Facebook gives you two ways out: deactivation and deletion
Deactivation hides your profile temporarily. Your name disappears from search, your messages go dark, and nobody can see your posts or photos. You can reactivate anytime by logging back in — Facebook holds your data for 30 days, then keeps it for a while longer in case you change your mind. Most people choose this when they need a break.
Deletion is permanent. After you request it, Facebook waits 30 days to make sure you mean it. During that month, you cannot undo the choice by logging back in. After 30 days, your profile, photos, posts, and messages are gone for good. Some information tied to transactions or legal holds may stay longer, but your account itself is erased.
The difference matters because deactivation is reversible and deletion is not. If you think you might come back to Facebook in a few months, deactivate first. If you are certain you are done, go straight to deletion.
Key Takeaways
- Deactivation hides your profile but keeps your data; deletion removes it permanently after a 30-day waiting period.
- To deactivate, go to Settings, click Deactivation and Deletion, choose Deactivate Account, and select a reason.
- To delete, follow the same path but choose Delete Account instead, then confirm your password and wait 30 days.
- During the 30-day deletion window, you can cancel by logging in; after that, the account cannot be recovered.
- Messages you sent to others may stay in their inboxes even after your account is deleted.
How to deactivate your Facebook account
Open Facebook on a computer or phone and go to Settings. On a phone, tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner, scroll down, and tap Settings & Privacy, then Settings. On a computer, click the downward arrow in the top right, then Settings and Privacy, then Settings.
Look for the section called Deactivation and Deletion. Click or tap it. You will see two options: Deactivate Account and Delete Account. Choose Deactivate Account. Facebook will ask you why you are leaving — pick a reason or skip this step. Enter your password to confirm, then click Deactivate.
Your profile is now hidden. You will not appear in searches, your friends cannot message you, and your posts are invisible. If you change your mind within 30 days, straightforward log back in with your email and password, and your account reactivates when ready with everything intact.
How to permanently delete your Facebook account
Start in the same place: Settings, then Deactivation and Deletion. This time, choose Delete Account. Facebook will ask for your password again and show you a warning that deletion is permanent and takes 30 days.
Click Delete, and the process begins. For the next 30 days, your profile is still technically there but hidden from everyone. You can cancel the deletion by logging in anytime during this window — your account will return to normal. After 30 days pass with no login, Facebook removes your account permanently.
Do not log in during the 30-day period unless you want to cancel. Even checking your account counts as activity that might affect the timeline. If you want to be sure the deletion goes through, stay logged out.
What happens to your data after deletion
Your posts, photos, and friend list disappear from Facebook's public view. Messages you sent to other people may still appear in their inboxes — deletion only removes your account, not the conversation history on their end. If you want those messages gone too, you would need to delete them individually before you delete your account, though Facebook does not make this straightforward to do at scale.
Information you provided to third-party apps that use Facebook login may stay with those apps. If you logged into Spotify or another service using your Facebook account, deleting Facebook does not automatically delete your account there. You would need to remove Facebook access from those apps separately, usually in their settings under Connected Apps or Linked Accounts.
Facebook keeps some data for legal reasons — transaction records, payment history, and information tied to disputes or court orders. This data is not visible to you or other users, but it exists in their systems. For most people, this does not matter.
Why you might deactivate instead of delete
Deactivation is the safer choice if you are not completely certain. It takes 30 seconds to reactivate by logging in, and nothing is lost. Many people deactivate for a few months, realize they miss staying in touch with distant friends, and reactivate without any hassle.
Deletion is right if you have already deactivated once and still want out, or if you are switching to a different social platform and want a clean break. It is also the choice if you are concerned about Facebook having your data at all — though you should know that deletion does not remove information Facebook already sold or shared before you deleted.
If you cannot find the deactivation option
Older or business accounts sometimes have different settings paths. If you do not see Deactivation and Deletion in your main Settings, try looking under Account Settings or Privacy Settings. On a phone, make sure you are using the official Facebook app, not a browser — the mobile web version sometimes hides these options.
If you still cannot find it, go directly to facebook.com/help/delete_account on a computer. This link takes you straight to the deletion request form. You will need to enter your password and confirm your email address, then the 30-day timer starts.
What to do before you delete
read your photos and posts if you want to keep them. Facebook lets you request a copy of all your data — go to Settings, then Your Facebook Information, then read Your Information. Choose what you want (photos, posts, friends list) and Facebook will prepare a file you can read. This takes a few hours to a few days depending on how much data you have.
Tell close friends and family you are leaving, especially if they rely on Facebook to reach you. Leave a message on your profile before you deactivate or delete, or send them a text with your email or phone number. Once your account is gone, people cannot message you through Facebook.
Remove Facebook login from any apps or websites that use it. Go through your phone and computer and check which apps are connected to your Facebook account. Remove the connection in each app's settings before you delete, so you do not lose access to those services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reactivate my account after the 30-day deletion period ends?
No. Once 30 days pass, your account is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered. If you think you might want to come back, deactivate instead of delete. You can reactivate a deactivated account anytime, even years later.
Will my friends know I deleted my account?
They will notice you are gone from their friends list and cannot find your profile, but Facebook does not send them a notification. Some may assume you deactivated rather than deleted. If you want them to know, tell them directly before you leave.
What if I delete my account but want to use Facebook Messenger?
Messenger is separate from your Facebook account. You can keep using Messenger after deletion if you set it up with your phone number instead of your Facebook login. However, once your account is deleted, you cannot access old Messenger conversations tied to that account.
Does deleting my Facebook account remove me from Facebook groups or events I joined?
Yes. Your name disappears from all groups and events. If you organized an event or group, it may stay on Facebook but with no owner listed. If you want to transfer ownership before you leave, do that in the group or event settings first.
Can Facebook refuse to delete my account?
Facebook will delete your account if you request it, but they may keep some data for legal or business reasons. They cannot refuse the deletion itself, though the 30-day waiting period is mandatory and cannot be skipped.