Facebook deletion is permanent and takes 30 days to complete
When you delete your Facebook account, the company removes your profile, photos, posts, and messages from its servers. This is different from deactivation, which hides your account but keeps the data. Deletion cannot be undone — after 30 days, your account and everything on it is gone for good.
Facebook gives you a 30-day window to change your mind. If you log back in during those 30 days, the deletion cancels and your account returns to normal. After 30 days pass, Facebook begins removing your data from its backup systems, though some information tied to other users' messages or photos may remain.
Before you start, read your photos and posts if you want to keep them. Facebook lets you request a copy of everything you uploaded — this takes a few hours to a few days to prepare. Once deletion starts, you cannot recover this data through Facebook.
Key Takeaways
- read a copy of your photos, posts, and messages before deleting, because you cannot recover them afterward.
- Deletion takes 30 days to finalize, and logging in during that time cancels the deletion and restores your account.
- You access the deletion tool through Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Deactivation and Deletion.
- Deactivation hides your account but keeps your data; deletion removes it permanently after 30 days.
- Some data tied to other people's posts or messages may remain even after your account is deleted.
How to read your data before deletion
Go to Settings and Privacy, then select Settings. On the left side, click read Your Information. Facebook will show you options for what to read — select All of Your Information to get everything, or choose specific categories like Photos, Posts, or Messages.
Choose a date range (usually "All of Your Information" is the right choice) and select the file format. Facebook recommends HTML for easier viewing on your computer. Click Request a read. Facebook will prepare your file and send you a link by email, usually within a few hours but sometimes taking a few days.
When the email arrives, read the file and save it to your computer or an external drive. The file is large — often several gigabytes if you have been on Facebook for years. Store it somewhere you will remember, because once you delete your account, this read is your only copy of that data.
The step-by-step deletion process
Open Facebook and go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings. On the left menu, scroll down and click Deactivation and Deletion. Facebook will show you 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 next screen will explain that deletion takes 30 days and that you can cancel by logging in. Read through this information, then click Delete Account.
You will see a final confirmation screen. Click Delete Account one more time. Facebook will log you out when ready. Your account is now in the deletion queue and will be fully removed after 30 days.
What happens during the 30-day waiting period
Your profile will not appear in search results or on other people's pages. Friends cannot message you or see your account. However, Facebook keeps your data on its servers during these 30 days in case you change your mind.
If you log back into Facebook at any point during the 30 days, the deletion stops and your account returns to normal. You will need to start the deletion process over if you want to proceed. This is why it is important to avoid logging in if you are certain about deleting.
After 30 days pass, Facebook begins removing your information from its active systems. Some data — like messages you sent to other people — may remain in their inboxes or archived conversations. Photos you were tagged in by others may also stay on their profiles.
Deactivation as an alternative to deletion
If you are not ready to delete permanently, deactivation is a middle option. When you deactivate, your profile disappears from Facebook, but your account and data remain on Facebook's servers. You can reactivate anytime by logging back in.
To deactivate, go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings. Click Deactivation and Deletion and select Deactivate Account. Facebook will ask why you are leaving and offer options to stay in touch. You can choose to stay friends with specific people or receive email updates. Enter your password and click Deactivate Account.
Deactivation is useful if you want to take a break without losing your account forever. You can reactivate by logging in with your email and password. However, if you eventually want to delete permanently, you will still need to go through the 30-day deletion process.
What data stays after deletion
Messages you sent to other people usually remain in their inboxes and message threads, even after your account is deleted. If someone saved a screenshot of your post or photo, that copy stays with them. Photos you were tagged in by others remain on their profiles and in their albums.
Information you shared with apps or websites that use Facebook Login may also persist. If you logged into Spotify, Pinterest, or another service using your Facebook account, that connection ends when you delete, but the app keeps any data it already collected from you.
Facebook may also keep some data for legal reasons, fraud prevention, or to comply with laws. The company states it may retain certain information even after deletion, though this is typically limited to what is necessary for those purposes.
Before you delete: things to check
If you use Facebook Login to access other accounts, change those passwords first. Go to each app or website where you logged in with Facebook, update your password to something you create yourself, and disconnect the Facebook Login option. This prevents you from being locked out after deletion.
Check if you run a Facebook Page or Group. If you are the only admin, the Page or Group will be deleted along with your account. If you want to keep it, transfer admin rights to another person first. Go to the Page or Group settings and add a new admin before deleting your account.
Tell people who need to reach you that you are leaving. Text, email, or message close friends and family with an alternative way to contact you. This is especially important if people rely on Facebook Messenger to reach you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my Facebook account on my phone?
Yes. Open the Facebook app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), scroll down to Settings and Privacy, then Settings. Tap Deactivation and Deletion and follow the same steps as on a computer. The process is identical.
What if I change my mind during the 30 days?
Log back into Facebook with your email and password. Your account will return to normal and the deletion will cancel. You will need to start the deletion process over if you want to delete again.
Will deleting Facebook also delete my Instagram account?
No. Facebook and Instagram are separate accounts, even though Facebook owns Instagram. Deleting your Facebook account does not affect Instagram. You must delete Instagram separately if you want to remove that account too.
How do I know if my account is actually deleted?
After 30 days, try searching for your name on Facebook. Your profile should not appear. You can also try logging in with your email and password — you should get an error message saying the account does not exist.
Can Facebook recover my account after 30 days?
No. After 30 days, Facebook begins permanently removing your data from its servers. The company cannot restore a deleted account. This is why downloading your data before deletion is important.