Facebook deletion is permanent after 30 days

When you request to delete your Facebook account, the company gives you 30 days to change your mind. During those 30 days, your account is hidden from other people, but Facebook keeps your data. After 30 days pass with no login, the deletion becomes permanent and your information is removed from Facebook's servers.

This is different from deactivation, which temporarily hides your account but keeps everything intact if you want to return. Deletion is the option to choose if you do not plan to use Facebook again and want your data removed.

Key Takeaways

  • You must request deletion through Facebook's settings on a computer or phone, and the process takes 30 days to complete.
  • During the 30-day waiting period, your profile is hidden but your data remains on Facebook's servers in case you log back in.
  • After 30 days pass without logging in, Facebook permanently removes your account, photos, messages, and posts.
  • Some information like messages you sent to others may remain visible to them even after your account is deleted.
  • You cannot delete your account through the Facebook app on some phones — you may need to use a web browser instead.

How to request deletion on a computer

Open Facebook in a web browser and log in to your account. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner of the page, then select Settings and privacy, followed by 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 confirm your password and may ask security questions to verify your identity. After you confirm, your deletion request is submitted and the 30-day countdown begins.

How to request deletion on a phone

On an iPhone or Android phone, open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then Settings. Tap Account ownership and control, then Deactivation and deletion.

If the Facebook app does not show this option, open a web browser instead, go to facebook.com, log in, and follow the computer steps above. Some phones do not display the full deletion menu in the app, so using a browser is more reliable.

What happens during the 30-day waiting period

Your profile will not appear in search results and other people cannot find your account. Your name and photo are removed from comments and posts you made. Messages you sent to others remain in their inboxes, but they will not see your name attached — the message will show as sent by a deleted account.

If you log back into your account at any point during these 30 days, the deletion request is cancelled and your account returns to normal. This is why Facebook requires the waiting period — it gives you time to reconsider. After 30 days pass without a login, the deletion becomes permanent and cannot be undone.

Information that may remain after deletion

Messages and comments you sent to other people will stay in their accounts even after yours is deleted. If you posted photos in a group or on someone else's timeline, those posts may remain visible depending on the group's settings or the other person's privacy choices. Copies of your information may also exist in Facebook's backup systems for a limited time.

If you were tagged in photos or posts by other people, those tags will be removed from your profile, but the original posts remain on the other person's account. You cannot control what other people have posted about you or shared with others before you deleted your account.

What to do before you delete

read a copy of your photos, videos, and posts if you want to keep them. Go to Settings and privacy, then Settings, then Your information and permissions, then read your information. Facebook will prepare a file of your data that you can read to your computer. This process can take several hours or days depending on how much data you have.

Tell the people who matter to you that you are leaving, since they will not be able to find you on Facebook after 30 days. If you use Facebook to log into other apps or websites, change those login methods first — after deletion, you will not be able to use your Facebook account to sign in anywhere.

If you want to return to Facebook later

If you delete your account and later change your mind, you can create a new account with the same email address or phone number. However, you cannot recover the old account itself — it is permanently gone. Your new account will be a fresh start with no history, friends list, or previous posts.

If you are unsure about leaving Facebook permanently, consider deactivating instead. Deactivation hides your account for as long as you want, and you can reactivate it anytime by logging back in. Your account, photos, and friends list all return exactly as they were.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my Facebook account when ready or do I have to wait 30 days?

You must wait 30 days. Facebook requires this waiting period so you can cancel the deletion if you change your mind. The deletion only becomes permanent after 30 days pass without you logging in.

Will my messages disappear from my friends' inboxes after I delete my account?

No. Messages you sent to other people will remain in their inboxes and conversations. They will see the message came from a deleted account, but the message itself stays there. You cannot remove messages you sent to others.

What if I log in during the 30-day waiting period?

Logging in cancels your deletion request and your account returns to normal when ready. You will need to request deletion again if you still want to leave. There is no penalty for cancelling — you can request deletion multiple times.

Can I delete just my photos and posts instead of my whole account?

Yes. You can delete individual posts, photos, or comments one at a time from your timeline. You can also deactivate your account to hide everything without permanently removing it. Full account deletion is only necessary if you want your entire profile and data removed.

What happens to my Facebook groups or pages I created?

Groups and pages you created will remain on Facebook after your account is deleted. If you are the only admin, the group or page will stay but you will no longer be able to manage it. Consider adding another admin before you delete if you want someone else to take over.