eSAFETY GUIDE

Meta account

13+
Minimum age according to Meta
13+ Minimum age according to Meta

What is a Meta account?

A Meta account is an account you can use to manage and connect your information across Meta’s services, such as Facebook, Instagram, Threads, WhatsApp and Horizon.

Meta accounts were first introduced in July 2022 as a new way to log into Meta’s virtual reality (VR) devices without needing a Facebook account. Since then, the ways you can use Meta accounts have broadened. In addition to VR, you can also use it to bring all your Meta services together in one place.

You can create a Meta account using your email address, or by logging in with your existing Facebook or Instagram account. You can then link your individual accounts in the Accounts Centre, which is found in the settings of Meta apps. Once linked, you can choose to share content and information between apps. For example, you can post the same story on Facebook and Instagram at the same time, share a WhatsApp status to Facebook or Instagram, or sync your name, username, photo or avatar across accounts. Linking accounts does not mean everything is shared automatically. Each account still has its own privacy settings, and you can choose what activity and information is connected.

Meta’s apps also have a feature called Meta AI, which is built into some of its apps and can answer questions, generate text, or help with searches. You can read more in eSafety’s guide on Meta AI.

Website: meta.com/en-gb/help/accounts

How do people use Meta accounts?

Learn more about the benefits and risks associated with how people use online services like Meta accounts.

Meta is used for: gaming, immersive technologies, in-app purchasing, live streaming, location sharing, messaging/online chat, online relationships, screen capture, video calling and voice chat. 

How can you report online abuse, ask for content to be removed or block someone

When looking for help on Meta, keep in mind that the Help Centre usually sends you to guides for each app (for example, how to block someone on Facebook or Instagram). It doesn’t give you one single set of instructions for a ‘Meta account’. You still need to manage each app account separately.

These links are provided by Meta:

How can you protect your personal information?

These links are provided by Meta:

Key safety links

These links are provided by Meta:

  • Meta Help Centre
    Offers a range of general help, safety and security information and popular topics.
  • Policies, safety and accessibility
    Outlines Meta’s key safety resources and policy information.
  • Teen privacy and safety settings
    The default privacy protections, safety tools, and parental supervision features that Meta provides for teens across its services.
  • Community Standards
    Outlines what is and isn't allowed on Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and Threads.
  • Parents
    Provides a range of safety information for parents and carers about using Meta services.

Social media changes are coming

From 10 December 2025, certain social media platforms won’t be allowed to let Australian children under 16 create or keep an account.

Find out more at eSafety’s social media age restrictions hub.

About The eSafety Guide

The eSafety Guide helps you find out how to protect your personal information and report harmful content on common social media, games, apps and sites. Entries are for information only and are not reviews or endorsements by eSafety. Before choosing to use any online service or platform it’s best to:

  • do your own research to understand the risks and benefits
  • check the age rating and requirements
  • consider privacy
  • check the permissions and other settings
  • check the in-app reporting options.

If you are a parent or carer who is deciding whether a child should be allowed to use an online service or platform, you can also:

  • consider your child's readiness for the types of content and experiences they might encounter
  • help them understand what to do if they need help
  • provide ongoing support and monitoring, for example through regular check-ins with your child
  • agree to some rules about use of each service or platform.

To find out more, you can read the App checklist for parents, as well as information about parental controls in social media, games and apps and mental wellbeing resources for families.