Facebook gives you two choices: deactivate temporarily or delete permanently
Deactivation hides your profile, posts, and photos from other users for as long as you want. You can reactivate by logging back in. Your messages stay in other people's inboxes, and Facebook keeps your data in case you return.
Deletion removes your account entirely after 30 days. During that month, you can cancel the deletion by logging in again. After 30 days pass, Facebook deletes your photos, posts, messages, and most personal information from their servers. Some data tied to other accounts (like when you commented on someone's photo) may stay visible to them.
Choose deactivation if you might want to return. Choose deletion if you want the account gone for good.
Key Takeaways
- Deactivation hides your profile but keeps your account and data on Facebook's servers; deletion removes the account after a 30-day waiting period.
- You can cancel a deletion request by logging in during the 30-day window, but after that period ends, the deletion is permanent.
- To delete your account, go to Settings and Privacy > Settings > Deactivation and Deletion, then choose Delete Account and confirm your password.
- Facebook may keep some data even after deletion, including information shared by other users and records required by law.
- Downloaded copies of your photos and posts will not be deleted automatically; you must delete those files yourself from your device.
How to deactivate your account temporarily
Open Facebook on a web browser (not the app). Click the downward arrow in the top right corner, then select Settings and Privacy > Settings. On the left side, click Deactivation and Deletion. Choose Deactivate Account and click Continue.
Facebook will ask you to choose a reason for leaving and offer options to stay in touch (like email reminders). You can skip these. Enter your password to confirm, then click Deactivate Account. Your profile disappears when ready, but you can reactivate it anytime by logging in with your email and password.
On mobile, the steps are the same: tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), scroll to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Deactivation and Deletion.
How to permanently delete your account
Go to Settings and Privacy > Settings > Deactivation and Deletion. This time, choose Delete Account instead of Deactivate Account. Click Continue. Facebook will ask for your password again and show you what will happen: your profile, photos, posts, and messages will be removed.
Click Delete Account to confirm. Your account enters a 30-day grace period. During these 30 days, if you log in with your email and password, the deletion cancels and your account reactivates. After 30 days, deletion is final and cannot be undone.
If you change your mind during the 30-day window, straightforward log in to Facebook as you normally would. You do not need to do anything else — your account will automatically reactivate.
What happens to your data after deletion
Facebook removes your profile, name, photos, posts, and friend list from their visible servers. Messages you sent to others stay in their inboxes, but your name may appear as "Facebook User" instead of your real name. Comments you left on public pages or other people's photos may remain visible, though they will not link to your profile.
Facebook keeps some data for legal reasons, including records of payments you made and information needed to prevent fraud. They also keep data if you are involved in an active legal case or investigation. This retained data is not visible to other users.
Any files you downloaded before deletion — photos, videos, or documents — will still be on your device. Deleting your Facebook account does not delete those files. You must manually delete them from your computer, phone, or cloud storage if you want them gone.
Backing up your photos and posts before you leave
Facebook lets you read a copy of everything you posted before you delete your account. Go to Settings and Privacy > Settings > Your Information and Permissions > read Your Information. Choose the date range (usually "All of My Information"), select what you want to read (photos, posts, messages, friends list), and click Request a read.
Facebook will prepare a file, usually within a few hours. You will receive an email with a link to read it. The file is compressed (a .zip file) and may be large if you have years of photos and posts. Save it to your computer or cloud storage before you delete your account.
You can do this read even after you have requested deletion, as long as you do it within the 30-day grace period. After 30 days, the read option disappears.
Removing Facebook from other apps and websites
Many apps and websites let you log in using your Facebook account instead of creating a separate password. When you delete Facebook, those connections break. Before deletion, check which apps and websites use your Facebook login.
Go to Settings and Privacy > Settings > Apps and Websites > Apps and Websites You Use. You will see a list of every app and website connected to your Facebook account. For each one, click it and select Remove. After you remove the connection, you will need to create a separate password or use a different login method for that app or website.
This step is optional but recommended. If you do not remove these connections before deleting Facebook, the apps may stop working or show errors when you try to log in.
Deactivation vs. deletion: which one to choose
Choose deactivation if: You want to take a break but might return later. You want to keep your account in case you need to contact old friends. You are concerned about losing access to apps that use Facebook login. Deactivation is reversible with just a login.
Choose deletion if: You do not plan to use Facebook again. You want your data removed from Facebook's servers (with legal exceptions). You want a clean break from the platform. You understand that deletion takes 30 days and is permanent after that window closes.
Many people deactivate first to test whether they actually miss the platform. If after a few weeks or months you realize you do not, you can then delete permanently. There is no rush — you can deactivate for as long as you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my Facebook account on the mobile app?
Yes. Open the app, tap the menu icon (three lines), go to Settings and Privacy > Settings > Deactivation and Deletion, then choose Delete Account. The process is the same as on a web browser. Some users report the mobile app is slower to load the deactivation page, so a web browser may be faster.
What if I forget my password before I delete my account?
You will need your password to confirm deletion. Go to the Facebook login page, click Forgot Password?, and follow the steps to reset it using your email or phone number. Once you have reset your password, you can proceed with deletion.
Will deleting Facebook remove me from group chats or Messenger?
Yes. Your Messenger account is tied to your Facebook account. When you delete Facebook, you will no longer be able to use Messenger. Messages you sent will stay in other people's chats, but you will not be able to send or receive new messages. If you want to stay in touch with people, exchange phone numbers or email addresses before you delete.
Can someone else use my email address to create a new Facebook account after I delete mine?
Yes, but not when ready. During the 30-day grace period, no one can create a new account with your email. After 30 days, once your deletion is final, someone else can sign up with that email address. If you want to prevent this, change your email address on the account before you delete it, or use a different email for any new accounts you create later.
Does deleting Facebook also delete my Instagram account?
No. Facebook and Instagram are separate accounts, even though Facebook owns Instagram. Deleting your Facebook account will not affect your Instagram account. If you want to delete Instagram as well, you must delete that account separately through Instagram's settings.