Facebook gives you two separate paths: deactivation and deletion

Deactivation hides your profile temporarily. Your name disappears from search, your messages stop showing, and your wall goes blank. Facebook keeps all your data and can reactivate your account if you log back in within 30 days. After 30 days, Facebook begins deleting your information, but the process can take up to 90 days total.

Deletion is permanent. You cannot undo it. Facebook removes your profile, photos, posts, and messages from public view. Like deactivation, the actual deletion takes up to 90 days, but you cannot log back in to stop it once you request it. If you try to log in during those 90 days, Facebook will cancel the deletion and reactivate your account instead.

Most people choose deactivation first because it is reversible. You delete only if you are certain you will not want your account back.

Key Takeaways

  • Deactivation hides your profile but keeps your data; you can reactivate within 30 days by logging in again.
  • Deletion is permanent after 90 days and cannot be undone, even if you change your mind during the waiting period.
  • Both processes take up to 90 days for Facebook to fully remove your information from their servers.
  • Logging in during the 90-day deletion window cancels the deletion and reactivates your account automatically.
  • You must use the same device and browser where you normally access Facebook to request either action.

How to deactivate your account on desktop or mobile

Open Facebook and click the downward arrow in the top right corner. Select Settings and privacy, then Settings. On the left side, click Deactivation and deletion. Choose Deactivate account and click Continue to account deactivation.

Facebook will ask you to choose a reason for leaving and whether you want to receive emails about your deactivated account. You can opt out of emails. Enter your password to confirm, then click Deactivate. Your profile disappears when ready, though it takes a few minutes for your name to stop appearing in other people's friend lists and searches.

On mobile, the path is the same: tap the three horizontal lines (menu), scroll to Settings and privacy, tap Settings, scroll down to Deactivation and deletion, and follow the same steps.

How to permanently delete your account on desktop or mobile

Follow the same first steps: downward arrow, Settings and privacy, Settings, then Deactivation and deletion. This time, choose Delete account instead of deactivate. Click Continue to account deletion.

Facebook will ask for your password again and may ask you to enter a security code sent to your email or phone number. Complete these steps and click Delete. You will see a confirmation message. Do not log in again during the next 90 days, or the deletion will be cancelled.

If you use Facebook on mobile, the steps are identical: menu, Settings and privacy, Settings, Deactivation and deletion, then Delete account.

What happens to your messages and photos during deletion

Messages you sent to other people remain in their inboxes even after your account is deleted. Those people can still read what you wrote, but your name will show as a deleted account. You cannot retrieve or edit those messages once deletion begins.

Photos and videos you posted to your own timeline disappear from Facebook within the 90-day window. However, if you tagged yourself in someone else's photo or post, that tag is removed but the photo itself stays on their timeline. If you were tagged in a group photo, the photo remains but your name is no longer attached to it.

Messages in group chats work the same way: your messages stay visible to other group members, but your account name shows as deleted. If you want to remove a specific message before deletion, you can delete individual messages from your inbox before you request account deletion.

What to do if you cannot access your account

If you forgot your password or cannot log in, you cannot use the standard deactivation or deletion path. Go to facebook.com/login and click Forgotten password? Enter the email address or phone number linked to your account. Facebook will send you a link to reset your password.

If you no longer have access to the email or phone number on file, click No longer have access to these? Facebook will ask you to verify your identity using a photo ID or by answering security questions you set up earlier. Once you regain access, follow the deactivation or deletion steps above.

If you cannot recover your account through these methods, you can report the problem to Facebook through their Help Center. Go to facebook.com/help and search for "I can't log in". Facebook's support team can help you regain access, though response times vary.

Reactivating a deactivated account

If you deactivated your account and want to turn it back on, straightforward log in with your email and password. Your profile, friends list, photos, and messages will all return exactly as they were. You can reactivate at any time within the 30-day window.

After 30 days, your account moves into the deletion phase even though you only deactivated it. You can still log in to stop the deletion, but you have a limited window. Once the full 90 days pass, your account is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read my photos and messages before I delete my account?

Yes. Before you deactivate or delete, go to Settings, click Your information and permissions, then read your information. Facebook will create a file with your photos, posts, messages, and other data. This can take several hours or days depending on how much data you have. You will receive a notification when it is ready to read.

Will deleting Facebook also delete my Instagram or WhatsApp account?

No. Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are separate accounts even though Meta owns all three. Deleting your Facebook account does not affect Instagram or WhatsApp. You must delete each account separately if you want to remove all three.

What if I share a Facebook login with someone else?

Only the person who knows the password can request deactivation or deletion. If someone else has access to your account, change your password when ready before you deactivate or delete. Go to Settings, click Password, and enter a new password that only you know.

Can Facebook refuse to delete my account?

Facebook will delete your account if you request it, but they may delay if there is an active legal case or investigation involving your account. If this applies to you, Facebook will notify you. Otherwise, deletion proceeds after the 90-day window closes.

What happens to my Facebook groups or pages I created?

Groups and pages you created remain on Facebook after your account is deleted. If you are the only admin, the group or page becomes inactive but does not disappear. Other members cannot post, but the content stays visible. If you want to remove a group or page before deletion, you can delete it from the group or page settings.