How to delete a Facebook account you no longer use

To delete a second Facebook account, go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then scroll to find "Deactivation and Deletion." Choose "Delete Account" (not Deactivate), confirm your identity, and wait 30 days. During those 30 days, you can cancel the deletion by logging back in. After 30 days, Facebook removes your profile, posts, photos, and messages from its servers. Some information tied to other accounts or services may remain.

The difference between deactivation and deletion matters. Deactivating hides your profile temporarily — you can reactivate it anytime. Deletion is permanent after the 30-day window closes. If you think you might want the account back, deactivation is the safer choice. If you are certain you want it gone, deletion is what you need.

Key Takeaways

  • Deletion takes 30 days to complete, and you can cancel anytime during that window by logging in.
  • After 30 days, your profile, posts, photos, and messages are removed from Facebook's servers permanently.
  • Deactivation hides your account but keeps it recoverable; deletion removes it entirely.
  • Some information may remain on Facebook's backup systems or linked to other accounts and services.
  • You must confirm your identity with a password or two-factor code before deletion begins.

The difference between deactivation and deletion

Deactivation and deletion are two separate paths, and choosing the wrong one means extra work later. When you deactivate an account, your profile disappears from Facebook — people cannot find you, message you, or see your posts. But the account itself stays in Facebook's system. You can log back in anytime and reactivate it, and everything returns exactly as it was.

Deletion is permanent. After the 30-day waiting period ends, Facebook removes your account, posts, photos, comments, and messages from its active servers. You cannot get the account back. If you had a second account you created by mistake or no longer want, deletion is the right choice. If you are taking a break or unsure, deactivate instead.

Step-by-step: How to delete your account on desktop

Open Facebook in a web browser and log into the account you want to delete. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner and select "Settings and Privacy," then "Settings." On the left side, scroll down until you see "Deactivation and Deletion." Click it.

You will see two options: "Deactivate Account" and "Delete Account." Click "Delete Account." Facebook will ask you to confirm your identity — enter your password or use two-factor authentication if you have it set up. Then select a reason for deletion from the dropdown menu (the reason does not affect the process). Click "Delete Account" again to confirm.

Facebook will show you a 30-day countdown. Your account is now scheduled for deletion. During these 30 days, if you change your mind, straightforward log back in with your email and password, and the deletion will cancel. After 30 days pass with no login, the deletion becomes permanent.

How to delete your account on mobile

On iPhone or Android, 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." Scroll to the bottom and tap "Deactivation and Deletion." Choose "Delete Account."

Enter your password or use two-factor authentication to confirm your identity. Select a reason for deletion and tap "Delete Account" again. The 30-day countdown begins. You can cancel anytime during this period by logging back in through the app or a web browser.

What happens to your data during the 30-day waiting period

During the 30 days after you request deletion, your profile is hidden from Facebook. People cannot search for you, see your posts, or message you. But your data still exists on Facebook's servers. If you log back in before the 30 days end, everything restores — your posts, photos, friends list, and messages all return unchanged.

Facebook keeps your information during this window in case you cancel. This also gives the company time to remove your data from its backup systems. After 30 days, if you have not logged in, Facebook begins permanently removing your account from its active and backup servers.

Information that may remain after deletion

Even after your account is fully deleted, some information may stay on Facebook's systems. Messages you sent to other people remain in their inboxes — deleting your account does not erase conversations from the other person's side. Photos you uploaded that other people have saved or shared may still exist in their accounts or in Facebook's backup systems.

If you linked your Facebook account to other apps or services (like Spotify, Instagram, or a game), those connections break when your account deletes. But the other apps keep their own records of what you did there. Facebook also keeps some data for legal reasons, fraud prevention, or to comply with laws — this data is not tied to your profile and is not visible to other users.

What to do before you delete

Before you start the deletion process, read your information if you want to keep a copy. Go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then scroll to "Your Information and Permissions" and click "read Your Information." You can choose what to read — photos, posts, messages, and more. Facebook sends you a file you can save to your computer.

Tell people you want to stay in touch that you are deleting the account and give them another way to reach you — your phone number, email, or another social media account. If you have a business page or group you manage, decide what to do with it first. You cannot delete a business page through your personal account deletion; you have to manage it separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel the deletion after the 30 days are up?

No. After 30 days pass without you logging in, the deletion becomes permanent and cannot be undone. Facebook removes your account from its servers. If you think you might want the account back, log in during the 30-day window to cancel.

Will deleting my account remove me from group chats or messages?

Your account will be deleted, but the messages you sent remain in other people's inboxes and in group chats. Other people will see your messages, but your profile will no longer be linked to them. You will not receive new messages because your account no longer exists.

What happens to photos I posted if I delete my account?

Photos you uploaded are removed from your profile and Facebook's servers after 30 days. However, if other people saved, downloaded, or shared your photos, those copies remain in their possession and on their devices. You cannot remove photos from other people's accounts.

Do I need to delete my Instagram account separately?

Yes. Deleting your Facebook account does not delete your Instagram account, even though Facebook owns Instagram. You must delete Instagram separately through its own settings. Log into Instagram, go to Settings, scroll to "Account," and select "Delete Account."

What if I forgot the password to my second account?

You can still delete it. On the Facebook login page, click "Forgotten Password?" and follow the steps to reset it using your email or phone number. Once you reset the password, log in and follow the deletion steps. If you cannot access the email or phone number linked to the account, you may need to contact Facebook through its help center for information.