If you want to use your Threads account with external tools like Mastodon search, Fediverse bridges, or cross-posting services, you need your Webfinger address. This address acts as a portable identifier that other ActivityPub-compatible services can use to find your profile. Many users cannot locate this address because Threads does not display it in the main profile screen. This article explains what a Webfinger address is, shows you exactly where to find it in the Threads settings, and covers common mistakes that prevent external tools from recognizing your account.
Key Takeaways: Retrieving Your Threads Webfinger Address
- Profile > Privacy > Fediverse sharing: This is the only place in the Threads app where your Webfinger address appears.
- Format: @username@threads.net: You need the full handle including the domain for tools like Mastodon search.
- Fediverse sharing must be on: Your Webfinger address only works when the Fediverse sharing toggle is enabled.
What Is a Webfinger Address and Why You Need It
A Webfinger address is a standard identifier used in the ActivityPub protocol. It looks like an email address but uses the format @username@domain. For Threads, the format is @yourthreadsusername@threads.net.
This address lets external tools and services find your Threads profile without needing a direct URL. For example, if you paste your Webfinger address into Mastodon’s search bar, Mastodon can fetch your public Threads posts and display them. The same address works with Fediverse bridges that connect Threads to other platforms like Pixelfed or PeerTube.
Threads began supporting Webfinger in March 2024 when it enabled Fediverse sharing. Before that, your profile only had a standard Instagram-style username. The Webfinger address is separate from your Instagram handle and only works if you have enabled Fediverse sharing in your privacy settings.
Prerequisites for Using Your Webfinger Address
Before you can use your Webfinger address with external tools, confirm these conditions:
- Your Threads account must be public. Private accounts cannot use Fediverse sharing.
- You must be at least 18 years old. Threads restricts Fediverse features to adult accounts.
- Your Instagram account linked to Threads must be in a supported country. Fediverse sharing is available in most regions but not all.
Steps to Find Your Webfinger Address in Threads
Follow these steps to locate your Webfinger address on the Threads mobile app. The same steps work on both iOS and Android.
- Open the Threads app and go to your profile
Tap your profile picture in the bottom-right corner of the screen. This opens your profile page where you see your posts and bio. - Tap the two-line menu icon in the top-right corner
This icon looks like two horizontal lines stacked on top of each other. It opens the main settings menu. - Select Privacy from the menu
Scroll down the menu list and tap the Privacy option. This opens the privacy settings screen. - Tap Fediverse sharing
This option appears under the Account section of the Privacy screen. It shows the current status of your Fediverse sharing connection. - Read the Webfinger address displayed on screen
Your Webfinger address appears directly below the Fediverse sharing toggle. It is shown in the format @username@threads.net. If the toggle is off, the address still appears but is not active. Turn the toggle on to make the address usable by external tools. - Copy the address to your clipboard
Tap and hold the address text until the copy option appears. Select Copy to save it. You can now paste it into any external tool that accepts Webfinger handles.
Common Issues When Using Your Webfinger Address
External tool says the address is not found
This usually happens because Fediverse sharing is turned off. Open Threads and go to Profile > Privacy > Fediverse sharing and confirm the toggle is green. If it is off, turn it on and wait up to five minutes for the change to propagate. Some tools cache DNS records, so try again after a short delay.
You see a different username in the Webfinger address
Your Webfinger address uses your Threads username, which may differ from your display name or your Instagram handle. Check your Threads username by going to Profile and looking at the text below your profile picture. The username starts with an @ symbol. If you changed your username recently, the Webfinger address updates automatically.
Mastodon shows your posts but not your profile
Some Mastodon instances block or limit federated content from Threads. This is a server-level restriction that you cannot fix from your account. Try searching for your Webfinger address on a different Mastodon instance like mastodon.social to see if the issue is instance-specific. If it works on another instance, contact the admin of your original instance to ask about their federation policy.
Copying the address does not work on Android
The Threads app on some Android devices does not allow long-press copying of the Webfinger address text. As a workaround, manually type the address in the format @yourusername@threads.net in the external tool. Double-check the spelling of your username and the domain. The domain is always threads.net, not thread.net or threads.com.
Threads Webfinger Address vs Instagram Handle
| Item | Webfinger Address | Instagram Handle |
|---|---|---|
| Format | @username@threads.net | @username |
| Used by | Mastodon, Pixelfed, PeerTube, Fediverse bridges | Instagram, Threads, cross-posting apps |
| Requires Fediverse sharing | Yes, must be enabled | No, always available |
| Visible in profile | Only in Privacy > Fediverse sharing | Shown on your profile page |
| Changes when you rename | Updates automatically | Updates automatically |
Your Instagram handle is not the same as your Webfinger address. If you use your Instagram handle in a Mastodon search, it will not find your Threads profile. Always use the full Webfinger address with the threads.net domain.
Now you can locate your Threads Webfinger address and use it with external tools like Mastodon search or Fediverse bridges. After copying the address, test it by pasting it into a Mastodon search bar to confirm your public posts appear. For advanced use, you can also share your Webfinger address on your website or social media bios so that people on other platforms can follow your Threads activity without needing the Threads app.