Facebook gives you two separate choices: deactivate or delete
Deactivation hides your profile temporarily. Your name disappears from search, your messages stop showing, and your wall goes blank. Facebook keeps your data in case you change your mind and log back in within 30 days. After 30 days, the account is deleted, but Facebook retains some information for legal and safety reasons.
Deletion is permanent. You cannot undo it after 30 days have passed. Facebook removes your profile, photos, posts, and messages from public view. Some data stays on Facebook's servers for backup and legal compliance, but your account cannot be recovered.
Most people choose deactivation first because it is reversible. You delete only if you are certain you will not return.
Key Takeaways
- Deactivation hides your account for 30 days and is reversible if you log back in; deletion is permanent after 30 days.
- To deactivate, go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then scroll to find Deactivation and Deletion.
- To delete permanently, use the same menu but choose Delete Account, then confirm your password and wait 30 days.
- Facebook keeps some data after deletion for legal reasons, but your profile and messages are removed from public view.
- Before you delete, read your photos and posts if you want to keep them — Facebook provides a read tool in Settings.
How to deactivate your account (temporary)
Open Facebook on a computer or phone. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines on mobile, or the down arrow on desktop in the top right). Scroll down and select Settings and Privacy, then Settings.
On the left side of the screen, scroll down until you see Deactivation and Deletion. Click or tap it. You will see two options: Deactivate Account and Delete Account. Choose Deactivate Account.
Facebook will ask you to confirm your password and may ask why you are leaving. You can skip the survey. Click Deactivate to finish. Your account is now hidden. You can reactivate it anytime within 30 days by logging in with your email and password.
How to delete your account permanently
Follow the same steps: Menu, Settings and Privacy, Settings, then Deactivation and Deletion. This time, choose Delete Account.
Facebook will ask you to enter your password again for security. After you confirm, your account enters a 30-day grace period. During these 30 days, you can still cancel the deletion by logging back in. After 30 days pass, Facebook permanently removes your profile, posts, photos, and messages from public view.
Do not log in during the 30-day window if you want the deletion to go through. Logging in cancels the deletion process and reactivates your account.
read your photos and posts before you go
If you want to keep copies of your photos, videos, posts, or other content, read them before you deactivate or delete. Facebook provides a tool to do this.
Go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings. On the left, find Your Information and Permissions, then click read Your Information. Choose what you want to read — photos, videos, posts, messages, or everything. Select the date range and file format (HTML or JSON), then click Request read. Facebook will prepare a file and email you a link, usually within a few hours.
read this file to your computer before you deactivate or delete your account. After deletion, you cannot retrieve this data from Facebook.
What happens to your messages and tagged photos
When you deactivate, your messages stay in your friends' inboxes, but they cannot reply to you or see your profile. Tagged photos remain visible to others unless you untag yourself before deactivating.
When you delete, messages you sent stay in your friends' conversations, but your name may appear as "Facebook User" instead. Photos you posted are removed, but photos other people posted of you and tagged you in will remain unless they delete them.
If you want to remove tagged photos before you leave, go to your profile, find the photo, and click the three dots in the corner. Select Remove Tag. This removes the tag but does not delete the photo itself.
Messenger stays active even after deletion
Deleting your Facebook account does not automatically delete your Messenger account. Your Messenger app will continue to work, and people can still send you messages.
If you want to delete Messenger too, open the Messenger app, tap your profile picture in the top left, scroll down to Legal and Policies, then tap Delete Account. You will need to confirm your password. Messenger will be deleted 30 days after Facebook deletion completes, or you can delete it separately.
What Facebook keeps after you delete
Facebook states that some information remains on its servers after deletion for legal, safety, and backup reasons. This includes data needed to prevent fraud, comply with law enforcement requests, and maintain system integrity. However, this data is not connected to your account and is not visible to other users.
Your profile, posts, photos, and messages are removed from public view. If you are concerned about your privacy, you can contact Facebook's Data Protection Officer through their Help Center to ask what information they retain about you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reactivate my account after 30 days?
No. After 30 days, your account is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered. If you log in during the 30-day window, the deletion is cancelled and your account reactivates. Do not log in if you want the deletion to proceed.
Will my friends be notified that I deleted my account?
No. Facebook does not send a notification to your friends. Your profile straightforward disappears from their view. Some friends may notice you are gone if they try to visit your profile or message you.
What if I forgot to read my photos before deleting?
Once the 30-day deletion period ends, you cannot recover your photos from Facebook. If you have a backup or if friends tagged you in photos, you may be able to get copies from them. For future reference, always read your data before you delete.
Do I need to delete Facebook and Instagram separately?
Yes. Facebook and Instagram are separate accounts, even though they are owned by the same company. Deleting your Facebook account does not delete your Instagram account. You must delete Instagram separately through its own settings.
Will deleting my account remove me from Facebook groups?
Yes. When you delete your account, you are removed from all groups. Your posts in those groups may remain visible, but your name will appear as "Facebook User" instead of your real name.