Facebook deletion is permanent and takes 30 days
When you delete your Facebook page, the account and everything on it — posts, photos, messages, friends list — becomes inaccessible when ready. Facebook then spends 30 days removing your data from its servers. After those 30 days, deletion is permanent and cannot be reversed. You cannot reactivate the account or recover any of the content.
This is different from deactivation, which temporarily hides your profile but keeps your data intact. If you think you might want to return to Facebook later, deactivation is the safer choice. Deletion is for when you are certain you want out.
Before you delete, read your photos and messages if you want to keep them. Facebook makes this straightforward, and it takes only a few minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Deletion takes 30 days to complete, during which your profile is hidden but your data still exists on Facebook's servers.
- You must read your photos, videos, and messages before deleting, because they cannot be recovered afterward.
- Deactivation temporarily hides your account and lets you return later, while deletion is permanent.
- The deletion request must come from the account owner using the original email or phone number tied to the account.
- If you cannot access your account, you will need to recover it first before you can delete it.
read your data before deletion
Facebook stores a copy of everything you have posted: photos, videos, messages, comments, and your friend list. Once you delete your account, you cannot get any of this back. Downloading your data takes about 10 minutes and gives you a file you can keep on your computer.
Go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings. On the left side, click read Your Information. Choose the date range (usually "All of my data"), select the format you want (HTML is easiest to read), and click Request a read. Facebook will email you a link within a few minutes. read the file and save it somewhere safe.
If you have a lot of photos or videos, the file may be large. You can also read just photos by going to your profile, clicking the Photos tab, and saving them one by one to your computer — this takes longer but gives you more control over what you keep.
How to permanently delete your account
Open Facebook and go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings. On the left menu, scroll down and click Deactivation and Deletion. You will see two options: Deactivate Account and Delete Account. Click Delete Account.
Facebook will ask you to enter your password to confirm. Type it in and click Continue. The site will then ask why you are leaving — you can skip this or choose a reason. Click Delete Account again to confirm.
Your profile will disappear from Facebook when ready. Other people will not be able to find you or see your posts. For the next 30 days, Facebook is removing your data from its backup servers. Do not try to log back in during this time, because logging in will cancel the deletion and reactivate your account.
What happens to your messages and tagged photos
When you delete your account, messages you sent to other people stay in their inboxes. They can still read what you wrote. Your name will appear as "Facebook User" instead of your real name, but the message text remains.
Photos that other people tagged you in will stay on Facebook. Your name will be removed from the tag, but the photo itself does not disappear. If you want those photos gone, you need to contact the person who posted them and ask them to delete the photo or remove your tag before you delete your account.
Comments you left on public pages or groups will also remain, but your name will show as "Facebook User." If you want to remove specific comments before deleting, go to your profile, find the comment, and delete it manually.
If you cannot access your account
If you have forgotten your password or no longer have access to the email or phone number tied to your account, you cannot delete it yourself. You will need to recover the account first.
Go to facebook.com and click Forgotten Password. Enter the email address or phone number you used to sign up. If you no longer have access to that email or phone, click "No longer have access to these?" and Facebook will walk you through identity verification. You may need to provide a photo ID or answer security questions.
Once you have regained access, follow the deletion steps above. If you cannot recover the account after trying these steps, you can contact Facebook's support team through the Help Center, though response times are slow.
Deactivation as an alternative
Deactivation hides your profile from other users but keeps your account and data intact on Facebook's servers. Your name disappears from search results, your profile is not visible, and no one can message you. However, Facebook keeps your information and can reactivate the account if you log back in.
Deactivation is useful if you want to take a break from Facebook but might return later. It takes effect when ready and you can reactivate anytime by logging in with your password. There is no waiting period.
To deactivate instead of delete, go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings. Click Deactivation and Deletion and choose Deactivate Account. Follow the prompts and confirm. You can reactivate by straightforward logging in again.
What to do about other platforms linked to Facebook
Many websites and apps let you log in using your Facebook account instead of creating a separate password. If you have used Facebook Login on Instagram, Spotify, dating apps, or games, deleting your Facebook account will not automatically delete those other accounts — but you will lose the ability to log in through Facebook.
Before you delete Facebook, go to each app or website where you used Facebook Login and change your password or link a different login method. This way you can still access those accounts after Facebook is gone. Check your Facebook settings under Apps and Websites to see which services are connected.
If you forget to do this and delete your account, you can still recover access to those apps by using the "Forgot Password" option on each one. The app will send a reset link to your email address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel the deletion after I request it?
Yes, but only during the 30-day waiting period. If you log back into your account at any point before the 30 days are up, the deletion will be cancelled and your account will reactivate. After 30 days have passed, the deletion is final and cannot be undone.
Will deleting Facebook also delete my Instagram account?
No. Instagram is owned by the same company, but they are separate accounts. Deleting Facebook will not affect Instagram unless you used Facebook Login to access Instagram. If you did, change your Instagram password before deleting Facebook so you can still log in.
Can someone else delete my Facebook account?
No. Only the account owner can delete the account, and only from a device where you are logged in. Facebook requires your password to confirm deletion. If someone else has your password, change it when ready and then proceed with deletion if you want to.
What if I deleted Facebook but want to come back?
If you deleted your account within the last 30 days, you can cancel the deletion by logging in again. After 30 days, the account and all its data are permanently gone. You would need to create a new Facebook account from scratch.
Do I need to delete Facebook from my phone too?
No. Deleting your account through the website removes it from Facebook's servers. The Facebook app on your phone will straightforward log you out. You can uninstall the app if you want, but it is not necessary for the account deletion to work.