Facebook deletion is permanent and takes 30 days to complete

When you delete your Facebook account, the company gives you 30 days to change your mind. During that month, your profile is hidden from other users but your data is still there. After 30 days, Facebook begins removing your information from its servers — though some data tied to other people's accounts (like photos they uploaded of you) may remain.

This is different from deactivating, which is temporary and reversible at any time. Deactivation hides your profile but keeps everything intact so you can reactivate later. Deletion is the step to take if you want out completely.

Key Takeaways

  • Deleting your account takes 30 days to finalize, and you can cancel the deletion during that window by logging back in.
  • read your photos, videos, and messages before you delete, because you cannot recover them after the 30-day period ends.
  • Facebook will not delete information other people posted about you, tagged you in, or shared with you — only your own content.
  • You must use a web browser to delete your account; the mobile app does not have a deletion option.

read your data before you delete

Once the 30-day deletion window closes, you cannot get your photos, videos, messages, or posts back. Facebook does not restore deleted accounts. If you want to keep any of this, read it first.

Go to Settings and Privacy > Settings > Your Information and Connections > read Your Information. Choose the date range (usually "All of my information"), select which categories you want (photos, videos, posts, messages), and choose HTML or JSON format. HTML is easier to read on your computer. Facebook will prepare a file and email you a read link, usually within a few hours.

How to delete your account on a computer

Open Facebook in a web browser and log in. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner and select Settings and Privacy > Settings. On the left side, click Deactivation and Deletion. Choose Delete Account (not Deactivate Account). Facebook will ask you to enter your password and solve a CAPTCHA to confirm.

Click Delete Account. You will see a confirmation message saying your account will be deleted in 30 days. During those 30 days, your profile will not appear in searches or on other people's pages, but you can still log in and cancel the deletion if you change your mind.

What happens to your messages and photos

Messages you sent to other people stay in their inboxes even after you delete your account. They will see your name but not be able to click through to your profile. If you want to remove a specific message, you can delete it from your own inbox before you delete your account, but the recipient will still have their copy.

Photos you uploaded will be removed from Facebook's servers after the 30 days. However, if someone else tagged you in a photo or shared a photo with you, that image stays on Facebook because it belongs to their account, not yours. You cannot delete other people's photos, but you can ask them to remove the tag or the photo itself.

What to do if you change your mind during the 30 days

If you decide you want to keep your account, log in during the 30-day window. Facebook will ask if you want to cancel the deletion. Click yes, and your account will be restored with all your information intact. After the 30 days pass, this option is no longer available.

If you realize after deletion is complete that you need something from your account, contact Facebook through their Help Center. They may be able to provide a copy of your data, but they cannot restore your account itself.

Removing yourself from Facebook without deleting

If you are not ready to delete permanently, deactivation is a middle ground. Deactivate by going to Settings and Privacy > Settings > Deactivation and Deletion and choosing Deactivate Account. Your profile disappears from search results and other people cannot see your posts or contact you, but you can reactivate anytime by logging back in.

Deactivation is useful if you want to step away for a while but might return, or if you are unsure about permanent deletion. You can deactivate and reactivate as many times as you want, with no time limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Facebook recover my account after 30 days?

No. After the 30-day deletion period ends, Facebook permanently removes your account and data from its servers. You cannot restore it. This is why downloading your information before you delete is important.

Will deleting Facebook delete my Instagram or WhatsApp accounts?

No. Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are separate accounts even though Meta owns all three. Deleting your Facebook account does not affect your Instagram or WhatsApp. You would need to delete those accounts separately if you want to.

What if I forgot to read my photos before deleting?

Once the 30-day window closes, Facebook does not restore deleted photos. However, you can contact Facebook's Help Center and request a copy of your data. They may provide it, but there is no may provide, and the process can take weeks.

Will my friends still see messages I sent them?

Yes. Messages you sent remain in your friends' inboxes after you delete your account. They will see your name but cannot click to your profile. If you want to remove a message you sent, you can delete it from your own inbox before deletion, but the recipient's copy stays.

Can I delete my account from the Facebook app?

No. The Facebook mobile app does not have a deletion option. You must use a web browser on a computer or phone to delete your account. Log in to facebook.com, go to Settings and Privacy > Settings > Deactivation and Deletion, and choose Delete Account.