Delete Facebook Permanently from Your Phone

You can delete your Facebook account directly from the Facebook app or mobile web browser on your phone. The process takes about five minutes and permanently removes your account, your profile, your photos, and your messages after 30 days. During those 30 days, you can change your mind and log back in to cancel the deletion — after 30 days, Facebook cannot recover your account.

The steps are the same whether you use an iPhone or Android phone. You do not need a computer. Facebook will ask you to confirm your password and may ask security questions before it processes the deletion.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 30 days after requesting deletion to log back in and cancel the process if you change your mind.
  • Deleting your account is permanent after 30 days — deactivating (hiding your profile without removing it) is a separate, reversible option.
  • You must use the Settings menu in the Facebook app; you cannot delete your account from your News Feed or profile page.
  • Facebook will ask you to confirm your password and may send a code to your email or phone number to verify your identity.

Steps to Delete Your Account in the Facebook App

Open the Facebook app on your phone and tap the three horizontal lines (called a menu icon) in the bottom right corner. On iPhone, this appears in the bottom right. On Android, it may appear in the top right. Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy, then tap Settings.

Scroll down to the section labeled Account and tap Deactivation and Deletion. You will see two options: Deactivate Account and Delete Account. Tap Delete Account. Facebook will explain that your account and everything in it will be permanently removed. Tap Continue to Account Deletion.

Facebook will ask you to enter your password to confirm you own the account. Type your password and tap Continue. You may then be asked to verify your identity using a code sent to your email address or phone number — check your email or text messages for this code, return to the app, and enter it.

After you verify, tap Delete Account on the final confirmation screen. Your account will be scheduled for deletion. You will receive an email from Facebook confirming that your account is set to be permanently deleted in 30 days.

Deleting Your Account Through Mobile Web Browser

If you prefer not to use the app, you can delete your account through Facebook's mobile website. Open your phone's web browser and go to facebook.com. Log in if you are not already logged in. Tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner (iPhone) or top right corner (Android).

Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy, then tap Settings. Follow the same steps as above: tap Deactivation and Deletion, then Delete Account, and confirm your password. The process is identical to the app version.

What Happens During the 30-Day Waiting Period

After you request deletion, your profile becomes invisible to other people when ready. Your friends cannot see your profile, your messages, or your photos. However, Facebook keeps your information on its servers for 30 days in case you change your mind.

If you log back into your account during these 30 days, the deletion request cancels automatically and your account returns to normal. After 30 days pass, Facebook permanently removes your account and all its data. You cannot recover it after this point.

The Difference Between Deleting and Deactivating

Deleting your account removes it permanently after 30 days. Your profile, photos, messages, and all activity disappear. Other people cannot find your profile or see anything you posted.

Deactivating your account hides your profile from other users but keeps your information on Facebook's servers. Your messages stay in your friends' inboxes, but they cannot click on your name to see your profile. You can reactivate a deactivated account at any time by logging back in — there is no waiting period. Choose deactivation if you want to take a break but might return to Facebook later.

If You Cannot Find the Deletion Option

If the Deactivation and Deletion option does not appear in your Settings menu, you may be using an outdated version of the Facebook app. Go to your phone's app store (Apple App Store on iPhone, Google Play Store on Android), search for Facebook, and tap Update if an update is available. Close the app completely and reopen it after updating.

If you still cannot find the option after updating, try using the mobile web browser version instead of the app. Open facebook.com in your phone's browser and follow the same steps. The web version sometimes displays options differently than the app.

What to Do Before You Delete

Before you delete your account, consider downloading your photos and messages. Facebook allows you to request a copy of your data. In Settings, look for an option called read Your Information or Your Facebook Information. This process can take several hours or days, and Facebook will email you a file you can save to your phone or computer.

You may also want to notify your friends that you are leaving Facebook, since they will not be able to message you or see your profile after deletion. Consider sharing your email address or phone number with people you want to stay in touch with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my Facebook account if I forgot my password?

You will need to reset your password before you can delete your account. On the Facebook login screen, tap Forgot Password? and follow the steps to reset it using your email address or phone number. Once you have reset your password, return to Settings and follow the deletion steps.

Will deleting my Facebook account also delete my Instagram or WhatsApp?

No. Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are separate accounts. Deleting your Facebook account does not affect Instagram or WhatsApp. If you want to delete those accounts, you must do so separately through their own settings.

Can someone else delete my Facebook account?

No. Facebook requires your password to delete your account, so only you can delete it. If you believe someone else has access to your account, change your password when ready before deleting, or contact Facebook's support team for help securing your account first.

What happens to my Facebook Marketplace listings when I delete my account?

Your Marketplace listings will be removed when your account is deleted. If you are in the middle of selling something, consider completing the transaction before you delete your account, or deactivating instead so you can finish your sales.

How do I know if my account was actually deleted?

After 30 days, try logging in with your email and password. If the login fails and Facebook says your account does not exist, your account has been permanently deleted. You can also check by searching for your name on Facebook — your profile should not appear in search results after deletion is complete.