How To Unlink Facebook and Instagram in Just 5 Minutes

Hi there!

As a tech geek and data analyst, I‘ve done a deep dive into the world of social media. And in my research, I‘ve found that while linking Facebook and Instagram accounts seems convenient at first, there are some solid reasons to consider unlinking them.

In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you step-by-step through how to unlink Facebook and Instagram in just 5 minutes or less. I‘ll also share my insights as a data expert on the key benefits of unlinking, things to consider, and so much more. My goal is to provide you with the most helpful, interesting, and detailed information possible so you can make the best decision for your needs.

Let‘s get started!

Why Unlink Facebook and Instagram?

Before jumping into the how-to steps, it‘s important to understand the rationale behind unlinking Facebook and Instagram. There are 5 key reasons why you may want to consider unlinking your accounts:

Once your Facebook and Instagram accounts are linked, data is seamlessly shared between the two platforms which are both owned by Meta.

According to Meta‘s data policy, they can collect information about your activity on other websites and apps. When your accounts are linked, it gives them even more access to track your activity across both platforms to serve you targeted ads.

In my opinion as a data analyst, this amount of cross-platform data sharing is concerning for privacy. Unlinking the accounts reduces the data shared and limits Meta‘s tracking abilities.

2. Keep Facebook and Instagram Content Separate

Facebook and Instagram have different audiences and algorithms. What works well on Facebook may not work as well on Instagram, and vice versa.

For example, a 2021 study by Socialinsider analyzed over 2 million Facebook and Instagram posts. They found that Link posts had the highest engagement on Facebook, while Image posts performed best on Instagram.

By keeping your accounts linked, the same content is automatically shared on both platforms. Unlinking lets you customize content specifically for each platform‘s audience and algorithm to boost engagement.

3. Avoid Compromising Both Accounts If One Gets Hacked

Unfortunately, social media accounts do get hacked sometimes. If a hacker gains access to your linked Facebook account, they could also access your Instagram.

Unlinking them adds a layer of security. If one account gets hacked, the hacker won‘t automatically have access to both profiles.

4. Disassociate an Old/Unused Instagram Account from Facebook

Over time, you may have an old Instagram account that you no longer use. But if it‘s still linked to your active Facebook account, it remains associated.

Unlinking allows you to fully disassociate an old or unused Instagram handle from your current social media presence. This can be especially helpful for clearing up your digital footprint.

5. Unlink Previously Connected Accounts You Don‘t Remember Linking

Sometimes you may link accounts just to test it out that you later forget were ever connected. When you go to unlink them, you‘re surprised to see they were still associated in the background.

Unlinking clears up any connections between old or unused accounts you might not even remember linking in the first place.

Step-By-Step Guide to Unlinking

Now that you‘ve got the rationale down, here is a foolproof step-by-step walkthrough on how to unlink Facebook and Instagram in just minutes:

Unlink Facebook and Instagram via Facebook App

Step 1: Open the Facebook Menu

Open the Facebook app on your mobile device
Tap on the Menu icon (3 horizontal lines) at the bottom right corner

Step 2: Go to Settings

From the menu, select the Settings & Privacy gear icon
This will open your Facebook account settings

Step 3: Access the Accounts Center

In Settings, tap on See More in Accounts Center
This will open the Accounts Center for all your connected apps

Step 4: Select Accounts

Scroll down and tap on Accounts (it‘s towards the bottom)
Here you can see all accounts linked to your Facebook

Step 5: Remove Instagram Account

Find the Instagram account you want to unlink
Tap Remove to disconnect the account from Facebook

And that‘s it, your Instagram account is now unlinked from your Facebook! The process is quick and easy.

If you have a Facebook business page connected to Instagram, the process is nearly the same but with accessing the Linked Accounts section rather than Accounts Center.

Unlink Instagram from Facebook via Instagram App

You can also unlink the accounts starting from the Instagram side. The process is very similar:

Step 1: Open Instagram Menu

Go to your Instagram profile
Tap the menu icon (3 horizontal lines) in the top right

Step 2: Go to Settings

Select Settings from the menu
Tap Account from the options at the top

Step 3: Access Accounts Center

Scroll down and tap Accounts Center
This will open the center showing your connected accounts

Step 4: Go to Accounts

Now select Accounts at the very bottom
Here you‘ll see your Facebook account linked

Step 5: Remove Facebook Account

Tap Remove next to your Facebook account
Confirm you want to unlink the accounts

And you‘re done! By following these 5 simple steps you can quickly unlink Facebook and Instagram in just a few minutes on either app.

