Facebook gives you two separate options, and deletion is the permanent one

Facebook offers deactivation and deletion, and they are not the same thing. Deactivation hides your profile temporarily — you can reactivate it later by logging back in. Deletion is permanent: after 30 days, your account, messages, photos, and posts are gone for good, and you cannot get them back. This guide covers deletion, which is the choice if you want your account completely removed.

The deletion process takes 30 days to complete. During those 30 days, your profile is hidden from other people, but if you log back in, the deletion stops and your account returns to normal. After 30 days pass without you logging in, Facebook permanently removes everything associated with your account.

Key Takeaways

  • Deletion takes 30 days to finalize, and logging back in during that time cancels the deletion and restores your account.
  • You must use the Settings menu on Facebook itself — there is no way to delete your account through the mobile app alone.
  • read your photos and messages first if you want to keep copies, because they will be permanently removed after 30 days.
  • Facebook will not delete your account if you have an active Marketplace listing or unpaid advertising balance.

read your data before you delete

Once your account is deleted, you cannot recover your photos, messages, or posts. If you want to keep copies, read them before you start the deletion process. This takes 10 to 15 minutes and creates a file you can save to your computer.

Go to Settings (the gear icon in the top right), then click Your Information and Permissions, then read Your Information. Choose the date range you want (usually "All of my information"), select what you want to read (photos, messages, posts), and click Request a read. Facebook will email you a link within a few hours. read the file and save it somewhere safe before you proceed with deletion.

Start the deletion process on a computer or web browser

You cannot delete your Facebook account from the mobile app. You must use a web browser on a computer, tablet, or phone. Go to facebook.com and log in if you are not already logged in.

Click the downward arrow in the top right corner, then select Settings and Privacy, then Settings. On the left side, click Personal Information. You will see a section called Account Ownership and Control. Click Deactivation or Deletion. Facebook will show you two options: Deactivate Account and Delete Account. Click Delete Account.

Confirm your identity and choose your deletion reason

Facebook will ask you to enter your password to confirm it is really you. Type your password and click Continue. Do not close the page or navigate away — stay on this screen.

Facebook will then ask you why you are deleting your account. You can choose from options like "I do not feel safe," "I do not use Facebook anymore," or "I have a privacy concern." Your answer does not affect whether your account is deleted — it only helps Facebook understand why people leave. Pick whichever reason is closest to yours, or leave it blank. Click Continue.

Review the final warning and confirm deletion

Facebook will show you a final screen explaining that your account will be permanently deleted after 30 days, that you cannot recover your information, and that some information may stay on Facebook's servers for legal reasons. Read this screen carefully. If you are certain you want to delete, click Delete Account.

Your account is now in deletion mode. Your profile is hidden from other people, your messages are not visible, and your posts are removed from feeds. You will not receive notifications. If you change your mind during the 30-day window, log back in with your email and password, and your account will be restored when ready.

What happens during the 30-day waiting period

For 30 days, your account exists but is invisible. Other people cannot see your profile, send you messages, or tag you in photos. If someone tries to visit your profile, they will see a message that the account no longer exists. Your old messages with other people will still show up in their inboxes, but they will not be able to click on your name to visit your profile.

If you realize you made a mistake, log in to Facebook with your email and password. Your account will when ready return to normal, and the deletion will be cancelled. After 30 days pass without you logging in, deletion becomes permanent and cannot be undone.

Troubleshooting: why deletion might not work

If you click Delete Account but nothing happens, or if the button is grayed out, check these common blockers. If you have an active Facebook Marketplace listing, you must remove it before you can delete your account. Go to Marketplace, find your listing, and click Delete Listing. If you have unpaid advertising charges, you must pay them or contact Facebook's billing support to resolve them first.

If you are the admin of a Facebook Group or Page, you must transfer admin rights to someone else or delete the group or page before you can delete your account. Go to the group or page settings, find the admin section, and either add a new admin or delete the group or page entirely. After you resolve these issues, return to Settings and try deletion again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my Facebook account without waiting 30 days?

No. Facebook requires a 30-day waiting period for all account deletions. This is a safety measure to prevent accidental permanent loss. If you log in during those 30 days, the deletion stops and your account is restored. After 30 days of no login, deletion becomes permanent.

What happens to my Facebook Messenger after I delete my account?

Your messages will be deleted along with your account. However, the people you messaged will still see your old messages in their inboxes — they just will not be able to click on your name or send you new messages. If you want to save your messages, read your data before you delete.

Will deleting my Facebook account remove me from Instagram or WhatsApp?

No. Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are separate accounts. Deleting your Facebook account does not affect your Instagram or WhatsApp accounts. If you want to delete those too, you must delete each one separately through its own settings.

Can Facebook recover my account after the 30 days are up?

No. After 30 days, your account and all its data are permanently deleted. Facebook cannot restore it. This is why downloading your photos and messages beforehand is important if you want to keep them.

What if I forgot my password and cannot log in to delete my account?

Use the "Forgot Password" link on the Facebook login page to reset your password. You will need access to the email or phone number associated with your account. Once you reset your password and log in, you can proceed with the deletion steps above.