Facebook gives you two ways to stop using your account: deactivation, which is temporary and reversible, or deletion, which is permanent

Deactivation hides your profile, posts, and friends list from other users, but Facebook keeps your data and you can reactivate anytime by logging back in. Deletion removes your account entirely after 30 days, though Facebook retains some information for legal and safety reasons. Most people choose deactivation if they might return later, and deletion if they want a clean break.

Neither option charges you money — Facebook is free to use and free to leave. The difference matters because reactivation is when ready, while deletion is final after the waiting period ends. You cannot undo a deletion once those 30 days pass.

Key Takeaways

  • Deactivation hides your account temporarily and is reversible by logging in again, while deletion is permanent after 30 days.
  • To deactivate, go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, find Deactivation and Deletion, and choose Deactivate Account.
  • To delete permanently, follow the same path but choose Delete Account, then confirm your password and wait 30 days for removal to complete.
  • Facebook keeps some data after deletion for legal reasons, but your profile and posts are no longer visible to other users.
  • If you deactivate and change your mind, straightforward log in with your email and password to reactivate when ready.

How to deactivate your account temporarily

Deactivation is the faster, reversible option. Open Facebook on a computer or phone, then tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the bottom right corner on mobile, or the downward arrow in the top right on desktop. Scroll down and tap or click Settings and Privacy, then Settings.

Look for the section called Deactivation and Deletion — it appears near the bottom of the Settings menu. Tap or click Deactivate Account. Facebook will ask why you are leaving and offer options to stay in touch; you can skip these or answer them. Enter your password to confirm, then choose Deactivate.

Your profile, posts, photos, and friends list disappear from Facebook when ready. Other users cannot find you or see what you posted. Messages you sent remain in other people's inboxes, but they cannot reply to you or see your profile when they click your name.

How to permanently delete your account

Deletion takes longer but is final. Follow the same first steps: open Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then find Deactivation and Deletion. This time, choose Delete Account instead of Deactivate Account.

Facebook will ask for your password again and show you a 30-day countdown. During these 30 days, your account is in deletion mode — your profile is hidden, but the deletion is not yet complete. If you log in during this window, the deletion cancels and your account reactivates. After 30 days pass with no login, Facebook permanently removes your account.

Some data persists even after deletion: messages you sent to others, content you shared in groups, and information Facebook is legally required to keep for financial or safety records. Your profile, photos, posts, and friends list are gone, but Facebook's servers may retain encrypted backups for a period of time.

What happens to your data after you leave

If you deactivate, Facebook stores everything. Your account data, photos, messages, and friend connections all remain on Facebook's servers. The moment you log in again, your profile reappears exactly as it was. No data is lost during deactivation.

If you delete, Facebook removes your visible profile and posts within 30 days, but keeps some information behind the scenes. This includes messages you sent (which stay in other people's inboxes), data needed for legal compliance, and information tied to financial transactions like purchases or ads you ran. You cannot recover a deleted account after the 30-day window closes.

Downloading your information before you go

Before deactivating or deleting, you can read a copy of your photos, posts, friends list, and messages. Go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then scroll to the bottom and find Your Information. Click read Your Information.

Facebook lets you choose what to read — photos, posts, messages, and more — and what format you want (HTML or JSON). The read can take hours or days depending on how much data you have. Facebook will email you a link when it is ready, usually within a few hours.

This step is optional but useful if you want to keep a personal record of your posts or photos before your account disappears. The read is separate from deactivation or deletion and does not affect your account status.

If you change your mind after deactivating

Reactivating a deactivated account is when ready. straightforward log into Facebook using your email address and password on any device. Your profile, photos, posts, and friends list reappear exactly as they were. No waiting period, no confirmation needed — you are back online as soon as you log in.

You can deactivate and reactivate as many times as you want. Some people deactivate when they need a break and reactivate when they are ready to return. Each time you deactivate, your account goes dark; each time you log in, it comes back.

Removing Facebook from your phone without deleting your account

If you want to stop using Facebook on your phone but keep your account active, straightforward uninstall the app. Uninstalling does not deactivate or delete your account — it only removes the app from your device. Your account remains active and visible to others.

You can still access Facebook through a web browser on your phone or computer. To fully stop using Facebook while keeping the account, deactivation is the better choice, since it hides your profile from others while you are away.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Once 30 days pass after you choose Delete Account, Facebook permanently removes your account and you cannot recover it. If you think you might return, deactivate instead of delete. Deactivation is reversible anytime by logging in.

Will my friends be notified when I deactivate or delete?

No notification is sent. Your friends will straightforward notice your profile is gone and cannot message you. If you want to tell them you are leaving, send them a message or email before you deactivate or delete.

What happens to photos I posted in groups or on other people's pages?

Photos you posted on your own timeline disappear when you delete. Photos you posted in groups or on other people's walls may remain, depending on the group or person's settings. You can delete individual photos from other locations before you deactivate or delete your account.

Can I delete my account from the Facebook app on my phone?

Yes. Open the app, tap the menu icon (three lines) in the bottom right, go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then find Deactivation and Deletion. The process is the same as on a computer.

If I delete my account, will my messages disappear from my friends' inboxes?

No. Messages you sent remain in your friends' inboxes even after your account is deleted. They can still read what you wrote, but they cannot click your name to view your profile or send you a reply.