Benefits of Unlinking Your Accounts

Unlinking your Facebook and Instagram accounts can be advantageous for the following key reasons:

1. Greater Control Over Your Content

Maintaining separate accounts gives you full control over the content you post. You can customize posts for each platform‘s audience without having the same content automatically shared across both.

According to social media consultant Jenn Herman:

"The audiences on Facebook and Instagram behave differently. Tailoring content for each platform is important for driving engagement and growing your following."

With linked accounts, your options are limited. Unlinking lets you craft tailored content that resonates better on each platform.

2. Improved Engagement Rates

Along with greater content control, you can also improve engagement rates by unlinking. As discussed earlier, Facebook and Instagram have different audiences and algorithms.

So rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach with linked accounts, you can use strategies targeted for each platform‘s audience when posting separately.

According to a Sprout Social study, single image posts have the highest engagement on Instagram generating over 15k likes and 300 comments on average. But link posts drive the most Facebook engagement.

Posting platform-specific content is a proven way to boost engagement when the accounts are separate.

3. Increased Privacy and Security

With linked accounts, Meta has greater ability to track you across apps by combining data points. They can create a more holistic profile of you as a user including your activity on both platforms.

By unlinking accounts, it limits their data tracking capabilities. Ryan Anderson, a cybersecurity expert, advises:

"The less platforms that are linked, the more you reduce potential privacy risks and vulnerabilities. Keeping social accounts separated allows you to lock down the data and activity flow."

Unlinking also adds a layer of security in the event your account is hacked. A cybercriminal won‘t have automatic access to both profiles if compromised.

Overall, keeping Facebook and Instagram accounts separate limits risks and is far more secure.

4. Clearer Digital Footprint

Your social media profiles create a digital footprint and online reputation. When old, unused accounts remain linked, it can create unnecessary associations that clutter up your footprint.

According to digital marketing consultant Gary Henderson:

"It‘s important to constantly evaluate your digital footprint and unlink any outdated accounts. This presents a clearer picture of your current brand and persona online."

By unlinking, you can disassociate yourself from accounts you no longer use. This maintains a more accurate representation of your current social media presence.

5. Avoid Posting Mishaps

Accidentally posting embarrassing content on the wrong social account is a big fear for many users.

With integrated accounts, it‘s easy to mistakenly share content across platforms you only meant for one. Unlinking eliminates this risk completely.

According to a survey by Statista, over 54% of users said their biggest social media fear was accidentally posting something on the wrong account. Unlinking provides peace of mind.

Key Things to Note After Unlinking

While unlinking your Facebook and Instagram accounts has many benefits, there are a few key things to keep in mind:

You‘ll need to log into each account separately – There‘s no more one-click login if you forget your password. You‘ll have to recover your password for each account independently moving forward.
Cross-posting is no longer possible – You‘ll have to post your content directly on each platform rather than scheduling posts across both at once.
Your followers won‘t automatically carryover – You‘ll start fresh building your followers on each platform since they are no longer linked.
Adjust privacy settings – Check your privacy settings are configured correctly for each individual account after unlinking. They can reset during the unlinking process.

Overall the pros still outweigh the cons in most cases. But these are important factors to consider when deciding whether to unlink Facebook and Instagram.

Expert Tips to Enhance Your Unlinked Accounts

As a social media data expert, I wanted to provide some bonus tips to help enhance your unlinked accounts:

Tailor Content for Each Audience

Study the demographics and interests of each platform‘s audience. Then tailor content accordingly with captions and hashtags optimized for each platform.

Analyze Performance Data

Use analytics to identify high-performing content on each platform. Look at engagement rates, clicks, and conversions to guide your strategy.

Promote Accounts Separately

Don‘t rely on account linking to cross-promote. actively drive followers to each individual account through promotional tactics like giveaways.

Post at Ideal Times

Research optimal posting times for each platform using analytics tools like Sprout Social. Then schedule posts during peak windows when audiences are most active.

Use Unique Profile Images

Having the same profile picture on both accounts looks disjointed when unlinked. Update each platform with a unique profile image.

Wrapping Up

I hope this comprehensive guide provided you with clarity on how to easily unlink your Facebook and Instagram accounts in just minutes. While staying linked does offer some convenience, there are compelling benefits to keeping these accounts separate that are worth considering.

Ultimately the choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you do decide to unlink, this step-by-step walkthrough has you covered on how to do it smoothly. And I‘m happy to offer any other insights or support as a social media data expert.

Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m always glad to help break down the nuances of navigating and optimizing your social media presence.