Facebook bought Instagram back in 2012, and since then, a lot of work has been put into making the two apps compatible. But not everyone wants to have their disparate social media accounts so closely linked, no matter who owns them. Thankfully, you still have the option of unlinking the two accounts, as long as you know where to look.
To Link or Not To Link
Should you unlink your accounts? After all, having the apps linked allows you to easily post your Instagram pictures to Facebook. This allows your Facebook friends to see all of your awesome pictures without having to post them twice.
On the other hand, having the two accounts linked is also a risk. Some consider this sort of consolidation a security threat on the same level as using the same password for all of your logins. If someone were to gain access to one account, they automatically have access to the other.
Weguess that’s the price we pay for convenience.
Start With Instagram
Let’s say you’re ready to disconnect the two. You need to do this both in Instagram and in Facebook. Start by opening the Instagram app on your phone.
- Go to your profile.
- Tap the settings icon in the upper right.
- Scroll down and tap Linked Accounts under Settings.
- Tap Facebook.
- Tap Unlink Account.
- Tap Yes, I’m Sure to confirm.
Now you can no longer post to Facebook. But anything you’ve already posted to Facebook is still there and your Facebook friends can still see that you have the app.
End With Facebook
The accounts are not totally unlinked yet. Why would Facebook want to make it that easy? Go to your Facebook feed to finish the job.
- Click on the arrow in the upper right corner.
- Scroll down and click Settings.
- Click Apps on the left hand side.
- Locate Instagram and hover your mouse over it.
- Click the X to remove the app.
- Click Remove.
You’ll notice that you have the opportunity to delete all of you Instagram activities from Facebook. In other words, any posts you’ve shared from Instagram will disappear. This will not remove the same posts from your Instagram profile.
Check the box before you confirm the removal in Step 6 to make this happen.
Change Your Mind?
Not to worry. You can always link them again. It’s as easy as going back to Instagram, following steps 1 through 4, and tapping Continue.
When you are prompted to log in with Facebook, follow the prompts to do exactly that, including selecting posting and privacy settings. This will handle the connection on both ends. You won’t need to go back into Facebook to do anything else.
Sticking it to Who?
Some people think they doing Facebook favors by having the accounts linked. If you’re hear because you want to stick it to Facebook, remember what we said above. Facebook owns Instagram. The only way you’re going to stick it to them is if you delete both accounts. And good luck deleting your Facebook account. You’ll have an easier time canceling your Comcast service.
