Facebook deletion is permanent and takes 30 days

When you delete your Facebook account, the company gives you 30 days to change your mind. During that month, your profile is hidden from other users but not yet erased from Facebook's servers. After 30 days, Facebook removes your name, photos, posts, and messages. Some data tied to your account — like messages you sent to others — may stay in their inboxes, but Facebook will not connect them to you anymore.

Deletion is different from deactivation. A deactivated account can be reactivated anytime by logging back in. A deleted account cannot be recovered. If you think you might want to return to Facebook in the future, deactivation is the safer choice. If you are certain you want to leave, deletion removes you completely.

Key Takeaways

  • Deleting your account takes 30 days to complete, and you cannot use Facebook during that time even if you change your mind.
  • You must log in to Facebook on a computer or phone to start the deletion process — you cannot delete through the app alone.
  • Facebook will ask you to confirm your password and may send a verification code to your email or phone number.
  • Messages you sent to other people will remain in their accounts, but they will not show your name or profile picture after deletion.
  • If you have a Facebook Business Page or use Facebook Login to access other apps, those connections will break when your account is deleted.

How to delete your account on a computer

Go to facebook.com and log in if you are not already signed in. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner of the screen, next to your name. Scroll down and select Settings and privacy, then click Settings. On the left side, click Deactivation and deletion.

You will see two options: Deactivate account and Delete account. Choose Delete account. Facebook will ask you to enter your password and may send a code to your email address or phone number. Enter that code when prompted. Read the information about what happens after deletion, then click Delete account again to confirm. Your account will be scheduled for deletion 30 days from that date.

How to delete your account on a phone

Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then tap Settings. Tap Deactivation and deletion. Choose Delete account and enter your password when asked.

Facebook may send a verification code to your email or phone. Enter it when the app prompts you. Review the deletion details, then tap Delete account to confirm. The app will log you out, and your account will be marked for deletion. You will not be able to log back in during the 30-day waiting period.

What happens to your data during the 30-day wait

For the first 30 days, your profile is invisible to other Facebook users. They cannot find you by searching, see your old posts, or view your photos. Your friends will no longer see you in their friend lists. However, you can still log back in during this period and cancel the deletion by going to Settings and choosing to keep your account.

After 30 days, Facebook permanently removes your account from its servers. Your name, photos, posts, and personal information are deleted. Some data may take longer to remove from Facebook's backup systems, but the company will not restore your account or provide you with copies of your data after the 30 days are up.

read your information before deleting

If you want to keep copies of your photos, posts, or messages, read them before you delete your account. Go to Settings and privacy, then Settings. Click Your information and permissions on the left, then read your information. Facebook will let you choose what to read — photos, posts, friends list, and more. The read can take from a few minutes to several hours depending on how much data you have.

Facebook will send you a file (usually a ZIP file) that you can save to your computer. Open it after you read it to make sure all your data is there. Do this before you start the deletion process, because you cannot read your information after your account is deleted.

What breaks when you delete your account

If you use your Facebook login to sign into other apps or websites, those connections will stop working. Apps like Spotify, Instagram, or games that let you log in with Facebook will no longer recognize your account. You will need to create a new login or use a different sign-in method for those services.

If you run a Facebook Business Page, that page will be deleted too. You cannot keep a business page without a personal account. If you manage ads or have an active advertising account, those will also be removed. Any scheduled posts will not publish. If you are part of Facebook Groups or have pending friend requests, those will disappear.

If you change your mind during the 30 days

You have until the end of the 30-day period to cancel your deletion. Log back into Facebook using your email address and password. Go to Settings and privacy, then Settings. Click Deactivation and deletion and choose Cancel deletion. Your account will be restored, and all your data will return to normal.

After the 30 days are up, you cannot recover your account. Facebook will not restore deleted accounts under any circumstances, even if you contact their support team. If you want to use Facebook again after deletion is complete, you will need to create a brand new account from scratch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my account without waiting 30 days?

No. Facebook requires a 30-day waiting period for all account deletions. This is a safety measure to prevent accidental permanent loss. You can deactivate instead if you want your account hidden when ready, but deactivation is not permanent and can be reversed anytime you log back in.

What happens to messages I sent to other people?

Messages you sent will stay in other people's inboxes, but they will show as coming from a deleted account rather than from you by name. Your profile picture will disappear from those messages. The other person can still read what you wrote, but they will not be able to click on your name to visit your profile.

Will Facebook delete my information from their servers when ready?

No. After the 30-day period ends, Facebook removes your account from active systems, but backup copies may exist for several months. Facebook does not publicly say how long backups are kept. Your account will not be restored under any circumstances, but some data may take time to fully disappear from all of Facebook's systems.

Can I read my data after I delete my account?

No. You must read your information before you start the deletion process. Once the 30 days are up and your account is permanently deleted, Facebook will not provide you with any copies of your data. read everything you want to keep before you confirm the deletion.

What if I forgot my password and cannot log in to delete my account?

Go to facebook.com and click Forgotten password? on the login screen. Enter your email address or phone number, and Facebook will send you a link to reset your password. Once you reset it, log in and follow the deletion steps. If you no longer have access to your email or phone number, contact Facebook's support team, though they may not be able to help delete the account without verification.