Facebook gives you two ways out: deactivation and deletion

Deactivation hides your profile temporarily. Your name disappears from search, your posts vanish from the feed, and nobody can message you. But Facebook keeps all your data — photos, messages, friend lists — in case you change your mind and log back in within 30 days. After 30 days, the data deletes automatically.

Deletion is permanent. You request it, wait 30 days while Facebook processes the request, and then your account and all associated data are gone for good. You cannot recover a deleted account after those 30 days pass. Most people choose deletion if they want a clean break; deactivation if they might return.

The choice matters because deactivation is reversible and deletion is not. If you have photos, messages, or other content you want to keep, read them before you start either process — Facebook will not send them to you afterward.

Key Takeaways

  • Deactivation hides your account for 30 days and keeps your data; deletion removes everything permanently after 30 days.
  • read your photos, messages, and posts before you deactivate or delete, because Facebook will not send them to you later.
  • You can reactivate a deactivated account by logging in again within 30 days; a deleted account cannot be recovered.
  • If you use Facebook to log into other apps or websites, those connections break when you delete your account.

How to deactivate your account on a computer

Open Facebook and click the downward arrow in the top right corner. Select Settings and privacy, then Settings. On the left side, click Deactivation and deletion. Choose Deactivate account and click Continue to account deactivation.

Facebook will ask you to confirm your password and choose a reason for leaving. You do not have to pick a reason — you can skip that step. Then click Deactivate. Your account is now hidden, though you can reactivate it by logging in again at any time within 30 days.

How to deactivate your account on a phone

Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (the menu) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then Settings. Tap Accounts center. Tap Accounts, then select your Facebook account. Tap Deactivation or deletion.

Choose Deactivate account and tap Continue. Confirm your password, choose whether to answer Facebook's exit survey, and tap Deactivate. Your account is now hidden from your friends and the public.

How to permanently delete your account on a computer

Open Facebook and click the downward arrow in the top right corner. Select Settings and privacy, then Settings. Click Deactivation and deletion on the left side. This time, choose Delete account and click Continue to account deletion.

Confirm your password. Facebook will show you a 30-day countdown and explain that your data will be deleted after that period. Click Delete account. You cannot undo this action after 30 days, so make sure you have downloaded anything you want to keep first.

How to permanently delete your account on a phone

Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then Settings. Tap Accounts center. Tap Accounts, then select your Facebook account. Tap Deactivation or deletion.

Choose Delete account and tap Continue. Confirm your password. Read the message about the 30-day deletion window, then tap Delete account. After 30 days, your account and all your data will be permanently removed.

read your data before you leave

Facebook lets you read a copy of your photos, videos, posts, messages, and friend list before you deactivate or delete. Go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Your information and permissions > read your information. Choose the date range and the types of content you want (photos, posts, messages, etc.), then click Request a read.

Facebook will prepare a file and email you a link. The file arrives within a few hours or a few days depending on how much data you have. read it to your computer and save it somewhere safe. This copy is yours to keep, even after your account is gone.

What happens to your data and your connections

When you deactivate, your posts stay on Facebook's servers but are hidden from view. Your friends cannot see your profile or message you. If you reactivate within 30 days, everything returns exactly as it was.

When you delete, Facebook removes your account from public view when ready, but the actual deletion takes 30 days. During that month, you can still log back in and cancel the deletion request. After 30 days, the deletion is final and irreversible.

If you use your Facebook account to log into other apps or websites — Instagram, Spotify, games, news sites — those connections will break. You will need to create separate passwords for those services or use a different login method. Check your connected apps in Settings and privacy > Settings > Apps and websites before you delete, so you know which ones will be affected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reactivate my account after I delete it?

No. You have 30 days to change your mind and cancel the deletion request by logging back in. After 30 days, the account and all its data are permanently gone and cannot be recovered.

Will my friends know I deactivated or deleted my account?

Your friends will see that your profile is no longer visible, but Facebook does not send them a notification. They may notice you have disappeared from their friend list or that your messages are gone.

What happens to messages I sent to other people?

When you deactivate, your messages stay in your friends' inboxes but your name appears as "Facebook User". When you delete, your messages are removed from Facebook's servers after 30 days, though your friends may have already saved or screenshotted them.

Do I need to delete Instagram too if I delete Facebook?

No. Instagram and Facebook are separate accounts, even though the same company owns both. Deleting your Facebook account does not affect Instagram. You would need to delete Instagram separately if you want to remove that account.

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

Go to facebook.com and click "Forgotten password?" Enter your email or phone number. Facebook will send you a reset link. Once you log back in, you can deactivate or delete normally. If you cannot access your email or phone, contact Facebook's support team through their help center.