Facebook deletion is permanent and takes 30 days

When you delete a Facebook profile, the account and everything attached to it — posts, photos, messages, friends list — is gone for good. Facebook does not keep a copy you can restore later. The deletion is not when ready: Facebook gives you 30 days to change your mind and log back in, which cancels the deletion. After 30 days, the profile is removed from Facebook's servers.

This is different from deactivating, which temporarily hides your profile but keeps all your data intact. Deactivation is reversible at any time. Deletion is not. If you think you might want to return to Facebook later, deactivation is the safer choice. If you are certain you want out, deletion is the right path.

Key Takeaways

  • Deleting your profile takes 30 days to complete, during which you can cancel by logging back in.
  • You must use a computer or the Facebook mobile app — the deletion option does not appear in the mobile browser version.
  • After you request deletion, Facebook keeps your data for 30 days, then removes it permanently from all servers.
  • Messages you sent to other people may remain in their inboxes even after your profile is deleted.
  • If you own a Facebook Page (not a personal profile), you must delete that separately through Page Settings.

How to delete your profile on a computer

Open Facebook in a web browser and log in. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner of the screen, next to your name. A menu will drop down. Scroll to the bottom and click Settings and Privacy, then click Settings.

On the left side of the screen, you will see a menu. Click Deactivation and Deletion. You will see two options: one to deactivate your account, and one to delete your 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. Type it in and click Continue. You will see a message saying your account will be deleted in 30 days. That is the end of the process. You do not need to do anything else — just wait.

How to delete your profile on a phone

Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (called a menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings and Privacy, then tap Settings.

Scroll down to Deactivation and Deletion and tap it. You will see the same two options as on a computer. Tap the circle next to Delete Account, then tap Continue to Account Deletion. Enter your password when prompted and tap Continue. Your account will be marked for deletion in 30 days.

The mobile browser version of Facebook (when you visit facebook.com in Safari or Chrome on your phone) does not show the deletion option. You must use the app or a computer.

What happens during the 30-day waiting period

For the next 30 days, your profile is hidden from Facebook. Other people cannot see your profile, send you messages, or find you in search. However, your account still exists on Facebook's servers. If you log in during this time with your email and password, the deletion will be cancelled and your profile will return to normal.

Some data may take longer to disappear. Photos and posts you shared may still show up in other people's archives or in search engines for a while. Facebook cannot remove content from outside websites. Messages you sent to other people will stay in their inboxes — deleting your profile does not erase conversations from the other person's account.

After 30 days pass without you logging in, Facebook permanently removes your profile and all associated data from its servers. At that point, the deletion cannot be undone.

If you own a Facebook Page, delete it separately

If you manage a Facebook Page (a business page, community page, or public figure page), deleting your personal profile does not delete the Page. You must delete the Page separately. Go to the Page, click Settings in the top menu, scroll down to Deactivation and Deletion, and click Delete Page. Confirm your choice. Pages are deleted when ready, not after 30 days.

If you no longer want to manage a Page but do not want to delete it, you can remove yourself as an admin instead. Go to the Page, click Settings, then Roles, find your name, and click the X next to it.

What to do before you delete

Before you request deletion, read a copy of your photos and posts if you want to keep them. Go to Settings and Privacy, click Settings, then scroll down to read Your Information. Click it, then click read or Transfer. Choose the date range and data types you want (photos, posts, messages, and more are available). Facebook will prepare a file and send you a read link by email. This usually takes a few minutes to a few hours.

You may also want to tell close friends or family that you are leaving, since they will no longer be able to reach you through Facebook Messenger. If you use Facebook to log into other websites or apps, change those passwords first — you will no longer be able to use your Facebook account to sign in once deletion is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my Facebook profile and keep my Instagram account?

Yes. Facebook owns Instagram, but the accounts are separate. Deleting your Facebook profile does not affect Instagram. You can delete Facebook and keep using Instagram with the same email address or username.

What if I change my mind during the 30 days?

Log in to Facebook with your email and password. Your profile will when ready return to normal and the deletion will be cancelled. You can do this as many times as you want during the 30-day window.

Will my messages disappear from other people's inboxes?

No. Messages you sent to other people stay in their Messenger inboxes even after your profile is deleted. They will see your name, but clicking on it will not open a profile. If you want to remove a specific message, you can delete it from your own inbox before you request profile deletion, but the other person will still have their copy.

How long does it take for my profile to be completely gone?

Facebook removes your profile from its main servers after 30 days of no login. However, backups and archived data may take longer to fully clear. For practical purposes, your profile is gone after 30 days.

Can I delete my profile if I have an active dispute or legal case?

Facebook may place a hold on your account if there is an active legal matter or investigation involving your profile. If you cannot find the deletion option, contact Facebook through their Help Center to ask whether a hold is in place.