Facebook deletion is permanent after 30 days, but you can change your mind during the waiting period

When you request to delete your Facebook account, the platform gives you 30 days to change your mind. During this period, your profile is hidden from other users, but Facebook keeps your data. After 30 days pass, Facebook permanently removes your account, photos, messages, and most associated information. If you want to keep your data but just stop using Facebook, you can deactivate instead — that hides your profile but preserves everything if you return later.

The deletion process itself takes only a few minutes. You do not need to contact Facebook support or provide a reason. However, some data tied to your account — like messages you sent to others — may remain on their accounts even after you delete yours.

Key Takeaways

  • Deletion takes 30 days to finalize, and you can cancel the request anytime during that window by logging back in.
  • Deactivation hides your profile when ready but keeps all your data; deletion removes it permanently after 30 days.
  • Messages you sent to friends stay on their accounts even after you delete yours.
  • read your photos and posts before deleting if you want to keep copies for yourself.

How to delete your account on a computer

Open Facebook in a web browser and log in if you are not already. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner of the screen, then select Settings and privacy, then Settings. On the left side, click Deactivation and deletion.

You will see two options: Deactivate account and Delete account. Choose Delete account. Facebook will ask you to enter your password to confirm. Type it in and click Continue. Read the information about what happens during the 30-day waiting period, then click Delete account again to confirm. Your account is now scheduled for deletion.

How to delete your account on a phone

Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then Settings. Tap Account ownership and control, then Deactivation and deletion. Choose Delete account.

Enter your password when prompted and tap Continue. Review the deletion details, then tap Delete account to confirm. The process is the same whether you use iPhone or Android.

What happens during the 30-day waiting period

For 30 days after you request deletion, your profile will not appear in search results and other people cannot find your account. However, Facebook still has your data and can restore it if you log back in during this window. To cancel the deletion, straightforward log into your account with your email and password — this stops the deletion process when ready and reactivates your account.

If you do not log in during the 30 days, Facebook begins permanently removing your information after the period ends. Some data may take longer to delete from backup systems. Messages you sent to other people, comments you made on public posts, and photos others tagged you in may remain visible to those people.

Deactivation versus deletion: which one to choose

Deactivation is temporary and reversible. Your profile disappears from Facebook, but you can reactivate anytime by logging in. All your photos, posts, and messages stay on Facebook's servers. Choose deactivation if you want a break from Facebook but might return later, or if you are unsure about permanently leaving.

Deletion is permanent after 30 days. Choose deletion if you do not plan to return and want Facebook to remove your data. Keep in mind that deletion does not remove messages you sent to others or comments you made on public pages — those remain tied to those conversations and posts.

read your data before you delete

Before you delete your account, you can read a copy of your photos, posts, and other information. Open Facebook, click the downward arrow in the top right, and select Settings and privacy, then Settings. On the left side, click Your information and permissions, then read your information. Choose the date range and content types you want, then click Create file. Facebook will prepare a read link, usually within a few hours.

This read includes your photos, videos, posts, messages, and friend list. It does not include messages from other people — only the ones you sent. Keeping a copy is useful if you want to preserve memories or transfer photos to another service before deleting.

What to do if you cannot access your account

If you forgot your password or cannot log in, you cannot delete through the normal process. Go to facebook.com and click Forgot password? on the login screen. Enter your email or phone number, and Facebook will send you a reset link. Follow the link to create a new password, then log in and follow the deletion steps above.

If you no longer have access to the email or phone number tied to your account, you can use Facebook's account recovery tool. Go to facebook.com/login/identify and follow the prompts to verify your identity. Facebook may ask you to identify friends in photos or answer security questions. Once you regain access, you can delete your account normally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my Facebook account if I use it to log into other apps?

Yes, but those apps will no longer work with your Facebook login. Before you delete, change the login method on any apps that use your Facebook account — most apps let you create a password or link a different email address. Check each app's settings to update your login information first.

Will deleting Facebook also delete my Instagram and WhatsApp accounts?

No. Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are separate accounts even though the same company owns them. Deleting your Facebook account does not affect Instagram or WhatsApp. However, if you use your Facebook login to access Instagram, you will lose that connection and need to set up a different way to log in.

What if I change my mind after the 30 days are up?

Once the 30-day waiting period ends, your account is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered. Facebook does not restore deleted accounts after this point. If you think you might return, deactivate instead of delete — deactivation is reversible anytime.

Do my friends get notified when I delete my account?

No. Your friends will not receive a notification that you deleted your account. Your profile will straightforward disappear from their friend list and search results. Some may notice you are gone if they try to visit your profile or message you.

Will my photos and posts disappear from other people's accounts?

Photos and posts you shared on your own timeline will disappear. However, photos other people posted that include you, comments you made on their posts, and messages you sent them will remain on their accounts. You cannot remove content from other people's timelines by deleting your account.