Facebook and Messenger deletion is permanent and takes 30 days
When you delete your Facebook account, both Facebook and Messenger shut down at the same time. Facebook gives you 30 days to change your mind — if you log back in during that window, your account and all your data come back. After 30 days, Facebook deletes everything: your photos, messages, friends list, and posts. This is different from deactivating, which hides your profile but keeps your data on Facebook's servers.
You cannot delete just Messenger while keeping Facebook, and you cannot delete Facebook while keeping Messenger. They are linked accounts. If you want to stop using Messenger but keep your Facebook profile visible, you would deactivate instead of delete. But if you want both gone permanently, deletion is the only option.
The deletion process itself takes two minutes. The 30-day waiting period is where most people get stuck — they delete by accident, panic, and do not know how to undo it, or they forget they are in the waiting period and wonder why their account is still showing up in search results.
Key Takeaways
- Deleting your Facebook account also deletes Messenger, and the process cannot be reversed after 30 days.
- You have 30 days from the deletion date to log back in and cancel the deletion if you change your mind.
- After 30 days, Facebook removes all your photos, messages, posts, and personal data from their servers.
- Deactivation hides your profile but keeps your data; deletion removes it permanently after the waiting period ends.
- You must use a computer or the Facebook app to delete — the mobile web version does not have a deletion option.
How to delete your account on a computer
Open Facebook in a web browser and log in if you are not already signed in. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner of the page, next to your profile picture. Scroll down and select Settings and privacy, then click Settings.
On the left side of the screen, click Deactivation and deletion. You will see two options: one to deactivate your account and one to delete it. Click Delete account. Facebook will ask you to confirm your password and may ask you to solve a CAPTCHA (the image puzzle that proves you are human).
Read the information Facebook shows you about what happens when you delete. It will tell you that you have 30 days to change your mind. Click Delete account again to confirm. Your account is now in deletion mode. You will be logged out when ready.
How to delete your account on the Facebook app
Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then tap Settings.
Scroll down and tap Deactivation and deletion. Tap Delete account. Enter your password when prompted. Tap Delete account again to confirm. You will be logged out of the app.
The mobile web version of Facebook (accessed through a phone browser rather than the app) does not have a deletion option. If you are using a phone browser, switch to a computer or use the Facebook app instead.
What happens during the 30-day waiting period
Your profile will not appear in search results, and other people cannot find your account or see your posts. Messages you sent to others will still be visible to them, but they will not be able to message you back. If someone tries to message you, they will see an error.
You can still log back in during these 30 days. When you do, you will see a message asking if you want to cancel the deletion. Click Cancel deletion and your account will return to normal. Your photos, messages, and friends list will all be restored exactly as they were.
If you do not log in during the 30 days, the deletion becomes permanent on day 31. Facebook will then begin removing your data from their servers. Some data may take longer to fully remove because of backups and copies stored in different locations.
What data gets deleted and what stays
Facebook deletes your profile, photos, posts, videos, messages, and friends list. They also delete the information you entered in your profile — your phone number, email, birthday, work history, and education. Any comments you left on other people's posts will be removed.
Messages you sent to other people will stay in their inboxes, but your name will no longer be attached to them. If you sent a photo to someone through Messenger, that photo stays in their chat, but they will not be able to see who sent it. Group chats you were part of will show your messages as coming from a deleted account.
Some data may remain in Facebook's backup systems for a limited time after deletion, but it will not be accessible to you or to other users. Facebook does not sell or use deleted account data for advertising.
The difference between deletion and deactivation
Deactivation hides your profile from other users but keeps all your data on Facebook's servers. Your name will not appear in search results, and people cannot see your posts or send you messages. However, Facebook still has your photos, messages, and personal information. If you reactivate your account later, everything comes back exactly as it was.
Deactivation is temporary and reversible at any time — you can reactivate by logging back in. Deletion is permanent after 30 days and cannot be undone. Choose deactivation if you want to take a break from Facebook but might return. Choose deletion if you want your data removed from Facebook's servers.
To deactivate instead of delete, follow the same steps but click Deactivate account instead of Delete account. You will have the option to choose why you are leaving and whether you want Facebook to send you emails trying to get you to come back.
If you change your mind during the 30 days
Log into Facebook or Messenger using your email address and password. You will see a message saying your account is scheduled for deletion. Click Cancel deletion or Undo (the exact wording depends on which device you are using). Your account will return to normal within a few minutes.
All your data — photos, messages, posts, and friends — will be restored. You will be able to use Facebook and Messenger normally again. There is no limit to how many times you can cancel a deletion during the 30-day period, though repeatedly deleting and reactivating may eventually trigger a review by Facebook's security team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete Facebook but keep Messenger?
No. Facebook and Messenger are linked accounts, and deleting one deletes both. If you want to stop using Facebook but keep Messenger, you would need to deactivate instead of delete. However, deactivation also affects Messenger — people will not be able to message you, though your old messages will remain in their chats.
Will my friends know I deleted my account?
Your friends will see that your profile is no longer there, but Facebook does not send them a notification saying you deleted your account. They may notice you are gone if they try to visit your profile or search for you. Your name will disappear from their friends list.
What if I forget to log back in before the 30 days end?
After 30 days, your deletion becomes permanent and cannot be undone. Facebook will remove your data from their servers over the following weeks. You cannot recover your account, photos, or messages after this point. If you are unsure about deletion, deactivate instead — you can reactivate at any time.
Do I need to delete my Instagram account too?
No. Instagram and Facebook are separate accounts, even though they are owned by the same company. Deleting your Facebook account does not affect Instagram. If you want to delete Instagram, you must do that separately through Instagram's settings.
Will Facebook delete my data from their backups?
Facebook keeps backup copies of data for a limited time after deletion for security and legal reasons. These backups are not accessible to you or other users. After several weeks or months, Facebook removes the data from backups as well, though the exact timeline is not public.