Facebook gives you two ways to stop using your account: deactivation and deletion

Deactivation hides your profile, posts, and photos from other people, but Facebook keeps your data in case you change your mind and log back in within 30 days. Deletion removes your account permanently after 30 days and erases most of your information from Facebook's servers. Most people choose deletion if they are leaving for good.

The process takes just a few minutes on any device, but the waiting period is built in — Facebook does not remove your account when ready. If you deactivate and then log back in during those 30 days, your account reactivates and deletion stops. If you do nothing for 30 days, the deletion becomes permanent.

This guide covers both paths and what happens to your data, your messages, and your photos after you choose one.

Key Takeaways

  • Deactivation hides your account but keeps your data; deletion removes it permanently after 30 days.
  • You can reverse deactivation by logging back in anytime within 30 days, but deletion cannot be undone after that period ends.
  • Facebook keeps messages you sent to others even after you delete your account, though the sender name may change.
  • read your photos and posts before you delete if you want to keep copies, because Facebook's recovery options are limited after deletion is final.
  • You must use a computer or the mobile web version to delete; the Facebook app does not offer a deletion option.

How to deactivate your Facebook account

Deactivation is the faster, reversible option. Your profile disappears from search results and other people cannot see your posts or send you messages, but your account still exists on Facebook's servers. Log back in anytime within 30 days and your account comes back exactly as it was.

On a computer, click the downward arrow in the top right corner of Facebook and select Settings and privacy, then Settings. On the left side, click Deactivation and deletion. Choose Deactivate account and click Continue. Facebook will ask you to confirm your password and choose a reason for leaving (this is optional). Click Deactivate and your account is hidden when ready.

On a phone using the mobile web version (not the app), tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right, scroll down to Settings and privacy, then Settings. Tap Deactivation and deletion, choose Deactivate account, and follow the same steps. The app itself does not have a deactivation option, so you must use the web version.

How to permanently delete your Facebook account

Deletion removes your account and most of your data after 30 days. During this waiting period, you can still log in and cancel the deletion. After 30 days pass with no login, Facebook erases your account and you cannot recover it.

On a computer, go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Deactivation and deletion. This time, choose Delete account instead of deactivate. Click Continue, confirm your password, and click Delete account. Facebook will show you a 30-day countdown. Do not log in during this time, or the deletion will stop and your account will reactivate.

On mobile web, follow the same path: three lines > Settings and privacy > Settings > Deactivation and deletion > Delete account. Again, the Facebook app does not offer deletion, so use the web version in your phone's browser.

What happens to your photos, posts, and messages

After deletion, your posts and photos disappear from Facebook and cannot be recovered through the platform. However, Facebook may keep copies of your data for a limited time for legal and security reasons, though you will not be able to see or recover them yourself.

Messages you sent to other people remain in their inboxes, but your name may appear as "Facebook User" instead of your real name. Messages people sent to you are deleted from your inbox, but the other person still has their copy of the conversation. If you want to preserve your photos and posts, read them before you delete.

If you had a Facebook Page (separate from your personal account), deleting your account does not automatically delete the Page. You must delete the Page separately through the Page settings if you want it gone.

How to read your photos and posts before deleting

Facebook lets you read a copy of your information before your account is deleted. On a computer, 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, videos, etc.), and click Request a read.

Facebook will prepare a file and send you a link by email, usually within a few hours. The file is compressed and contains your data in a format you can open on your computer. This read is separate from the deletion process, so you can do it anytime — before, during, or even after you deactivate (but not after deletion is final).

Reasons people choose deactivation over deletion

Some people deactivate instead of deleting because they want to keep the option of returning without losing everything. Deactivation is useful if you are taking a break from Facebook but might want to check messages or reconnect with people later. It also preserves your account history in case you need to reference something.

Others deactivate because they use Facebook Messenger separately and want to keep that access. Deactivating your account does not disable Messenger, so you can still send and receive messages even though your profile is hidden. If you delete your account, Messenger access is removed as well.

Deletion is the right choice if you want a complete break and do not plan to return. The 30-day waiting period is a safety net — if you change your mind, you can log in and stop the deletion. After 30 days, there is no recovery option.

What to do if you change your mind during the 30-day waiting period

If you deleted your account but want to keep it, log in with your email and password anytime before the 30 days are up. Your account will reactivate when ready and deletion will be cancelled. Your photos, posts, and messages will be restored.

If you deactivated and want to reactivate, straightforward log in with your email and password. Your account comes back right away with no waiting period. You can deactivate and reactivate as many times as you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my Facebook account from the app?

No. The Facebook app does not have a deletion or deactivation option. You must use a computer or open Facebook in your phone's web browser (not the app) to delete or deactivate. Go to facebook.com in Safari, Chrome, or another browser on your phone and follow the same steps as on a computer.

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

Messenger access is removed when you delete your account. If you deactivate instead, Messenger stays active and you can still send and receive messages. This is one reason some people choose deactivation — they can keep using Messenger without their profile being visible.

Will deleting my account remove me from Facebook groups and events?

Yes. When your account is deleted, you are removed from all groups and events. Your name will no longer appear as a member or attendee. If you deactivate instead, you remain in groups and events, but other people cannot see that you are there.

Can someone else access my account after I delete it?

No. After the 30-day waiting period ends, your account is permanently deleted and cannot be accessed by anyone, including you. During the 30 days, only you can log in and cancel the deletion. If someone else has your password, change it when ready before you request deletion.

How long does it take for Facebook to completely remove my data?

Deletion takes 30 days from the date you request it. After those 30 days pass without you logging in, your account is removed. Facebook may keep some data for legal and security reasons for a longer period, but your account and profile are gone after 30 days.