How to install Threads in France, the replacement of Twitter by Instagram?

If it is not officially launched in the European Union, Threads can be used perfectly in France, including without a VPN. The only technical constraint is to install it, which is not necessarily easy because of Apple and Google restrictions.

Is Threads a future essential social network? According to Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s ambition is to surpass Twitter by creating a community of one billion people, who would exchange healthily. The launch of Threads on July 5 in 100 countries was a huge success, with thousands of people signing up in less than 30 minutes. Enough to predict a bright future for Threads, which already seems to be doing better than Mastodon and Bluesky, which also present themselves as alternatives to Elon Musk’s Twitter.

In France, due to European data protection laws, Threads is not yet ready. The Meta group has decided not to publish the application on the App Store and the French Play Store, although it is perfectly functional in France. By tweaking a bit, the most impatient can now install Threads on their smartphone.

Threads is not yet available on the web

First, the Threads.net site is not yet active. If it will eventually be possible to access the social network from a site (on a computer or on a smartphone), the Threads.net site is now encouraging people to download the application. Forget this option.

The Threads website at launch. // Source: Numerama

How to install Threads on Android?

On Android, installing Threads is a bit easier than on iOS. If Meta’s application cannot be found in France, Google’s operating system has the advantage of allowing the installation of applications from external sources. You can therefore easily download an APK file, to install Threads on your Android mobile. Only flaw: updates will not be automatic. It will therefore be necessary to think of deleting the application at the official launch of Threads in France, to install it from the App Store.

Once the APK is downloaded:

Open it from your mobile’s notification center or Downloads folder.
You will be able to install it and then launch it from the application grid.
Since Meta has no geo-restrictions in place, Threads will work without a VPN. Creating an account requires having an Instagram account, to import its identifier.

How to install Threads on an iPhone?

On iOS, installing an application not available on the App Store is immediately more complicated. Since it is not possible to sideloader » an app, you must necessarily disconnect from your French App Store account, to access an App Store account from a country where Threads is available, such as the United States.

First step, go to Settings and click on your name at the top of the app.
Here, it will be necessary to touch Multimedia content and purchasesThen Sign out.
Warning: this step will delete all your locally downloaded Apple Music and Apple TV content… Yes, it’s extremely silly, but Apple has not upgraded its system in 2023. On the other hand, if you don’t touch iCloud, all your photos, messages and backups will be spared.

Changing country in the App Store is not always easy. Remember to save your US credentials for another time. // Source: Numerama

Then, you have to reconnect with an American account. If you already have one, it’s easy. If you do not have one, you will have to create it by giving a false address (there is not necessarily a need for a credit card). We detail the process here:

For further

With this famous US account, search Threads on the App Store and install it. You can then return to your French account from the settings, Threads will no longer move. You will even receive updates.

The first steps on Threads

On first signup, Threads will ask you to create an account from your existing Instagram profile. A few seconds later, the application will offer you your first timeline, with posts from people you follow… and strangers. Meta however promised that a future update will add a feed with just your subscriptions.

This is what Threads looks like when first configured. // Source: Numerama

Unlike Mastodon and Bluesky, Threads already has a huge number of large accounts. Its operation is almost identical to that of Twitter, which should not disorient you. Finally, know that your Instagram friends will receive a notification when you first post on Threads.