Facebook deletion is permanent and takes 30 days
When you delete your Facebook profile, the account cannot be recovered. Facebook gives you 30 days to change your mind — if you log back in during that window, the deletion cancels and your account returns to normal. After 30 days, Facebook removes your profile, photos, posts, and messages from their servers. This is different from deactivating, which hides your profile but keeps it on Facebook's systems.
The deletion process itself takes only a few clicks, but the waiting period is built in. You cannot speed it up or make it when ready. If you are certain you want to leave Facebook, deletion is the right choice. If you might want to return later, deactivation is reversible at any time.
Key Takeaways
- Deleting your profile is permanent after 30 days, but you can cancel the deletion by logging in during the waiting period.
- You must use a computer or the Facebook mobile app to delete your account — the mobile web version does not have the deletion option.
- read your photos, videos, and posts before deleting if you want to keep copies, because Facebook will remove them after 30 days.
- Deactivation hides your profile when ready but keeps your account on Facebook's servers; deletion removes it completely after the 30-day window.
- Messages you sent to others may remain in their inboxes even after your profile is deleted.
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 of the page (next to your profile picture). Select Settings and privacy, then click Settings. On the left side, click Deactivation and deletion.
You will see two options: Deactivate account and Delete account. Click Delete account. Facebook will ask you to confirm your password and may ask you to enter a security code sent to your email or phone. After you confirm, your deletion request is submitted. Your profile will disappear from Facebook within a few minutes, but the 30-day waiting period begins. If you log in at any point during those 30 days, the deletion stops and your account reactivates.
How to delete your account on the Facebook app
Open the Facebook app on your phone and tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then tap Settings. Tap Account ownership and control, then tap Deactivation and deletion.
Choose Delete account and tap Continue. Facebook will ask for your password and may send a security code to your email or phone number. Enter the code, then confirm the deletion. Your profile will be hidden from Facebook within minutes, and the 30-day countdown begins. Do not log in during this period if you want the deletion to complete.
read your data before deleting
Facebook lets you read a copy of your photos, videos, posts, and messages before deletion. Go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Your information and permissions > read your information. Choose the date range (usually "All of my information"), select the types of data you want (photos, posts, messages, etc.), and choose your file format. Facebook will prepare a file and send you a read link by email, usually within a few hours.
This read is separate from the deletion process. You can do it anytime, even after you have submitted your deletion request. Once the 30-day period ends and your account is fully deleted, you cannot recover this data from Facebook, so downloading beforehand is your only way to keep copies.
What happens to your messages and tagged photos
When your profile is deleted, your name disappears from Facebook, but messages you sent to other people usually stay in their inboxes. They will see the message but not your name or profile link. Tagged photos that other people posted remain on their profiles and in their albums — deletion only removes photos you uploaded yourself.
If you were part of a group or a Facebook Page you managed, deletion removes you from the group but does not delete the group itself. If you were the only admin of a Page, that Page will need a new admin or it may be removed by Facebook after a period of time. Check your Pages before deleting if you manage any.
The difference between deactivation and deletion
Deactivation hides your profile when ready. Your name and photo disappear from Facebook, and people cannot find your profile or message you. However, Facebook keeps your account data on its servers. You can reactivate anytime by logging back in, and your profile, friends list, and messages return exactly as they were. Deactivation is useful if you want a break but might return later.
Deletion is permanent after 30 days. Your profile, photos, posts, and account information are removed from Facebook's servers. You cannot reactivate a deleted account. If you want to use Facebook again after deletion, you must create a brand new account from scratch. Choose deactivation if you are unsure, and choose deletion only if you are certain you will not want your account back.
What to do if you change your mind during the 30 days
If you delete your account but then change your mind, log back into Facebook using your email address and password during the 30-day waiting period. Your account will reactivate when ready, and everything returns to normal. Your profile, friends, messages, and photos will all be restored. You do not need to contact Facebook or do anything else — logging in is enough.
After the 30 days pass, you cannot recover the account. If you try to log in after that, Facebook will tell you the account no longer exists. At that point, your only option is to create a new Facebook account if you want to use the platform again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Facebook delete my account if I do not log in for a long time?
No. Facebook does not delete inactive accounts. Your profile will remain on Facebook indefinitely unless you delete it yourself. However, if you have not logged in for a very long time, Facebook may ask you to confirm your identity the next time you try to log in for security reasons.
Can I delete my Facebook account without a password?
No. Facebook requires your password to confirm deletion. If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login page to reset it before you delete your account. You will need access to the email address or phone number associated with your account to reset it.
Does deleting Facebook also delete my Instagram or WhatsApp accounts?
No. Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are separate accounts even though Meta owns all three. Deleting your Facebook profile does not affect your Instagram or WhatsApp accounts. If you want to delete those, you must do so separately through each app's settings.
What happens to my Facebook Marketplace listings when I delete my account?
Your active listings will be removed from Marketplace when your profile is deleted. If you have pending sales or messages from buyers, they will no longer be able to contact you through Facebook. read any important information about transactions before you delete your account.
Can someone else use my email address to create a new Facebook account after I delete mine?
Yes. After your account is fully deleted (after 30 days), someone else can create a new Facebook account using the same email address. If you want to prevent this, you can change the email address associated with your account before deletion, or you can keep the email address by deactivating instead of deleting.