Facebook gives you two choices: deactivation or deletion

Deactivation hides your profile temporarily. Your name disappears from search, your messages stop showing, and your friends cannot see your posts. But Facebook keeps all your data. If you log back in within 30 days, everything returns exactly as it was. After 30 days, the account stays deleted — but Facebook retains your information for legal and security reasons.

Deletion is permanent. You cannot undo it after 30 days. Facebook removes your profile, posts, photos, and messages from public view. However, copies of some information may remain in Facebook's backup systems for up to 90 days, and information you shared with other people (like messages they received from you) stays on their accounts.

Most people choose deactivation first because it is reversible. Choose deletion only if you are certain you will not want to return.

Key Takeaways

  • Deactivation hides your account for 30 days and can be reversed by logging back in; deletion is permanent after 30 days.
  • To deactivate, go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then find Deactivation and Deletion in the left menu.
  • To delete permanently, use the same menu but choose Delete Account, then wait 30 days before Facebook removes it completely.
  • Facebook keeps backup copies of your data for up to 90 days even after deletion, and messages you sent to others remain on their accounts.
  • read your photos, messages, and posts before deleting if you want to keep copies for yourself.

How to deactivate your account (temporary)

Open Facebook on a computer — the mobile app does not have the full deactivation menu. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner, then select Settings and Privacy, then Settings.

On the left side, scroll down and click Deactivation and Deletion. You will see two options. Select Deactivate Account. Facebook will ask you to choose a reason (you do not have to be truthful here — it is optional). Enter your password to confirm, then click Deactivate.

Your account is now hidden. You have 30 days to change your mind. straightforward log back in with your email and password, and your account reactivates when ready with everything intact.

How to permanently delete your account (irreversible after 30 days)

Follow the same first steps: open Facebook on a computer, click the downward arrow, select Settings and Privacy, then Settings. On the left, click Deactivation and Deletion.

This time, select Delete Account. Facebook will ask you to enter your password and solve a security check. Click Delete Account to confirm. Your account is now scheduled for deletion.

You have 30 days to cancel this process. Log back in during this window and your account will not be deleted. After 30 days, Facebook removes your profile, posts, photos, and messages from its servers. The deletion is final.

What happens to your data after deletion

Your profile and posts disappear from Facebook within a few minutes. However, Facebook keeps backup copies of your information for up to 90 days for technical and legal reasons. During this time, if Facebook is served a legal request, they can still access your data.

Messages you sent to other people remain on their accounts. Deleting your account does not erase conversations from your friends' inboxes. Photos you uploaded that others have shared or tagged may still appear in their albums or timelines.

If you were part of a group or event, your name may still appear in the history or member list, depending on the group's settings.

read your information before you delete

If you want to keep copies of your photos, messages, posts, or other data, read them before you delete. Go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings. On the left, click Your Information and Permissions, then read Your Information.

Choose the date range (usually "All of My Data"), select what you want to read (photos, posts, messages, contacts), 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 a compressed folder you can open on your computer.

This step takes time, so do it before you start the deletion process. Once your account is deleted, you cannot retrieve this data from Facebook.

Removing Facebook from other apps and websites

If you used your Facebook login to sign into other apps or websites (like Spotify, Instagram, or games), deleting Facebook does not automatically disconnect those accounts. You will still be able to use them, but you will no longer be able to log in using your Facebook credentials.

Before you delete, change the password on any important accounts that use Facebook login. Go to each app or website, find the login settings, and create a new password that does not depend on Facebook. This prevents you from being locked out after deletion.

If you own an Instagram account linked to the same Facebook business account, note that Instagram is owned by Meta (the parent company of Facebook). Deleting your Facebook account may affect your Instagram access depending on how they are linked.

What to do if you change your mind

If you deactivated your account, straightforward log in with your email and password. Your account reactivates when ready with no action needed.

If you deleted your account and are still within the 30-day window, log in again. Facebook will ask if you want to cancel the deletion. Click yes, and your account is restored. After 30 days, this option is no longer available.

If more than 30 days have passed, your account cannot be recovered. You would need to create a new Facebook account from scratch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my Facebook account from my phone?

The mobile app does not have the full deactivation and deletion menu. You must use a computer or access Facebook through a mobile web browser. Go to facebook.com, log in, and follow the desktop steps above.

Will deleting Facebook also delete my Instagram account?

Not automatically. Instagram and Facebook are separate accounts even though they are owned by the same company. However, if you linked them, deleting Facebook may affect your ability to log into Instagram depending on your setup. Check your Instagram login settings before you delete.

What if I forgot my password and cannot log in to delete?

Use the "Forgot Password" link on the Facebook login page to reset it. You will need access to the email or phone number associated with your account. Once you reset your password, you can log in and proceed with deletion or deactivation.

Does deactivating hide me from Facebook's ads targeting?

Deactivation hides your profile from other users, but Facebook still retains your data and may use it for advertising purposes. If you want Facebook to stop using your data for ads, you must delete your account permanently. Even then, Facebook keeps some data for up to 90 days.

Can I reactivate my account after the 30-day deletion window?

No. After 30 days, your account is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered. You would need to create a brand new account with a new email address if you wanted to use Facebook again.