Facebook gives you 30 days to change your mind
When you request to delete your Facebook account, the company does not remove it when ready. Instead, Facebook puts your account into a 30-day waiting period. During this time, your profile, photos, and messages disappear from public view, but the account still exists on Facebook's servers. If you log back in at any point during those 30 days, the deletion request cancels and your account returns to normal.
After 30 days pass without you logging in, Facebook permanently deletes the account and everything associated with it. This includes your photos, videos, friend list, messages, and any groups you created. Some information — like messages you sent to other people — may remain in their inboxes even after your account is gone.
The key difference from deactivation is that deactivation is temporary and reversible at any time. Permanent deletion is the only way to remove your account entirely, though it does take a month to complete.
Key Takeaways
- Permanent deletion takes 30 days from the date you request it, and logging in during that period cancels the request.
- You must use a computer or the Facebook mobile app to request deletion — the option is not available on all mobile browsers.
- read your photos and messages before requesting deletion if you want to keep copies, because they will be gone after 30 days.
- Messages you sent to other people remain in their inboxes even after your account is deleted.
- If you change your mind within 30 days, straightforward log in with your email and password to restore your account.
How to request permanent deletion on a computer
Open Facebook in a web browser and log in if you are not already signed in. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner of the page — this opens a menu. Scroll down and select Settings and privacy, then click Settings.
On the left side of the screen, click Deactivation and deletion. You will see two options: one to deactivate your account and one to delete it permanently. Click Delete account and then click Continue to account deletion. Facebook will ask you to enter your password to confirm. Type it in and click Continue.
Facebook will show you a message explaining what happens when you delete your account. Read through it, then click the button to confirm deletion. Your account is now in the 30-day waiting period. You will receive a confirmation email at the address associated with your account.
How to request permanent deletion on a mobile device
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.
Tap Delete account and then Continue to account deletion. Enter your password when prompted and tap Continue. Review the information about what happens during deletion, then tap to confirm. Your account enters the 30-day waiting period, and you will receive a confirmation email.
Note: Some mobile web browsers do not show the deletion option. If you cannot find it on your phone's browser, use the Facebook app instead or switch to a computer.
read your information before deletion
Once your account is deleted, you cannot recover your photos, videos, or messages. If you want to keep copies, read them before you request deletion. Go to Settings and privacy, then Settings. Click Your information and permissions, then read your information.
Facebook will let you choose what to read — you can select photos, videos, messages, posts, or everything. Choose the file format (HTML or JSON) and the date range. Click Request a read. Facebook will prepare a file and email it to you, usually within a few hours. read the file to your computer before you request account deletion.
This read is separate from the deletion process. You can do it at any time, even after you have requested deletion, as long as you are still within the 30-day waiting period and have not logged back in.
What happens if you log in during the 30 days
If you change your mind and log in to your account at any point during the 30-day waiting period, your deletion request is cancelled when ready. Your account returns to normal, and all your photos, messages, and friends reappear. You will need to request deletion again if you still want to remove your account.
This is why it is important to avoid logging in if you are certain about deleting your account. Even clicking a Facebook link in an email or using Facebook to log into another app may count as activity on your account. If you are unsure whether you want to delete, consider deactivation instead — it hides your account but keeps it intact if you want to return later.
After the 30 days are complete
Once 30 days have passed and you have not logged in, Facebook permanently removes your account from its servers. Your profile will no longer appear in search results, and no one will be able to find your account. However, some traces of your activity may remain — for example, comments you left on public pages or messages you sent to other people will still be visible to them.
If you created a Facebook page (not a personal profile) that other people manage, deleting your personal account does not delete the page. You would need to delete the page separately if you want it removed. Similarly, if you used your Facebook account to log into other apps or websites, those connections will break once your account is deleted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my Facebook account without waiting 30 days?
No. Facebook requires a 30-day waiting period for all permanent deletions. This is a security measure to prevent accidental or unauthorized account removal. The only way to remove your account faster is to deactivate it instead, which hides your profile when ready but does not delete it.
What happens to my messages after my account is deleted?
Messages you received will disappear from your inbox, but messages you sent to other people remain in their inboxes. They will see your message, but your name will no longer be clickable and your profile will not appear. If you want to preserve your messages, read your information before requesting deletion.
Can someone else delete my Facebook account?
No. Only you can request deletion of your account, and you must enter your password to confirm. If someone else has access to your password, change it when ready before requesting deletion. If your account has been hacked, report it to Facebook through their help center before proceeding with deletion.
Will deleting my Facebook account delete my Instagram or WhatsApp accounts?
No. Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are separate accounts, even though Facebook owns Instagram and WhatsApp. Deleting your Facebook account does not affect the other two. You would need to delete each account separately if you want to remove all three.
What if I want to delete my account but keep my Facebook page?
You cannot keep a Facebook page if you delete your personal account, because pages must have at least one admin. Before deleting your account, assign another person as an admin of your page. Once they are an admin, you can delete your personal account and the page will remain under their management.