Facebook gives you 30 days to change your mind after deletion

When you delete a Facebook account, the platform keeps your data for 30 days in case you want to restore it. During this window, you can log back in and cancel the deletion. After 30 days, Facebook begins removing your information from its servers, though some data tied to messages you sent to others may remain in their inboxes.

Deletion is permanent after that 30-day period ends. You cannot recover photos, messages, or your friend list once the account is fully gone. If you think you might want to use Facebook again later, deactivation is a gentler option — it hides your profile and messages from others but keeps everything stored so you can reactivate later.

Key Takeaways

  • Deletion takes 30 days to complete, and you can restore your account during that time by logging in again.
  • Deactivation hides your profile when ready but keeps all your data; you can reactivate whenever you want.
  • read your photos and information before deleting if you want to keep copies for yourself.
  • Messages you sent to others will remain visible to them even after your account is deleted.
  • You must use a computer or the mobile web version to delete; the Facebook app does not have a delete option.

Deactivation versus deletion: which one to choose

Deactivation is the middle ground. Your name and profile disappear from search results, your friends cannot see your posts or send you messages, and your timeline becomes invisible. But Facebook keeps everything — your photos, messages, friend list, and login credentials. If you log back in at any point, your account wakes up exactly as it was.

Choose deactivation if you are taking a break, want to step back from social media for a while, or are not sure whether you will return. Choose deletion if you are certain you will not use Facebook again and want your data removed from Facebook's servers after the 30-day window.

One thing to know: deactivating does not remove you from Facebook groups or messenger. Other people can still see group conversations you were part of, and they can still message you through Messenger if they have your contact information.

How to deactivate your account on desktop or mobile web

Go to Facebook.com and log in. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner (on desktop) or the three horizontal lines (on mobile web), then select Settings and Privacy, then Settings. On the left side, click Deactivation and Deletion.

You will see two options: Deactivate Account and Delete Account. Select Deactivate Account, then click Continue to Account Deactivation. Facebook will ask why you are leaving — you can skip this or choose a reason. Enter your password to confirm, then click Deactivate.

Your account is now deactivated. You can reactivate it anytime by logging in with your email and password.

How to permanently delete your account on desktop or mobile web

Log into Facebook and go to Settings and Privacy > Settings. Click Deactivation and Deletion on the left side. Select Delete Account, then click Continue to Account Deletion.

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 account enters the 30-day deletion window. During these 30 days, your profile is hidden from others, but you can still log in and cancel the deletion by clicking a link in your email or by logging back into your account.

After 30 days pass, Facebook permanently deletes your account and all associated data. You will not be able to reactivate it or recover anything.

read your information before you delete

If you want to keep copies of your photos, videos, posts, or messages, read them before you delete. Go to Settings and Privacy > Settings, then click Your Information and Permissions on the left. Select read Your Information.

Choose the date range and data types you want — photos, videos, posts, messages, and more are all available. Select your preferred file format (HTML or JSON), then click Request a read. Facebook will prepare a file and email you a link, usually within a few hours. You can read it and save it to your computer.

Do this before starting the deletion process, because once deletion begins, you cannot access your account to read anything.

What happens to your data after deletion

After the 30-day window closes, Facebook removes your profile, photos, posts, and personal information from its visible systems. However, messages you sent to other people remain in their inboxes — deletion does not erase conversations from the other person's account.

Facebook may also keep some data for legal or safety reasons, or data that was already shared with third-party apps before you deleted. If you used Facebook to log into other websites or apps, those accounts are not affected by deleting Facebook — you will still be able to log in with your email and password if you set that up.

Backup copies of your data may exist on Facebook's servers for a limited time after deletion for technical reasons, but these are not accessible to you or to other users.

If you cannot delete through settings

The Facebook app on phones does not have a delete option — you must use a computer or the mobile web version (facebook.com in your phone's browser). If you are on a computer and the delete option is not showing up, try logging out completely, clearing your browser cache, and logging back in.

If you have a business account or a page rather than a personal account, the deletion process is different. Business accounts and pages have their own management tools. For a business page, go to Settings > General and scroll to the bottom to find the delete option.

If you are locked out of your account or cannot access it, you can still request deletion by visiting Facebook's help center and submitting a request with your email address and identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my Facebook account if I have not used it in years?

Yes. You do not need to have logged in recently to delete your account. If you cannot remember your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it, then proceed with deletion. If you cannot access your email, you can request deletion through Facebook's help center by providing your name and email address.

What happens to my Facebook Messenger after I delete my account?

Messenger is a separate app from Facebook. Deleting your Facebook account does not delete Messenger, but people will not be able to message you through it. Your message history remains on their end. If you want to delete Messenger too, you must delete it separately from your phone's app store or settings.

Will deleting my account remove me from Facebook groups?

Yes, your name will be removed from group membership lists. However, any posts or comments you made in those groups will remain visible with your name attached, even after deletion. If you want to remove specific posts before deleting, do that first.

Can someone else access my account during the 30-day deletion window?

No. During the 30-day window, your account is hidden from other users and cannot be accessed by anyone except you. If someone tries to log in with your credentials, they will see a message that the account is scheduled for deletion. Only you can cancel the deletion during this period.

What if I change my mind after the 30 days are up?

Once the 30-day window closes, your account is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered. You can create a new Facebook account with the same email address, but it will be a fresh account with no history or data from the old one. This is why downloading your information beforehand is important.