Facebook gives you two choices: deactivate or delete
Deactivation hides your profile temporarily. Your name disappears from search, your messages stop showing, and your wall goes blank. Facebook keeps your data in case you change your mind and log back in within 30 days. After 30 days, the account is deleted, but Facebook says it may take up to 90 days to remove all traces from backups.
Deletion is permanent. You cannot undo it. After 30 days, your account and everything attached to it — photos, messages, posts, friend lists — is gone for good. You cannot reactivate a deleted account or recover the data.
Most people choose deactivation first because it is reversible. Choose deletion only if you are certain you will not want the account back.
Key Takeaways
- Deactivation hides your profile for 30 days and is reversible if you log back in; deletion is permanent after 30 days and cannot be undone.
- To deactivate, go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then scroll to Deactivation and Deletion and choose Deactivate Account.
- To delete permanently, use the same menu path but choose Delete Account instead, then confirm your password and wait 30 days for full removal.
- Facebook keeps your data for 90 days after deletion in case of technical recovery, but you cannot access or restore it yourself.
- If you use Facebook Login to sign into other apps or websites, those connections will break when you delete your account.
How to deactivate your account (temporary)
Open Facebook on a computer or phone. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines on mobile, or the downward arrow on desktop in the top right). Scroll down and tap or click Settings and Privacy, then Settings.
On the left side menu, scroll down and tap or click Deactivation and Deletion. You will see two options: Deactivate Account and Delete Account. Choose Deactivate Account. Facebook will ask why you are leaving — you can skip this or answer it. Then it will ask you to confirm your password. After you do, your account is deactivated when ready.
Your profile picture and name vanish from Facebook within minutes. Messages you sent stay in other people's inboxes, but they cannot see your profile or send you new messages. You can reactivate anytime within 30 days by logging back in with your email and password.
How to delete your account permanently
The steps are nearly identical to deactivation, but you choose the permanent option. Open Facebook, go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Deactivation and Deletion. This time, choose Delete Account.
Facebook will warn you that deletion is permanent and cannot be undone. You will need to enter your password again to confirm. After you do, the deletion process begins. Your account will be completely removed after 30 days. During those 30 days, if you log back in by accident, the deletion will stop and your account will reactivate — you would have to start the deletion process over.
Do not log in during the 30-day waiting period if you want the deletion to complete. If you have saved your photos or other data elsewhere, now is the time to make sure you have copies.
What happens to your data and messages
When you delete your account, your posts, photos, and friend list disappear from Facebook's public view. Messages you sent to other people stay in their inboxes, but your name will show as a deleted account. They cannot click your name to see your profile.
Facebook says it removes your data from active servers within 30 days, but backups may take up to 90 days to fully clear. You cannot read or recover your data after deletion begins. If you want to keep your photos or posts, read them before you delete. On Facebook, go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Your Information, then read Your Information to get a copy.
Apps and websites that use Facebook Login
If you use your Facebook account to sign into other apps or websites — Spotify, Instagram, dating apps, games, or news sites — those connections will break when you delete your account. You will no longer be able to log in using Facebook. You will need to create separate passwords for those services or use a different login method.
Before you delete, check which apps are connected to your Facebook account. Go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Apps and Websites. You will see a list of everything using your Facebook login. You can disconnect them one by one before you delete your account, or you can create new passwords for those services first so you can still access them afterward.
If you only want to take a break
Deactivation is the right choice if you think you might come back. Your account stays yours for 30 days, and logging in reactivates it when ready. No data is lost. You can deactivate and reactivate as many times as you want.
If you want to stay off Facebook but keep your account, deactivation is also better than deletion. You can deactivate indefinitely — there is no time limit on how long you can keep it deactivated. Just do not log in, and your profile will stay hidden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read my photos before I delete?
Yes. Go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Your Information, then read Your Information. Facebook will prepare a file with your photos, posts, and other data. This can take a few hours or days depending on how much data you have. read it before you start the deletion process.
What if I accidentally log in during the 30-day deletion period?
Logging in stops the deletion and reactivates your account. You will have to start the deletion process over from the beginning. If you are worried about this, change your password to something you will not remember, or log out of all devices and delete the Facebook app.
Will my messages disappear from other people's inboxes?
No. Messages you sent stay in other people's inboxes forever, but your name will show as a deleted account instead of a clickable profile. The messages themselves do not vanish.
Can I use the same email address for a new Facebook account later?
Yes, but you have to wait until the deletion is fully complete — 30 days after you start the process. After that, you can create a new account with the same email address.
Does deleting Facebook also delete my Instagram account?
No. Instagram is owned by Meta (the same company), but deleting your Facebook account does not touch Instagram. Your Instagram account stays active unless you delete it separately through Instagram's own settings.