Facebook gives you two choices: deactivate temporarily or delete permanently
When you want to stop using Facebook, you have two different paths. Deactivation hides your profile, posts, and photos from other people, but Facebook keeps your data and you can reactivate anytime by logging back in. Deletion is permanent — after 30 days, your account, photos, posts, and messages are gone for good, and you cannot get them back.
Most people choose deactivation first because it is reversible. You might want to step away for a few months, see how you feel, and come back. Deletion makes sense if you are certain you will not return and want Facebook to remove your information from their servers.
The process for each takes about five minutes, but deletion has a waiting period built in. Facebook gives you 30 days to change your mind before the deletion becomes final.
Key Takeaways
- Deactivation hides your profile but keeps your data; deletion removes your account permanently after 30 days.
- To deactivate, go to Settings, click Deactivation and Deletion, choose Deactivate Account, and select a reason.
- To delete, follow the same path but choose Delete Account instead, then confirm your password and wait 30 days.
- During the 30-day deletion window, you can log back in to cancel the deletion and keep your account.
- Facebook will not send you a reminder that your deletion is final — the 30 days pass silently.
How to deactivate your account on a computer
Open Facebook in your web browser and log in if you are not already. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner of the screen (next to your profile picture). Scroll down and select Settings and privacy, then click Settings.
On the left side of the page, click Deactivation and Deletion. You will see two options: Deactivate Account and Delete Account. Choose Deactivate Account. Facebook will ask you to select a reason from a list — this is optional, but filling it out helps Facebook understand why people leave. Click Deactivate to confirm.
Your profile disappears when ready. Friends cannot find you, see your posts, or send you messages. If you change your mind within a few months, straightforward log back in with your email and password, and your account reactivates.
How to deactivate your account on a phone
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. Tap Accounts Center (this may appear as a separate option or within Settings, depending on your phone).
Look for Personal information or Deactivation and Deletion. Tap it, then select Deactivate Account. Choose a reason if prompted, and tap Deactivate. The process is the same as on a computer — your profile hides when ready, and you can reactivate by logging in again.
How to permanently delete your account on a computer
Follow the same first steps: click the downward arrow, go to Settings and privacy, then Settings. Click Deactivation and Deletion on the left side. This time, choose Delete Account. Facebook will explain that deletion is permanent and takes 30 days.
Enter your password to confirm your identity. Click Delete Account again. Facebook will show you a confirmation message with the date your account will be fully deleted. Write down this date or take a screenshot — Facebook will not remind you when the 30 days are up.
During these 30 days, your profile is hidden from other people, but your data still exists on Facebook's servers. If you log in during this window, the deletion cancels automatically and your account returns to normal. After 30 days pass with no login, deletion becomes permanent and cannot be undone.
How to permanently delete your account on a phone
Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right. Go to Settings and privacy, then Settings. Tap Accounts Center, then find Deactivation and Deletion. Select Delete Account instead of Deactivate.
Enter your password and tap Delete Account to confirm. Facebook shows you the final deletion date. Like the computer version, you have 30 days to log back in and cancel if you change your mind. After 30 days, the deletion is final.
What happens to your data when you deactivate versus delete
When you deactivate, Facebook keeps everything: your photos, messages, posts, and friend list. Other people cannot see any of it, but the data sits on Facebook's servers. If you reactivate, your account looks exactly as it did before. Messages you sent to friends remain in their inboxes, but they cannot reply to you while you are deactivated.
When you delete, Facebook removes your posts, photos, and profile from public view when ready. Messages you sent to friends stay in their inboxes, but your name no longer appears — they show as "Facebook User" instead. After 30 days, Facebook deletes the rest: your account settings, friend list, and data tied to your profile. Some information may remain in Facebook's backup systems for a limited time, but it is not connected to you anymore.
What to do before you delete or deactivate
If you want to keep copies of your photos or posts, read them first. On a computer, click the downward arrow, go to Settings and privacy, then Settings. Click Your information and permissions, then read your information. Choose what you want to read (photos, posts, messages, etc.), select a date range, and click Request a read. Facebook sends you a file within a few days.
On a phone, the process is similar but harder to find. Go to Settings and privacy, then Settings, then scroll to find read your information. The steps are the same: select what you want, choose a date range, and request the read.
You should also tell close friends or family that you are leaving, especially if they rely on Facebook to reach you. Consider sharing your phone number or email address before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reactivate my account after I delete it?
You can cancel the deletion during the 30-day waiting period by logging in. After 30 days pass, deletion is permanent and you cannot recover the account. You can create a new Facebook account with the same email address, but it will be a fresh start with no old data.
Will my friends know I deleted my account?
Your friends will see that your profile no longer exists, but Facebook does not send them a notification. They may notice you are gone if they try to visit your profile or message you. Messages you sent them stay in their inboxes, but your name appears as "Facebook User" after deletion is complete.
What happens to my photos and posts after I delete?
Your photos and posts disappear from Facebook after 30 days. If you downloaded your information before deleting, you have copies on your computer or phone. Photos you were tagged in by other people may remain on their profiles, but your name will not be attached.
Do I need to delete Instagram or Messenger separately?
Deleting your Facebook account does not automatically delete Instagram or Messenger. You must delete those accounts separately if you want them gone. Log into each app, go to Settings, and look for Deactivation and Deletion options. Instagram and Messenger have their own 30-day waiting periods.
What if I forgot my password before deleting?
Click "Forgot password?" on the Facebook login page. Facebook sends a reset link to your email address. Use that link to create a new password, log in, and then follow the deletion steps. If you cannot access your email, you may need to use Facebook's account recovery tool, which asks security questions or lets you verify your identity another way.