What Temporary Closure Does and Why You Might Choose It

Temporarily closing Facebook means your profile, photos, and posts disappear from the site, but Facebook keeps all your data in case you return. Your account is not deleted — it is hidden. You can reactivate it anytime by logging back in, and everything comes back exactly as it was.

This is different from permanently deleting your account, which takes 30 days to complete and erases your data. Temporary closure is the right choice if you want a break from Facebook but might want to return, or if you are not sure yet whether you want to leave for good.

People choose temporary closure for many reasons: taking a break from social media, stepping back during a difficult time, reducing screen time, or straightforward needing space from certain people or content. Unlike deactivation on some other platforms, Facebook's temporary closure is straightforward and reversible.

Key Takeaways

  • Temporary closure hides your profile and posts but keeps all your data on Facebook's servers, ready to restore if you log back in.
  • Your friends will not see your profile or messages you sent, but they can still see old comments you made on their posts unless you delete them first.
  • You can reactivate your account anytime by logging in with your email and password — there is no waiting period.
  • Facebook will send you reminder emails while your account is closed, and you can choose whether to receive them.

How to Close Your Account on Desktop

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 page — this opens a menu with your account settings.

Select Settings and Privacy, then click Settings. On the left side, you will see a menu. Scroll down and click Deactivation and Deletion. Facebook uses the word "deactivation" for temporary closure, which can be confusing, but this is the correct section.

You will see two options: Deactivate Account and Delete Account. Click Deactivate Account. Facebook will ask you to choose a reason for leaving — this is optional, but it helps Facebook understand why people step back. Select a reason or skip this step.

Enter your password to confirm, then click Deactivate. Your account is now closed. You will be logged out when ready, and your profile will no longer be visible to other users.

How to Close Your Account on Mobile

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.

Scroll down to find Accounts Center and tap it. Tap Accounts, then select your Facebook account from the list. Tap Personal Information, then Account Ownership and Control.

Tap Deactivation or Deletion. Choose Deactivate Account (not Delete Account). Facebook will ask for your reason — you can answer or skip. Enter your password and tap Deactivate. Your account is now closed on mobile as well.

What Happens to Your Data While Your Account Is Closed

Your photos, posts, and messages are stored on Facebook's servers but hidden from view. Friends cannot see your profile or send you messages. However, comments you made on other people's posts will still be visible unless you delete them before closing your account.

If you want to remove old comments, go through your timeline before deactivating and delete any comments you do not want others to see. This step takes time but gives you more control over what remains public.

Facebook will continue to send you emails while your account is closed — notifications about friend requests, messages, or activity on your posts. You can turn these off by unchecking the email notification box before you deactivate, or you can straightforward ignore them.

How to Reactivate Your Account

To bring your account back, straightforward log into Facebook with your email address and password on any device. You can do this on the Facebook website or in the app. There is no waiting period — your account reactivates when ready.

Once you log in, your profile, photos, posts, and friends list will all return exactly as they were. Any messages you received while your account was closed will be waiting for you. The process is when ready and requires no additional steps.

If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page. Facebook will send a reset link to the email address associated with your account. This works the same way whether your account is active or closed.

Permanent Deletion If You Change Your Mind

If you decide you do not want to return to Facebook at all, you can permanently delete your account instead of just closing it. You have 30 days from the moment you request deletion to change your mind — after that, Facebook erases all your data and the account cannot be recovered.

To delete permanently instead of temporarily close, go back to Deactivation and Deletion in Settings and choose Delete Account instead of Deactivate Account. You will need to enter your password and confirm. After 30 days, the deletion is final.

If you temporarily close your account now and later decide you want permanent deletion, you can reactivate it, then go through the deletion process. There is no rush — you can take time to decide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my friends know I closed my account?

Your friends will see that your profile is no longer visible, but Facebook does not send them a notification saying you deactivated. If they try to visit your profile or search for you, they will not find it. Some may notice you are gone, but there is no announcement.

Can I use Facebook Messenger while my account is closed?

No. When you deactivate Facebook, you also lose access to Messenger. You cannot send or receive messages. If you reactivate your account, Messenger works again when ready.

What if I want to delete specific posts before closing my account?

Go to your timeline, find each post you want to remove, click the three dots in the corner of the post, and select Delete. Do this before you deactivate. Once your account is closed, you cannot make changes — you would need to reactivate first.

Does temporary closure affect my Instagram account?

No. Facebook and Instagram are separate accounts. Closing Facebook does not close Instagram, and closing Instagram does not close Facebook. You control each one independently.

How long can I keep my account closed?

There is no time limit. You can keep your account closed indefinitely. You can reactivate it after one day, one year, or ten years — whenever you decide to return.