You can disconnect Facebook from Instagram in your Instagram settings without deleting either account
Instagram and Facebook are both owned by Meta, and they are connected by default. This means Facebook can see some of your Instagram activity, and the two accounts can share login information. If you want to stop this connection, you can turn it off in Instagram's settings on your phone or computer. The process takes about two minutes and does not affect your ability to use either app.
Disconnecting them means you will no longer be able to use your Facebook login to access Instagram — you will need to use your Instagram username and password instead. It also stops Facebook from using your Instagram data for ads targeting and stops Instagram from automatically posting your stories to Facebook.
Key Takeaways
- You can disconnect Facebook from Instagram through Instagram's settings without deleting either account.
- After disconnecting, you will need to log into Instagram with your Instagram password instead of your Facebook login.
- Disconnecting stops Facebook from seeing your Instagram activity and using it to target ads to you.
- You can still use both apps separately after disconnecting them.
- The process takes the same steps on iPhone, Android, and computers, though the menu locations differ slightly.
How to disconnect on iPhone or Android
Open Instagram and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. Tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) in the top right. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then tap Settings. Scroll down to the Accounts and passwords section and tap Accounts center.
In Accounts center, tap Passwords and security. Look for the section showing your connected accounts — you will see both Instagram and Facebook listed if they are connected. Tap Remove next to Facebook. Instagram will ask you to confirm. Tap Remove again. You are now disconnected.
How to disconnect on a computer
Go to Instagram.com and log in. Click your profile icon in the top right corner and select Settings. On the left side menu, click How you use Instagram, then click Accounts center. Click Passwords and security from the menu on the left.
Find the section showing your connected accounts. Click Remove next to Facebook. Confirm the removal when Instagram asks. The accounts are now disconnected. The steps are identical to the mobile version, just using clicks instead of taps.
What changes after you disconnect
You will need to remember your Instagram password to log in from now on. If you have forgotten it, you can reset it using your email or phone number before you disconnect. After disconnecting, you cannot use "Log in with Facebook" on Instagram anymore. You will see only the option to log in with your Instagram username and password.
Facebook will no longer see when you post on Instagram, what you like, or who you follow. Your Instagram activity will not be used to show you ads on Facebook. Stories you create on Instagram will not automatically post to Facebook — you will need to manually share them if you want them on both platforms. This separation applies to all your Instagram data going forward.
If you want to reconnect later
You can reconnect Instagram and Facebook at any time by going back to Accounts center and choosing to link them again. Instagram will ask for your Facebook password to confirm the connection. The process is the same as the disconnection steps, but you will tap or click Add account instead of Remove.
Reconnecting restores the data sharing between the two accounts. Facebook will again be able to see your Instagram activity, and you can use your Facebook login to access Instagram if you choose. There is no waiting period or penalty for reconnecting — you can do it when ready after disconnecting if you change your mind.
Why you might want to disconnect
Some people disconnect because they do not want Facebook to see their Instagram activity. Others disconnect because they want to keep their Instagram and Facebook presences completely separate — for example, if they use Instagram for personal photos but Facebook for family or professional connections. Disconnecting also means Facebook cannot use your Instagram data to build a profile of your interests for targeted advertising.
If you are concerned about how much information Meta companies share with each other, disconnecting is one way to limit that sharing. It does not stop Meta from collecting data about you on each platform separately, but it does prevent the two accounts from feeding information to each other. This can be particularly useful if you maintain different audiences or posting styles on each platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will disconnecting delete my Instagram or Facebook account?
No. Disconnecting only breaks the link between the two accounts. Both accounts remain active and unchanged. You can still use Instagram and Facebook normally — you just will not be able to use one login to access the other.
What if I forget my Instagram password after disconnecting?
You can reset it on the Instagram login screen by tapping or clicking Forgot password? Instagram will send a reset link to the email or phone number associated with your account. Set a new password and use it to log in.
Can I disconnect Instagram from Facebook but keep using Facebook login?
No. Disconnecting the accounts means you can no longer use Facebook as a login method for Instagram. You must use your Instagram username and password instead. If you want to keep the Facebook login option, you need to keep the accounts connected.
Does disconnecting stop Facebook from showing me ads based on my Instagram activity?
Disconnecting stops Facebook from using data that flows between the two accounts. However, Facebook still collects data about you on its own platform. Disconnecting limits cross-platform data sharing but does not prevent Facebook from showing you targeted ads based on your Facebook activity alone.
Can I disconnect just one direction, so Facebook cannot see Instagram but I can still log in with Facebook?
No. The connection works both ways — you cannot partially disconnect. Either the accounts are linked and share data, or they are completely separate. If you disconnect, you must use your Instagram password to log in.