Quick answer
Threads is Meta's text-based social app for short posts and public conversations, linked to your Instagram account. The latest Threads APK is version 453.0.0.56.79, updated November 2, 2026. It's free to download, with in-app purchases on Google Play, and Meta shows ads in the feed in many countries.
| App name | Threads |
|---|---|
| Developer | |
| Latest version | 453.0.0.56.79 |
| Updated | Nov 2, 2026 |
| Package name | com.instagram.barcelona |
| Category | Social |
| Price | Free |
| In-app purchases | Yes |
On this page
What is Threads?
Threads is Meta's app for short text posts and public conversations, made by the Instagram team. You post updates of up to 500 characters with photos, videos or links, reply to others, repost and quote posts, and follow people and topics. It's Meta's answer to X (formerly Twitter), and it launched worldwide in July 2023 with one of the fastest sign-up rates any app has seen.
On Google Play, Threads has passed 500 million downloads. You usually sign up with your Instagram account, which brings over your username and lets you quickly follow the same people. It's one of the social apps we list, next to Instagram and X.
What's new in Threads 453.0.0.56.79
The latest Threads APK on Google Play is version 453.0.0.56.79, updated on November 2, 2026. Meta's release note on Play is generic:
- Fixes. Bug fixes and performance improvements, with a reminder to update for the newest features.
Meta ships Threads updates about once a week and turns new features on gradually from its servers, so friends with the same version may see different options.
Key features
Short posts and replies
Write posts of up to 500 characters, add up to 20 photos or videos, and reply in threaded conversations. You can quote and repost other people's posts and save drafts.
For You and Following feeds
The For You feed recommends posts from accounts you don't follow yet. The Following feed shows only accounts you follow, in time order. Pin the feed you prefer so it opens first.
Topics and communities
Add a topic tag to a post so it reaches people interested in that subject, and browse topic feeds to find conversations. Communities group posts around shared interests.
Fediverse sharing
Threads connects to the fediverse, the network of independent social sites such as Mastodon. Turn on fediverse sharing in settings and people on those services can follow your public Threads posts.
Messages
Threads added direct messages in 2025, so you can chat privately without switching to Instagram.
How to install Threads APK on Android
Install Threads from Google Play.
- Open Google Play, search for Threads, and check the developer is Instagram.
- Tap Install. Play only offers Install when your phone is compatible.
- Open the app and continue with your Instagram account, or follow the sign-up options shown in your region.
- Choose a public or private profile and import the accounts you follow on Instagram if you want.
Meta doesn't publish its own Threads APK. Files on other sites aren't official, and Meta's apps update weekly, so an old APK quickly falls behind. You can also use Threads in a browser at threads.com.
Is Threads APK safe?
The official Threads app from Google Play is safe. It's published by Instagram (Meta), rated Teen, and lists in-app purchases from $0.99 to $131.99 per item. Google Play doesn't flag ads for Threads, but Meta shows ads in the feed in many countries.
- Privacy. Threads collects a lot of data, much like Instagram. Review Settings → Privacy to choose a private profile, limit who can mention or reply to you, and hide like counts.
- Teen accounts. Meta applies stricter default settings for teens, including private profiles and limits on who can message them.
- Fake versions. Only install Threads from Google Play. Copies on other sites can steal your Instagram login, which would give someone access to both accounts.
Threads settings worth changing
- Private profile. In Settings → Privacy, switch to a private profile so only approved followers see your posts.
- Mentions and replies. Limit who can mention you and who can reply to your posts to people you follow, or nobody.
- Hidden words. Add words and phrases to filter them out of replies, which helps keep comments on your posts civil.
- Hide like counts. Turn off like counts on other people's posts if you'd rather not compare.
- Fediverse sharing. Turn this off if you don't want your public posts to appear on Mastodon and other fediverse services.
- Feed default. Pin the Following feed so the app opens on people you chose instead of recommendations.
Threads and Instagram together
Because Threads is linked to Instagram, some actions affect both. Your username and verification come from Instagram, and blocking someone on Instagram can also block them on Threads. You can delete your Threads profile without touching Instagram, but think twice before deleting Instagram itself, because that can remove your Threads profile too. Following the same people on both apps is optional: you can build a completely different Threads feed if you want one app for friends and another for interests.
Threads vs alternatives
- X is the original for real-time news and public debate, with more live events and long-form posts for subscribers.
- Instagram is better for photos, Reels and Stories rather than text.
- Facebook suits groups, events and staying in touch with people you know.
Threads is a good fit if you already use Instagram and want a calmer, text-first feed. Pin the Following feed and set your profile to private if you'd rather share with people you know than the whole internet.
Version history
Threads 453.0.0.56.79Latest
Frequently asked questions
How do I install Threads on Android?
Open Google Play, search for Threads and check the developer is Instagram before tapping Install. Google Play only shows the Install button if your phone is compatible. It's free to install, and Play keeps it updated automatically. Avoid copies from other sites: they aren't from Instagram and may be altered, so the safest way to use Threads is the official listing.
Do I need an Instagram account for Threads?
Threads is linked to Instagram: the usual way to sign up is with your Instagram account, which carries over your username and verification. Meta has also been testing ways to use Threads without one in some regions. Your Threads profile can be public or private independently of Instagram.
Does Threads have ads?
Yes, in many countries. Meta began showing ads in the Threads feed in 2025. Google Play doesn't show a "Contains ads" label for Threads, so APKPeer leaves that row out instead of saying no.
Can I delete Threads without deleting Instagram?
Yes. Meta changed this in 2023: you can delete your Threads profile in Threads settings without affecting your Instagram account. You can also deactivate Threads temporarily.
How long can a Threads post be?
A Threads post can have up to 500 characters, plus links, photos and videos. For longer thoughts you can chain posts into a thread or attach a longer text block, a feature Meta added in 2025.
