Facebook gives you two choices: deactivate temporarily or delete permanently

Deactivation hides your profile, posts, and photos from other people, but Facebook keeps your data. You can reactivate anytime by logging back in. Deletion removes your account and most of your information from Facebook's servers after 30 days. During those 30 days, you can cancel the deletion if you change your mind. After 30 days, the deletion is final.

Most people choose deletion when they want a clean break. Choose deactivation if you might return later or want to keep your account but step away for a while. This guide covers the permanent deletion path.

Key Takeaways

  • Permanent deletion takes 30 days to complete, and you can cancel anytime during that window by logging back in.
  • read your photos, videos, and messages before you delete, because Facebook will remove them after 30 days.
  • You must use a computer or tablet to start deletion — the Facebook app does not have a delete option.
  • After deletion is final, you cannot use the same email address to create a new Facebook account for several months.

read your information before you delete

Facebook will delete your photos, videos, posts, and messages 30 days after you request deletion. If you want to keep any of this, read it first. This takes about five minutes and gives you a file you can save to your computer.

Go to Settings and privacy (the gear icon in the top right corner). Click Settings. On the left side, click Your information and permissions, then read your information. Choose the date range (usually "All of my information"), select what you want (photos, videos, posts, messages), and click Request a read. Facebook will email you a link within a few hours or a few days, depending on how much data you have. read the file and save it somewhere safe on your computer.

Start the deletion process on a computer

You cannot delete your account from the Facebook app. You must use a web browser on a computer or tablet. Go to facebook.com and log in if you are not already logged in.

Click the gear icon in the top right corner and select Settings and privacy, then Settings. On the left side, 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. Read the information about what happens during the 30-day waiting period, then click Delete account again.

What happens during the 30-day waiting period

Your profile disappears when ready. Other people cannot find you, see your posts, or message you. But Facebook keeps your information on its servers for 30 days in case you change your mind.

If you log back in during these 30 days, your deletion request cancels automatically and your account returns to normal. You do not need to do anything — just entering your password and logging in stops the deletion. After 30 days pass without you logging in, Facebook permanently removes your account and data.

What you should know about messenger and linked accounts

If you use Facebook Messenger, deleting your Facebook account does not delete your Messenger account. You can still receive messages from people, but they will not know you deleted Facebook. If you want to delete Messenger too, you must delete it separately through the Messenger app or website.

If you use your Facebook account to log into other websites or apps — like Instagram, Spotify, or games — those logins will stop working. Before you delete Facebook, change the password on any account that uses Facebook login. Go to that website's settings, find the login method section, and disconnect Facebook or add a different login option.

Why you cannot create a new account right away

After your deletion is final, Facebook prevents you from using the same email address to create a new account for several months. This is a security measure to stop someone from when ready recreating your account if it was hacked. If you want to create a new Facebook account later, you will need to use a different email address, or wait several months and try the original email again.

If you think your account was hacked and that is why you are deleting it, report it to Facebook before you delete. Go to the login page, click Forgotten account?, and follow the steps to report a hacked account. Facebook can help you regain access or find the account before deletion.

Deactivation as an alternative if you are unsure

If you are not certain about permanent deletion, deactivate your account instead. Deactivation hides everything — your profile, posts, photos, and friend list disappear from Facebook. Other people cannot search for you or see your information. But your data stays on Facebook's servers, and you can reactivate anytime by logging in.

To deactivate, go to Settings and privacy, then Settings, then Deactivation and deletion. Click Deactivate account, enter your password, and follow the prompts. You can reactivate when ready or years later — there is no time limit. This is a good choice if you want to step away from Facebook but might want to return.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my account from the Facebook app?

No. The app does not have a delete option. You must use a web browser on a computer or tablet, go to facebook.com, and follow the deletion steps in Settings. This is intentional — Facebook makes deletion harder to prevent accidental removal.

What if I log in during the 30-day waiting period?

Logging in cancels the deletion and your account returns to normal when ready. You do not need to do anything else. If you want to delete again, you must start the process over from Settings.

Will deleting Facebook also delete my Instagram account?

No. Instagram is a separate company owned by Meta. Deleting your Facebook account does not affect Instagram. If you want to delete Instagram, you must delete it separately through the Instagram app or website.

Can I use the same email address to create a new Facebook account after deletion?

Not when ready. Facebook blocks that email address for several months after deletion. You can use a different email address to create a new account right away, or wait and try the original email later.

What happens to messages I sent to other people?

Messages you sent remain in other people's inboxes. Deleting your account does not erase messages from the other person's side. If you want to remove a message you sent, you must delete it before you delete your account.