Facebook gives you 30 days to change your mind

When you request permanent deletion, Facebook doesn't erase your account when ready. Instead, it enters a 30-day waiting period. During those 30 days, you can log back in and cancel the deletion request. After 30 days pass, Facebook begins removing your profile, photos, posts, and messages from its servers. Some information may stay longer — backups take time to clear, and data you shared with other people (like messages they received from you) may remain on their accounts.

This delay exists partly because people change their minds, and partly because Facebook's systems are distributed across many data centers. You cannot speed up the deletion process or make it happen when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • Permanent deletion takes 30 days from the date you request it, and you can cancel anytime during that window by logging back in.
  • You must use Facebook's official deletion tool in Settings — there is no other way to permanently delete your account.
  • Deactivation is different from deletion: a deactivated account can be reactivated later, while a deleted account cannot.
  • Information you shared with others, like messages they received, may remain visible to them even after your account is gone.
  • Before you delete, read your photos and posts if you want to keep them, because they will be removed from Facebook's servers.

How to request permanent deletion on a computer

Open Facebook in a web browser and log in to the account you want to delete. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner of the page (next to your name). 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". Click Delete account. Facebook will ask you to confirm your password and may ask you to solve a CAPTCHA (the image puzzle that proves you are human). After you complete these steps, click Delete account again. Your deletion request is now submitted, and the 30-day countdown begins.

How to request permanent deletion on a phone or tablet

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. Scroll down to Accounts center and tap it. Tap Deactivation and deletion.

Select Delete account and follow the prompts to confirm your password. You may need to solve a CAPTCHA. Once you tap the final confirmation, your deletion request is submitted. The process is the same whether you use an iPhone, Android phone, or tablet.

What happens during the 30-day waiting period

Your profile becomes invisible to other users when ready. No one can find your account, see your posts, or send you messages. However, you can still log in using your email address and password. If you log in, Facebook will ask whether you want to cancel the deletion. Click yes, and your account returns to normal with all your data intact.

If you do not log in during the 30 days, Facebook begins permanently removing your information after day 30 ends. This includes your profile picture, cover photo, all posts, comments, messages, and friend connections. Some cached copies of your data may take longer to disappear from Facebook's backup systems, but the account itself is gone.

read your information before deletion

Facebook lets you read a copy of your photos, posts, and other data before you delete your account. To do this, go to Settings and privacy, then Settings. Click Your information and permissions, then read your information. Choose the date range and the types of data you want (photos, posts, messages, etc.), then click Request a read.

Facebook will prepare a file and email you a link to read it. This usually takes a few hours but can take up to a day. The file is compressed (zipped) and may be large if you have many photos or years of posts. read this file and save it to your computer or cloud storage before you request account deletion, because once the 30-day period ends, this information is removed from Facebook's servers and you cannot recover it.

Deactivation is not the same as deletion

If you are not sure you want to delete permanently, you can deactivate your account instead. A deactivated account is hidden from other users, but Facebook keeps all your data. You can reactivate it anytime by logging back in with your email and password. Your profile, photos, and posts return exactly as they were.

Deactivation is useful if you want to take a break from Facebook but might return later. Deletion is permanent — after 30 days, you cannot get your account back. If you delete your account and later change your mind, you would have to create a new account from scratch.

What you should do before you delete

Make a list of any important information stored only on Facebook: event dates, contact information from friends, photos you have not backed up elsewhere, or messages you want to keep. read your information using the tool described above. Check whether you use your Facebook login to access other websites or apps — if you do, you will need to create separate passwords for those services before you delete Facebook.

If you manage a Facebook Page (not a personal profile), deleting your personal account does not delete the Page. You can transfer Page ownership to someone else before you delete, or leave it as is. If no one else has access to the Page, it will remain but you will not be able to manage it anymore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel my deletion request after I submit it?

Yes. During the 30-day waiting period, log back into your account using your email and password. Facebook will ask if you want to cancel the deletion. Click yes, and your account will be restored with all your information intact. After 30 days pass, you cannot cancel — the deletion becomes permanent.

What happens to messages I sent to other people?

Messages you sent to others remain in their inboxes even after your account is deleted. They can still read what you wrote, but your profile will no longer be linked to those messages. If they click on your name, they will not be able to visit your profile or see your information.

Will deleting my Facebook account delete my Instagram or WhatsApp?

No. Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are separate accounts. Deleting your Facebook account does not affect Instagram or WhatsApp. However, if you use the same email address for multiple accounts, you can delete them separately using the same process in each app's settings.

How long does it take for my account to be completely removed?

The deletion process takes 30 days from the date you request it. After 30 days, Facebook removes your profile and most of your data from active servers. Some backup copies may take longer to clear, but your account will not be recoverable after the 30-day period ends.

Can I delete my account if I have an outstanding balance or unpaid ads?

Facebook may not allow deletion if you have unpaid charges related to ads or other services. Pay any outstanding balance first, then request deletion. If you cannot pay, contact Facebook's support team through the Help Center to discuss your options.