Facebook gives you two options: deactivation or deletion, and they work differently

Deactivation hides your profile temporarily. Your name disappears from search, your messages stop showing, and your friends can't see your posts. But Facebook keeps your data, and you can reactivate anytime by logging back in. This is the default when most people think they've closed their account.

Deletion is permanent. After 30 days, Facebook removes your profile, photos, messages, and most of your data from their servers. You cannot reactivate a deleted account. If you want to come back to Facebook later, you'll have to start completely over with a new account.

Choose deactivation if you might return. Choose deletion if you're certain you won't. The process for each is different, and the timing matters.

Key Takeaways

  • Deactivation hides your account but keeps your data; deletion removes it permanently after 30 days.
  • To deactivate, go to Settings, click Deactivate Account, choose a reason, and confirm—it takes seconds.
  • To delete, go to Settings, select Delete Account, enter your password, and wait 30 days while Facebook processes the removal.
  • During the 30-day deletion window, you can cancel and keep your account if you change your mind.
  • Facebook may keep some data (like messages you sent to others) even after deletion, because those belong partly to the recipient.

How to deactivate your account (temporary)

Open Facebook on a computer or phone. Go to the menu (three horizontal lines on mobile, the downward arrow on desktop in the top right). Select Settings and privacy, then Settings.

On the left side, click Deactivation and deletion. Choose Deactivate account. Facebook will ask why you're leaving—you can pick a reason or skip it. Enter your password to confirm. Click Deactivate.

Your account is now hidden. Your profile won't appear in searches. Friends won't see your posts or messages. If you log back in anytime in the future, your account reactivates automatically and everything returns to normal.

How to permanently delete your account (irreversible)

Open Facebook on a computer or phone. Go to the menu and select Settings and privacy, then Settings. Click Deactivation and deletion on the left side.

Choose Delete account instead of deactivate. Facebook will ask for your password and may ask you to enter a security code sent to your email or phone. Confirm that you want to delete.

Your account enters a 30-day waiting period. During this time, your profile is hidden from everyone, but the deletion isn't final yet. If you log back in during these 30 days, the deletion cancels and your account stays active. After 30 days pass with no login, Facebook permanently removes your account and data from their servers.

What happens to your data after deletion

Facebook removes most of your information: your profile, photos, posts, friend list, and messages you sent. However, messages you sent to other people remain in their inboxes, because those messages belong partly to them. Facebook cannot delete messages from someone else's account without their permission.

Some data may take longer to remove from Facebook's backup systems. Facebook says it can take up to 90 days for all traces to disappear completely, though most deletion happens within 30 days.

Third-party apps and websites that you connected to your Facebook account may still have data you shared with them. Deleting your Facebook account does not automatically delete your information from those services. You may need to delete those accounts separately or change your privacy settings on each one.

Before you delete: what to save first

If you want to keep copies of your photos, posts, or messages, read them before you delete. Go to Settings and privacy, then Settings. Click Your information and permissions, then read your information. Choose the date range and content type (photos, posts, messages, etc.), then request the read. Facebook will email you a file within a few days.

This read is the only way to keep a record of what you posted. Once you delete your account, this option disappears. If you deactivate instead of deleting, you can read your information anytime before you decide to delete later.

If you change your mind during the 30-day window

Log back into your Facebook account during the 30-day deletion period. Your account will reactivate when ready and the deletion will cancel. All your data returns. You can then deactivate instead if you want a temporary break, or straightforward keep your account active.

After 30 days have passed with no login, you cannot cancel the deletion. Your account is gone and cannot be recovered.

Deactivation vs. deletion: which should you choose

Deactivate if you want to step away but might come back. It's reversible, takes seconds, and keeps your data safe. Many people deactivate when they need a break from social media but aren't ready to lose their account forever.

Delete if you're certain you won't return and you want Facebook to remove your data. Deletion is permanent and cannot be undone after 30 days. Choose this only if you're confident in your decision.

If you're unsure, deactivate first. You can always delete later. You cannot undo a deletion after the 30-day window closes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my Facebook account from my phone?

Yes. Open the Facebook app, tap the menu (three lines), go to Settings and privacy, then Settings. Select Deactivation and deletion and choose Delete account. The process is the same as on a computer.

What if I forget my password during deletion?

Facebook will ask for your password to confirm deletion. If you don't remember it, click "Forgot password?" on the login screen and reset it using your email or phone number. Then return to Settings and complete the deletion process.

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

No. Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are separate accounts. Deleting your Facebook account does not affect Instagram or WhatsApp. You must delete each account separately if you want to close all three.

Can someone else see my account during the 30-day deletion period?

No. Your profile is hidden when ready when you request deletion. Other people cannot find your account, see your posts, or message you during the 30-day waiting period, even though the deletion isn't final yet.

What if I want to delete my account but keep my Messenger conversations?

read your information before you delete (which includes messages), but understand that deleting your Facebook account will also deactivate Messenger. You won't be able to send or receive messages through Messenger after deletion, even though you'll have a copy of past conversations in your read file.