Facebook gives you two separate options: deactivation and deletion
Deactivation hides your profile temporarily. Your name disappears from search, your messages stop showing, and your wall goes blank. You can reactivate anytime by logging back in — Facebook keeps all your data for 30 days, then indefinitely if you log in again. Most people choose this if they want to step away but might return.
Deletion is permanent. Facebook removes your profile, photos, posts, and messages from public view within 30 days. After that, the account cannot be recovered. Some data may remain in backups for up to 90 days, but you cannot access it. Choose deletion if you do not plan to use Facebook again.
The choice matters because reactivation is one click, but deletion requires waiting 30 days and cannot be undone. If you are unsure, deactivate first and see how you feel after a week.
Key Takeaways
- Deactivation hides your profile but keeps your account and data intact; you can reactivate by logging in anytime within 30 days.
- Deletion permanently removes your account after 30 days and cannot be reversed, so use it only if you are certain.
- Both options are found in Settings under "Deactivation and Deletion" — not in the main menu.
- Messages you sent to others may stay in their inboxes even after you delete your account.
- read your photos and posts before deleting if you want to keep copies.
How to deactivate your Facebook account
Open Facebook on a computer (the mobile app does not show all options). Click the downward arrow in the top right corner and select Settings and Privacy, then Settings. On the left sidebar, click Deactivation and Deletion.
Choose Deactivate Account. Facebook will ask you to enter your password and select a reason for leaving — this is optional but helps them understand why users go. You can also choose whether to receive emails from Facebook while deactivated. Click Deactivate to finish.
Your profile is now hidden. You can log back in anytime to reactivate. If you do not log in within 30 days, Facebook may delete some temporary data, but your account remains dormant and recoverable for years.
How to permanently delete your Facebook account
Go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Deactivation and Deletion on the left sidebar. This time, choose Delete Account instead of Deactivate. Facebook will ask you to enter your password and confirm your reason.
Click Delete Account. Facebook will show a 30-day countdown. During this period, your account is scheduled for deletion but still recoverable — if you log in even once, the deletion cancels and your account reactivates. After 30 days pass without logging in, deletion becomes permanent.
Some data tied to your account may remain on Facebook's servers in backups for up to 90 days after the 30-day window closes, but you will have no way to access or recover it.
Save your photos and posts before you delete
Once your account is gone, you cannot read your photos or posts from Facebook. If you want copies, read them first. Go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then scroll down to Your Information and Permissions and click read Your Information.
Facebook will let you choose what to read — photos, videos, posts, messages, and more. Select your date range and format (HTML or JSON), then click Create File. Facebook will prepare a compressed folder and email you a read link within a few hours or days, depending on how much data you have.
read this file to your computer and save it somewhere safe. Then you can proceed with deletion knowing your memories are backed up.
What happens to your messages and tagged photos
Messages you sent to other people stay in their inboxes even after you delete your account. The sender name will show as a blank or deleted account, but the message text remains. If you want those messages gone, you would need to ask each person to delete them individually — Facebook does not remove them for you.
Photos that other people tagged you in also stay on their profiles and in albums. Deletion removes your ability to see them and removes the tag linking to your profile, but the image itself remains. If you want a photo removed, you must contact the person who posted it and ask them to delete it.
If you change your mind during the 30-day window
You have 30 days to cancel deletion. straightforward log into your account using your email and password. Facebook will ask if you want to cancel the deletion — click yes, and your account reactivates when ready with all data restored.
After the 30 days end, you cannot recover the account. Do not wait until day 29 if you think you might want it back — log in as soon as you are sure.
Removing Facebook from other apps and websites
Many apps and websites let you sign in using your Facebook account instead of creating a separate password. Deleting Facebook does not automatically disconnect these. Before you delete, go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Apps and Websites on the left sidebar.
Review the list of apps that have access to your Facebook data. Click each one and select Remove to disconnect it. This prevents those apps from trying to access your deleted Facebook account later and keeps them from using your Facebook login.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my Facebook account from my phone?
The Facebook app does not show the deletion option. You must use a web browser on a computer or mobile browser. Open facebook.com in Safari or Chrome on your phone, go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Deactivation and Deletion, and follow the same steps as on a computer.
What if I forgot my password?
You cannot delete your account without your password. Go to facebook.com and click "Forgotten password?" on the login screen. Facebook will send a reset link to your email or phone number. Once you reset it, log in and proceed with deletion.
Will deleting Facebook remove my Instagram account too?
No. Facebook and Instagram are separate accounts even though Facebook owns Instagram. Deleting your Facebook account does not affect Instagram. If you want to delete Instagram, you must do that separately through Instagram's settings.
How long does it take for Facebook to fully delete my data?
Your profile disappears within 30 days. Some data may remain in Facebook's backup systems for up to 90 days after that, but you cannot access it. After 90 days, Facebook says the data is fully removed, though some information may persist in ways you cannot see.
Can someone else use my email to create a new Facebook account after I delete mine?
Yes. Once your account is deleted, your email address is no longer tied to Facebook. Someone else could sign up with that email, or you could create a new account yourself if you change your mind later. Use a different email if you want to prevent someone from claiming your old account.