You can delete your account without the password by using Facebook's account recovery tools

Facebook lets you delete your account even if you cannot log in, but the process depends on whether you can still access the email or phone number tied to your account. If you can access either one, you can reset your password first, then delete the account normally. If you cannot access those either, you will need to go through Facebook's identity verification process, which takes longer and requires you to prove who you are.

The fastest route is usually resetting your password using your email or phone number. If that is not an option, Facebook's support team can help, but they will ask for government ID or other proof that the account belongs to you.

Key Takeaways

  • If you can access the email or phone number on your account, use Facebook's password reset tool to get back in, then delete the account from your settings.
  • If you cannot access your email or phone, go to facebook.com/login/identify to start Facebook's account recovery process, which asks you to upload ID.
  • Account recovery usually takes a few days to a week because Facebook manually reviews your identity documents.
  • Once you regain access or complete identity verification, deletion is permanent after 30 days — you cannot undo it after that point.
  • If your account was hacked and you cannot recover it, report it to Facebook's hacked account form instead of trying to delete it yourself.

Resetting your password using your email or phone number

Go to facebook.com/login and click "Forgotten password?" below the login box. Facebook will ask you to enter the email address or phone number you used to set up the account. If you enter the correct one, Facebook sends a reset link to that email or a code to that phone number.

Check your email inbox (and spam folder) or your text messages for the reset link or code. Click the link or enter the code, and Facebook will let you create a new password. Once you have logged in with the new password, you can delete the account from your settings. Go to Settings and Privacy > Settings > Deactivation and Deletion, choose "Delete Account," and follow the prompts.

This route works even if you have not logged in for months or years. As long as the email or phone number is still active and you can access it, you can reset the password.

Using Facebook's account recovery process if you cannot access your email or phone

If you do not have access to the email address or phone number on your account, go to facebook.com/login/identify. This page is Facebook's account recovery tool for people locked out of their accounts. Enter the name or email you remember using, and Facebook will show you a profile picture to confirm it is your account.

Click "No longer have access to these?" and Facebook will ask you to upload a photo of your government ID — a driver's license, passport, national ID card, or similar document. Facebook's team reviews the ID to confirm you are the person who owns the account. This process usually takes a few days to a week.

Once Facebook confirms your identity, you will regain access to your account. You can then change your password and email address, and proceed to delete the account from your settings.

What happens after you request deletion

When you choose "Delete Account" in your settings, Facebook does not remove it right away. Instead, your account enters a 30-day grace period. During this time, if you log back in, the deletion request cancels and your account stays active. This is a safety feature in case you change your mind or someone else deleted it without permission.

After 30 days, Facebook permanently removes your account, your profile, your photos, your messages, and your posts. Some information — like messages you sent to other people — may stay in their inboxes. Information you shared with apps or websites connected to Facebook may also remain on those services.

If your account was hacked and you cannot recover it

If someone else has changed your password and email address, and you cannot use the recovery tools above, do not try to delete the account. Instead, report it as hacked. Go to facebook.com/hacked and fill out the form. Facebook will help you regain control of the account so you can find it or delete it yourself.

Reporting a hacked account is important because it tells Facebook to investigate and may help prevent the person who took it from using it to impersonate you or contact your friends.

Why Facebook asks for ID during account recovery

Facebook requires ID verification when you cannot access your email or phone because it is the only way they can confirm the account really belongs to you. Without this step, someone could claim to own any account and lock the real owner out permanently.

Facebook accepts most government-issued photo IDs from any country. The ID does not have to match the name on your account exactly — Facebook's team looks for reasonable matches and can work with you if there are small differences. Upload a clear photo of the front and back of your ID, and include a note if you think there might be confusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does account recovery take?

If you use the password reset tool with your email or phone, you can regain access in minutes. If you upload ID for identity verification, Facebook usually reviews it within a few days to a week, though it can take longer during high-volume periods.

Can I delete someone else's account if I have their password?

No. Deleting an account requires logging in as that person and confirming the deletion from their settings. If you have their password but they did not give you permission, logging in and deleting their account is unauthorized access and is illegal.

What if Facebook rejects my ID during recovery?

If your ID is rejected, Facebook usually sends you a message explaining why — the photo was too blurry, the name did not match, or the ID was expired. You can resubmit with a clearer photo or a different ID. If you keep getting rejected, contact Facebook's support team through the recovery form and explain your situation.

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

No. Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are separate accounts even though Facebook owns them. Deleting your Facebook account does not affect your Instagram or WhatsApp accounts. You would need to delete those separately if you want to remove them.

Can I read my photos and messages before I delete my account?

Yes. Before you delete, go to Settings and Privacy > Settings > Your Information and Connections > read Your Information. Facebook will create a file of your photos, messages, posts, and other data that you can read and save. This takes a few minutes to a few hours depending on how much data you have.