Facebook gives you two choices: deactivate temporarily or delete permanently
Deactivating your account hides your profile, posts, and friends list from other people, but Facebook keeps your data and you can reactivate anytime by logging back in. Deleting your account is permanent — after 30 days, Facebook removes your information from its servers and you cannot get the account back. Most people who want to leave Facebook for good should choose deletion, not deactivation.
The deletion process takes 30 days because Facebook gives you a window to change your mind. If you log back in during those 30 days, the deletion cancels and your account stays active. After 30 days pass, the deletion is final.
Key Takeaways
- Permanent deletion takes 30 days to complete, and logging in during that time cancels the deletion.
- You must use a computer or phone browser to delete your account — the Facebook app does not have a deletion option.
- Facebook will email you a confirmation link; you must click that link to start the 30-day countdown.
- After deletion completes, some information like messages you sent to others may remain visible to them.
- You can read a copy of your photos, posts, and contacts before deletion if you want to keep them.
How to start the deletion process on a computer
Open Facebook in a web browser and log in if you are not already logged in. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner of the page — this opens a menu. Scroll down and click Settings and privacy, then click Settings.
On the left side of the screen, 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 the radio button next to Delete account, then click Continue to account deletion.
Facebook will ask you to enter your password to confirm you own the account. Type your password and click Continue. You will see a screen explaining what happens when you delete your account. Read through it, then click Delete account at the bottom.
How to start the deletion process on a phone
Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then tap Settings. Tap Personal information, then tap Account ownership and control.
Tap Deactivation or deletion. Select the radio button next to Delete account and tap Continue to account deletion. Enter your password when prompted and tap Continue. Review the information on the final screen and tap Delete account.
If you cannot find these options in the app, open Facebook in your phone's web browser instead and follow the computer instructions above. The browser version is more reliable for account deletion.
Confirming your deletion through email
After you click Delete account, Facebook sends a confirmation email to the address connected to your account. Check your inbox (and spam folder) for an email from Facebook with the subject line about account deletion. Open that email and click the confirmation link inside it.
Clicking the link starts the 30-day countdown. Your account will be hidden when ready, but the actual deletion happens after 30 days pass. If you do not click the confirmation link, your deletion request expires and your account stays active.
What happens during the 30-day waiting period
Your profile, photos, and posts are hidden from other people right away. No one can find your account or see your information. However, Facebook still has your data on its servers during these 30 days.
If you change your mind, log back into Facebook using your email and password. Your account will reactivate when ready and the deletion will cancel. After you log in, your profile and posts will be visible again to your friends and the public.
If you do not log in during the 30 days, the deletion becomes permanent after day 30. At that point, you cannot recover your account, your photos, your posts, or your messages.
Saving your information before deletion
Facebook lets you read a copy of your photos, posts, friends list, and messages before your account is deleted. To do this, go back to Settings and privacy > Settings > Personal information > Account ownership and control. Click read your information.
Choose which categories you want to read — photos, posts, friends, messages, and others are available. Select the date range you want to include. Facebook will prepare a file and email it to you, usually within a few hours. This file is yours to keep even after your account is deleted.
What information stays visible after deletion
Messages you sent to other people will still appear in their inboxes and message threads, even after your account is deleted. They will see your name but not be able to click to your profile. Comments you made on other people's posts may also remain visible with your name attached, though Facebook sometimes removes these.
Information you shared with apps or websites that use Facebook login may stay on those platforms. Copies of your information that other people downloaded or screenshotted before deletion will remain with them. Facebook cannot remove information that other users have already saved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between deactivating and deleting my Facebook account?
Deactivation hides your account temporarily — your profile disappears but Facebook keeps all your data. You can reactivate anytime by logging in. Deletion is permanent after 30 days; Facebook removes your information from its servers and you cannot recover the account.
Can I delete my account if I have an outstanding balance or unpaid ads?
You can start the deletion process, but Facebook may not complete it if you owe money for ads or other services. Settle any outstanding balance through your payment method before requesting deletion, or contact Facebook's support team about your account status.
Will deleting my Facebook account also delete my Instagram or WhatsApp accounts?
No. Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are separate accounts even though the same company owns them. Deleting your Facebook account does not affect Instagram or WhatsApp. You must delete those accounts separately if you want to remove them.
What if I do not receive the confirmation email from Facebook?
Check your spam or junk folder — the email may have been filtered there. Wait a few minutes and check again, as the email can take time to arrive. If you still do not see it after 10 minutes, go back to Settings and request deletion again. You may need to use a different email address or contact Facebook's support team.
Can someone else delete my Facebook account?
No. Facebook requires you to enter your password and click a confirmation link sent to your registered email address. Only you can complete these steps. If you think someone else has access to your account, change your password when ready and enable two-factor authentication before requesting deletion.