.
You’ll receive an email and app notification when your data is ready. Download it within four days.
How to Delete Your Instagram Account
Steps to Delete Instagram:
- Go to Account Ownership and Control in the Accounts Center.
- Select Deactivation or Deletion.
- Choose Delete Account.
- Confirm the deletion by following the prompts.
How to Delete Your Threads Account
Deleting Threads is linked to your Instagram account. If you delete your Instagram profile, your Threads account will also be deleted. To remove only Threads:
Steps to Delete Threads:
- Visit Threads.net on a browser.
- Go to Settings > Account > Deactivate or Delete Profile.
- Click Delete Profile and follow the prompts.
- Your account will be deleted after 30 days.
Note: If you plan to re-register on Threads with the same Instagram account, you must wait 90 days.
Key Considerations
- Messages: Even after deleting Facebook or Instagram, some messages you’ve sent may still appear in recipients’ inboxes.
- Username Reuse: Deleting Instagram allows you to reuse the same username if available, but Threads requires waiting 90 days.
By following this guide, you can regain control over your digital presence and ensure your personal data is handled responsibly.
