Threads Country Availability Reference: EU DMA Launch and Beyond

Threads launched in July 2023 but was not available in the European Union due to regulatory concerns under the Digital Markets Act. Users outside the EU could sign up immediately, while EU residents had to wait months for a compliant version. This article explains exactly which countries can use Threads, why the EU launch was delayed, and what the current availability looks like after the DMA-compliant rollout.

The Digital Markets Act imposes strict rules on gatekeeper platforms like Instagram. Meta needed to adjust Threads data handling and account linking to meet these requirements. The result is a separate Threads experience for EU users with modified features.

This reference covers the full list of supported countries, the DMA compliance changes, and what features differ between EU and non-EU versions of Threads.

Threads Country Availability Explained

Threads is available in most countries worldwide, but regional regulations caused a phased rollout. The initial launch covered the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and many others. The European Union was excluded because Meta needed to align Threads with the Digital Markets Act, which governs how large platforms handle user data and interoperability.

Countries Where Threads Is Available

As of January 2025, Threads is available in over 150 countries and territories. The full list includes all members of the European Union plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. The app is also available in the United Kingdom, which left the EU but follows similar data protection rules. Major non-EU regions include the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, India, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and most of Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

Countries Where Threads Is Not Available

Threads is blocked in China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. Users in these countries cannot access the app through official app stores. Some other countries with ongoing internet restrictions may also have limited access, but Meta does not maintain a public block list beyond sanctioned nations.

Why the EU Launch Was Delayed and How the DMA Changed Threads

The Digital Markets Act classifies Instagram as a gatekeeper platform. Gatekeepers must allow users to separate their data from the core platform and must enable third-party interoperability. Meta paused the EU launch to redesign Threads so it could comply without violating data sharing rules.

The main change is that EU users can create a Threads profile without linking it to an Instagram account. In non-EU countries, a Threads account is tied to an Instagram account. EU users also get a read-only experience by default: they can browse posts but cannot reply or post until they set up a Threads profile. Cross-posting from Instagram to Threads is not available in the EU.

Steps to Access Threads in the European Union

If you are in an EU country, follow these steps to create a Threads account.

1. Download the Threads app
   Open the App Store on iOS or Google Play Store on Android. Search for Threads and install the app. The app is available in all EU countries.
2. Open Threads and tap Get started
   The app shows a welcome screen. Tap the Get started button to begin the sign-up process.
3. Choose to create a profile without Instagram
   You will see two options: Continue with Instagram or Set up without Instagram. Select Set up without Instagram. This option is only available in EU countries.
4. Enter your name and date of birth
   Threads asks for your full name and birth date. Enter the information and tap Next.
5. Create a username and password
   Choose a unique username. Type a password that meets the minimum security requirements. Tap Next.
6. Verify your email address
   Threads sends a verification code to the email you provided. Open your email inbox, copy the code, and paste it into the app. Tap Confirm.
7. Set up your profile
   Add a profile picture and bio if you want. Tap Done. Your Threads profile is now active.

What Features Differ Between EU and Non-EU Threads

EU users experience several differences compared to users in other regions. The table below summarizes the key variations.

Feature	Non-EU Threads	EU Threads
Account creation	Requires Instagram account	Can create without Instagram
Default experience	Full read-write access	Read-only until profile created
Cross-posting from Instagram	Available	Not available
Data sharing with Instagram	Shared by default	Not shared without consent
Fediverse sharing	Available in most regions	Available after profile creation

Common Misconceptions and Limitations

Threads Is Not Available in the UK

The United Kingdom is not in the EU but Threads launched there on the same day as the global rollout. UK users can sign up with an Instagram account and have full read-write access. The DMA does not apply to the UK, so no separate EU-style version exists.

EU Users Can Switch to a Non-EU Version by Changing App Store Region

Changing your App Store or Google Play region does not change the Threads version you receive. The app detects your location based on IP address and SIM card country code. A region change in the store does not bypass the DMA restrictions.

Threads Works in Switzerland and Norway Without EU Restrictions

Switzerland and Norway are not EU members but are part of the European Economic Area. Threads treats them as EU countries for DMA compliance. Users in these countries see the same read-only default and separate profile creation as EU users.

Threads vs Mastodon: Federation and Country Rules Compared

Item	Threads	Mastodon
Federation standard	ActivityPub	ActivityPub
Country restrictions	Blocked in China, Iran, North Korea, Russia	No built-in country blocks
EU DMA compliance	Separate profile creation, no cross-posting	Not affected by DMA
Account portability	Cannot move followers to another server	Full account migration supported

Threads uses the same ActivityPub protocol as Mastodon, but its country-level restrictions are dictated by Meta’s corporate policies and local laws. Mastodon servers are independently operated and do not enforce country blocks unless the server admin chooses to.

Now you know exactly which countries support Threads and how the EU version differs. If you are in the EU, create a separate Threads profile without Instagram. For users outside the EU, the standard Instagram-linked experience remains the fastest way to start. Consider enabling Fediverse sharing in Settings > Account > Fediverse sharing to connect with Mastodon users worldwide.