You can delete your Facebook account directly from the Facebook app or mobile browser, but the process differs slightly depending on your phone type

Facebook lets you delete your account through your phone's app or web browser. The steps are the same whether you use an iPhone or Android device. You will need your login password, and the deletion takes about 30 days to complete — during that time you can cancel if you change your mind. After 30 days, Facebook permanently removes your account, photos, messages, and all other data.

Before you delete, read a copy of your photos and messages if you want to keep them. Facebook makes this straightforward through the Settings menu. Once you start the deletion process, you cannot recover individual posts or photos after the 30-day window closes.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Facebook Settings, scroll to Deactivation and Deletion, and choose Delete Account to start the removal process.
  • Facebook requires your password to confirm deletion and gives you 30 days to change your mind before the account is permanently removed.
  • read your photos, videos, and messages through Settings before you delete, because you cannot recover them afterward.
  • Deactivating your account temporarily hides your profile but keeps your data; deletion removes everything permanently.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" option on the login screen before starting the deletion process.

How to delete your account on iPhone

Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy, then tap Settings. Scroll down to find Deactivation and Deletion. Tap that option and you will see two choices: Deactivate Account or Delete Account. Choose Delete Account.

Facebook will ask you to confirm your choice and enter your password. Type your password and tap Delete Account. A confirmation message will appear saying your account will be permanently deleted in 30 days. You can log back in during those 30 days to cancel the deletion if you change your mind. After 30 days, the deletion is final.

How to delete your account on Android

The process on Android is nearly identical to iPhone. Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right. Go to Settings & Privacy, then Settings. Scroll down to Deactivation and Deletion and tap it. Select Delete Account from the two options shown.

Enter your password when prompted and tap Delete Account again to confirm. You will see a message confirming that your account will be deleted in 30 days. During this 30-day period, you can undo the deletion by logging in with your email and password. After 30 days have passed, Facebook permanently removes your account and all associated data.

Deleting your account through a mobile web browser

If you prefer not to use the app, you can delete your account through Facebook's mobile website. Open your phone's web browser and go to facebook.com. Log in if you are not already signed in. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner of the screen.

Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy, then Settings. Find Deactivation and Deletion and tap it. Choose Delete Account, enter your password, and confirm. The 30-day deletion window begins when ready. This method works the same way on both iPhone and Android browsers.

read your data before you delete

Facebook stores your photos, videos, messages, and posts. Once your account is deleted after 30 days, you cannot recover any of this. Before you start the deletion process, read a copy of everything you want to keep. Go to Settings & Privacy, then Settings. Scroll down and tap read Your Information.

Choose the date range (usually "All of My Data"), select what you want to read (photos, videos, messages, posts), and tap Request a read. Facebook will prepare a file and send you a link. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours depending on how much data you have. read the file to your phone or computer before you delete your account.

The difference between deactivating and deleting

Deactivating your account temporarily hides your profile from other users. Your name disappears from search results, and people cannot see your posts or send you messages. However, Facebook keeps all your data on its servers. You can reactivate your account at any time by logging back in, and everything returns to normal.

Deleting your account is permanent. After 30 days, Facebook removes your profile, photos, messages, posts, and all other information. You cannot reactivate a deleted account or recover your data. Choose deactivation if you think you might return to Facebook later. Choose deletion if you want to remove your presence completely.

What happens if you forget your password

If you cannot remember your Facebook password, you will not be able to complete the deletion process because Facebook requires it for security. Before you start deleting your account, reset your password. On the Facebook login screen, tap Forgot Password. Enter your email address or phone number associated with your account.

Facebook will send you a link to reset your password through email or text message. Follow that link, create a new password, and log back into Facebook. Once you are logged in, you can proceed with the deletion steps above. Make sure you can access the email or phone number linked to your account, or you will not receive the password reset link.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I undo a Facebook deletion after 30 days?

No. After 30 days, your account and all data are permanently deleted. You can undo the deletion only during the 30-day window by logging back in. If you wait longer than 30 days, Facebook cannot restore your account.

Will deleting my Facebook account also delete my Instagram or WhatsApp?

No. Facebook owns Instagram and WhatsApp, but they are separate accounts. Deleting your Facebook account does not affect your Instagram or WhatsApp accounts. You would need to delete those separately if you want to remove them.

What happens to messages I sent to other people after I delete my account?

Messages you sent remain in other people's inboxes, but your name will no longer appear next to them. Your profile will be gone, so they cannot click on your name to view your account. The messages themselves stay in their conversation history.

Can I delete my account if I am locked out or cannot log in?

If you cannot log in, use the Forgot Password option to reset your access first. If you no longer have access to the email or phone number on your account, contact Facebook through their Help Center to request account deletion. You may need to provide additional information to verify your identity.

Does Facebook delete my account when ready or does it really take 30 days?

Facebook takes 30 days to fully delete your account. During this time, your profile is hidden from other users, but your data remains on Facebook's servers in case you change your mind. After 30 days, the deletion becomes permanent and cannot be reversed.