Ever felt like Facebook and Instagram are too connected? You’re not alone. Since both platforms are owned by Meta, they’re deeply integrated by default. This makes sharing content between them seamless, but it also means your data, preferences, and even login credentials may be shared across both apps. While some users find this integration convenient, others prefer to keep their accounts separate for privacy, business management, or simply to avoid automatic cross-posting.
If you’re looking for how to unlink Facebook and Instagram, you’re in the right place. Whether you want to stop automatic content sharing, separate your personal and business accounts, or limit data tracking between the two platforms, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.
Why Are Facebook and Instagram Linked?
Facebook and Instagram have been linked since Instagram was acquired by Meta (formerly Facebook) in 2012. Meta encourages users to connect their accounts for easier login, synchronized messages, and advertising benefits. While this can be useful for some, others may find it intrusive, especially when it comes to privacy and data sharing. The integration allows for a more seamless social media experience, but it also means that Meta collects and utilizes your data across both platforms.
Some of the main reasons users keep their accounts linked include the ability to cross-post content, making it easier to share updates without manually posting on both platforms. The single-login feature also makes account access more convenient, reducing the need to remember multiple passwords. Businesses, in particular, benefit from this connection, as it allows them to manage ads and analytics in one place through Meta’s Ads Manager. Additionally, messages from Instagram DMs and Facebook Messenger are unified, creating a more streamlined communication experience.
However, linking the two accounts also comes with downsides. Many users are concerned about privacy, as Meta tracks data across both platforms. Additionally, automatic content sharing can lead to posts being shared unintentionally, making users feel like they have less control over their content. There are also concerns about security since linking accounts could make both vulnerable in case of a hack. Lastly, some users simply prefer to keep their Instagram and Facebook activity separate, either for personal reasons or to maintain a professional boundary.
How to Unlink Facebook and Instagram (Step-by-Step Guide)
If you’ve decided to separate your accounts, the process is straightforward. You can unlink them through the Instagram app, the Facebook app, or a web browser.
Unlinking via the Instagram App
Follow these steps to unlink your Instagram account:
- Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
- Tap the menu icon (☰) in the top right corner and select Settings and Privacy.
- Scroll down and tap Accounts Center under the “Meta” section.
- Tap Accounts and select your linked Facebook account.
- Choose Remove from Accounts Center and confirm.
Unlinking via the Facebook App
Unlink using Facebook App by:
- Open the Facebook app and go to Menu (☰) > Settings & Privacy.
- Tap Accounts Center > Accounts.
- Select your Instagram account and tap Remove from Accounts Center.
Unlinking via a Web Browser
You can unlink using web browser by following these steps:
- Go to Facebook.com and log in.
- Navigate to Settings & Privacy > Accounts Center.
- Under Linked Accounts, remove Instagram from the list.
Once completed, your Facebook and Instagram accounts will no longer be connected. However, some settings, such as shared login information and ad preferences, may still be linked.
What Happens After You Unlink Facebook from Instagram?
Unlinking your accounts changes how the two platforms interact. After disconnecting them, Instagram and Facebook will no longer automatically cross-post content. This means that any posts, Stories, or Reels you upload will stay on the individual platforms unless manually shared. Additionally, login credentials will be separate, so if you previously used Facebook to log into Instagram, you may need to create a new Instagram password.
Another noticeable change is that Facebook friends will no longer be suggested as Instagram followers. If you previously relied on this feature to grow your Instagram audience, you’ll need to find new ways to connect with people. Advertisers and business users may also see changes in ad management since unlinking can affect ad accounts, insights, and audience targeting. While these changes may seem minor for personal users, they can have a bigger impact on those managing brand accounts.
Things to Consider Before Unlinking
Before you fully disconnect your accounts, it’s important to consider how unlinking may impact your experience. Business and creator accounts that rely on linked features, such as advertising tools and Instagram Shopping, may lose some functionality. If you use Facebook’s Business Suite to manage Instagram, you might need to switch to Instagram’s native tools instead.
Another factor to consider is how unlinking affects login security. If your Instagram account was set up using Facebook, you’ll need to create a standalone login for Instagram before unlinking. Without this step, you could lose access to your Instagram account. If you ever decide to relink your accounts in the future, some settings may need to be manually reconfigured, so keep that in mind before making the decision.
How to Stop Instagram from Sharing Data with Facebook
Even after unlinking, Meta still collects data across both platforms. To minimize tracking, you can adjust your settings within Instagram and Facebook. In the Instagram app, go to Settings > Privacy > Data Sharing & Permissions and disable any unnecessary permissions. On Facebook, visit Privacy Settings and limit how much Instagram data is shared with Facebook. You can also manage Ad Preferences to reduce targeted advertising across platforms.
How to Know If Facebook and Instagram Are Still Linked
Sometimes, even after unlinking, there may still be lingering connections between the two platforms. To check if your accounts are still linked, visit the Accounts Center in either Instagram or Facebook. If you still see both accounts listed, it means they are still connected. Another way to check is by attempting to post an Instagram Story—if Facebook sharing is still an option, the accounts may not have been fully disconnected.
If you continue receiving Instagram-related notifications on Facebook, this could indicate that some settings are still linked. In this case, go back into your settings and repeat the unlinking process. It’s also a good idea to review any third-party logins, as some apps and services use Facebook login for Instagram access. If you ever decide to reconnect your accounts, you can follow a simple guide on how to link Instagram to Facebook to restore the connection.
Conclusion
Knowing how to unlink Facebook and Instagram gives you more control over your online experience. Whether you’re looking for increased privacy, better content management, or simply want to separate personal and professional accounts, following the steps in this guide will help you achieve it.
If you’re considering other ways to improve your social media privacy, check out this guide on Instagram security tips (bold keyword for external link placement). By managing your accounts wisely, you can create a more personalized and secure digital experience.
Sofia Lindstrom
A Swedish marine biologist researching deep-sea ecosystems. She has participated in multiple Arctic expeditions and advocates for ocean conservation. When not on research trips, she enjoys kayaking and photography.
