Facebook gives you two options: deactivation or permanent deletion

Deactivation hides your profile temporarily. Your name disappears from search, your messages go dark, and your friends cannot see your posts or photos. Facebook keeps your data in case you want to come back — you can reactivate anytime by logging in again. This takes effect when ready.

Deletion is permanent. After you request it, Facebook waits 30 days, then erases your profile, photos, messages, and most of your data from their servers. You cannot undo this. If you log in during those 30 days, the deletion request cancels and you stay active. After 30 days pass, the account is gone.

Most people choose deactivation first because it is reversible. Choose deletion only if you are certain you will not want the account back.

Key Takeaways

  • Deactivation hides your profile when ready but keeps your data; deletion is permanent after a 30-day waiting period.
  • To deactivate, go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then scroll to find Deactivation and Deletion.
  • To delete, use the same menu but choose Delete Account instead, then confirm your password and wait 30 days.
  • If you delete your account, Facebook may keep some data for legal reasons, and messages you sent to others may remain visible to them.
  • Logging in during the 30-day deletion window cancels the request and reactivates your account.

How to deactivate your account on a computer

Open Facebook in a web browser and log in. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner (next to your name or profile picture). Select Settings and Privacy, then click Settings.

On the left side, scroll down and click Deactivation and Deletion. You will see two options. Click Deactivate Account. Facebook will ask you to choose a reason (optional) and enter your password to confirm. Click Deactivate. Your account is now hidden.

How to deactivate your account on a phone

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

Scroll down to Deactivation and Deletion and tap it. Select Deactivate Account, choose a reason if you want, enter your password, and tap Deactivate. Your account is now hidden.

How to permanently delete your account

Follow the same steps as deactivation, but select Delete Account instead of Deactivate Account. Enter your password and tap or click Delete Account. Facebook will show you a confirmation message with the 30-day countdown.

Do not log in during these 30 days. If you do, the deletion request cancels automatically and your account stays active. After 30 days, your profile and most associated data are removed from Facebook's servers.

What happens to your data after deletion

Facebook removes your profile, photos, posts, and friend list from public view. However, messages you sent to other people may still appear in their inboxes — deletion does not erase conversations from the other person's account. If you sent photos or files to others, those copies remain with them.

Facebook may keep some of your data for legal, security, or backup reasons, though they say this is temporary. If you are concerned about specific information, consider downloading your data before you delete. To do this, go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, scroll to Your Information and Permissions, and click read Your Information. This creates a file of your posts, photos, and messages that you can save to your computer.

Reactivating a deactivated account

If you deactivated your account and want to use it again, straightforward log in with your email and password. Your profile, photos, and friends list will reappear exactly as they were. There is no time limit — you can reactivate a deactivated account months or years later.

If you deleted your account and the 30 days have passed, you cannot recover it. You would need to create a new account from scratch.

Why you might want to delete instead of deactivate

Deactivation is useful if you want a break but might return. Deletion makes sense if you are moving away from Facebook permanently, concerned about data collection, or want a clean break from the platform. Deletion also removes your data from Facebook's advertising system, though the company may retain some information for legal compliance.

If privacy is your main concern, know that deletion does not remove you from third-party databases or data brokers who may have already collected your information. Deletion only removes your account from Facebook itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my account if I forgot my password?

No, you need your password to confirm deletion. Use Facebook's password reset tool (click "Forgot Password" on the login page) to regain access, then proceed with deletion. If you cannot reset your password, contact Facebook's support through their Help Center.

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

No. Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are separate accounts. Deleting your Facebook account does not affect the others. However, if you used your Facebook login to sign into Instagram, you will need to set up a different way to log in before you delete Facebook.

What if I want to delete my account but keep my photos?

read your information before you delete. Go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, scroll to Your Information and Permissions, and click read Your Information. Choose the date range and data types you want (photos, posts, messages). Facebook will create a file you can read to your computer, then proceed with deletion.

Does deactivating my account remove me from Facebook's ads system?

Deactivation hides your profile but does not stop Facebook from using your data for ads on other websites. Deletion removes you from Facebook's direct advertising system, though the company may retain some data for legal reasons. Neither option fully prevents data brokers outside Facebook from using your information.

How long does it take for a deleted account to disappear completely?

The 30-day waiting period starts when you request deletion. After 30 days, your profile is removed from Facebook's servers. However, cached versions on search engines or archived websites may still show your old profile for a while longer. You cannot control those directly.