Facebook gives you two choices: deactivate temporarily or delete permanently
Deactivation hides your profile, posts, and photos from other people. Facebook keeps your data. You can reactivate anytime by logging back in. Deactivation takes effect when ready.
Deletion removes your account and most of your data from Facebook's servers. The process takes about 30 days — during that month, Facebook still holds your information in case you change your mind and log in again. After 30 days, deletion is permanent. Some data (like messages you sent to others) may stay in their inboxes.
Choose deactivation if you want to step away but might return. Choose deletion if you want your account gone for good.
Key Takeaways
- Deletion takes 30 days to complete, and you can undo it by logging in during that window.
- You must use a computer or the Facebook mobile app — the process does not work on Instagram or through a web browser on mobile.
- read your photos, videos, and posts before deletion if you want to keep copies, because they will be removed after 30 days.
- Messages you sent to others will remain in their inboxes even after your account is deleted.
- Deactivation is faster and reversible, but your profile stays in Facebook's database.
How to delete your account on a computer
Open Facebook in a web browser and log in. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner of the page. Select Settings and privacy, then Settings. On the left side, click Deactivation and deletion.
Choose Delete account (not Deactivate account). Click Continue to account deletion. Facebook will ask you to enter your password and solve a security check. After you do, click Delete account. Your account will be scheduled for deletion.
You will receive a confirmation email. During the 30-day waiting period, you can undo the deletion by logging in with your password. After 30 days, the deletion is final.
How to delete your account on the Facebook mobile app
Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then Settings. Tap Account ownership and control, then Deactivation and deletion.
Choose Delete account. Tap Continue to account deletion. Enter your password and complete the security check. Tap Delete account to confirm. Your account will be scheduled for deletion, and you will receive a confirmation email.
The 30-day waiting period works the same way on mobile: log in anytime during those 30 days to cancel the deletion.
Save your photos and posts before deletion
Once your account is deleted, you cannot recover your photos, videos, or posts from Facebook. If you want to keep copies, read them first. On a computer, click the downward arrow in the top right, go to Settings and privacy, then Settings. Click Your information and permissions, then read your information.
Choose the date range and the types of content you want (photos, videos, posts, messages). Select a file format — JSON is the most complete but harder to read; HTML is easier to browse. Click Create file. Facebook will prepare your read, which can take hours or days depending on how much data you have. You will receive an email when it is ready.
On mobile, the process is similar: go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Your information and permissions > read your information. Follow the same steps to request your file.
What happens to your messages and tagged photos
Messages you sent to other people will stay in their inboxes after your account is deleted. They will see your name but will not be able to click through to your profile. Photos that other people tagged you in will remain on their profiles and in their albums.
If you want to remove yourself from tagged photos before deletion, you can untag yourself from each one. Go to the photo, click the three dots, and select Remove tag. This only removes your name from the photo — the photo itself stays on the other person's profile.
The difference between deactivation and deletion
Deactivation is faster and easier to reverse. Your profile disappears from search results and other people cannot find you, but Facebook keeps all your data. You can reactivate by logging in anytime — your profile, friends list, messages, and photos will all return exactly as they were. Deactivation takes effect when ready.
Deletion removes your account from Facebook's active systems but keeps your data for 30 days. If you log in during that month, the deletion is cancelled and your account returns. After 30 days, your data is removed from Facebook's servers (with some exceptions like messages others sent you). Deletion is permanent after the 30-day window closes.
Choose deactivation if you are taking a break or unsure about leaving permanently. Choose deletion if you want a clean break and do not plan to return.
Why deletion takes 30 days
The 30-day waiting period gives you time to change your mind. If you delete your account by accident, or if you realize you want to keep it, you can log in and cancel the deletion. After you log in, your account will be restored when ready and the deletion will be cancelled.
If you do not log in during the 30 days, Facebook begins removing your data from its servers. Some information — like messages other people sent you — may be retained longer or permanently, depending on Facebook's data retention policies. After the 30 days end, you cannot recover your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my Facebook account if I use it to log into other apps?
No. Before you delete your Facebook account, change the login method for any apps or websites that use your Facebook login. Go to each app's settings and add a different login option (email, phone number, or a separate password). If you delete your account without doing this, you may lose access to those apps.
Will deleting my Facebook account also delete my Instagram account?
No. Facebook and Instagram are separate accounts, even though Facebook owns Instagram. Deleting your Facebook account will not affect your Instagram account. You can keep Instagram and delete Facebook, or vice versa.
What if I change my mind during the 30-day waiting period?
Log in to Facebook with your email and password anytime during the 30 days. Your account will be restored when ready, and the deletion will be cancelled. After 30 days, you cannot undo the deletion.
Will my friends be notified that I deleted my account?
No. Facebook does not send a notification to your friends when you delete your account. They will straightforward notice that your profile is no longer visible and they cannot find you in search results.
Can I delete my account on Instagram or through a mobile web browser?
No. The account deletion process only works on the Facebook website (using a computer) or the Facebook mobile app. It does not work on Instagram, and it does not work if you access Facebook through a web browser on your phone. Use a computer or read the Facebook app to delete your account.