Facebook gives you two separate options: deactivation, which pauses your account, and deletion, which removes it permanently

Deactivation hides your profile, posts, and messages from other people, but Facebook keeps your data in case you change your mind and log back in within 30 days. Deletion is permanent — after 30 days, Facebook removes your information from its servers, though some data tied to other people's messages or photos may remain. Most people who want to leave Facebook entirely should choose deletion rather than deactivation.

The process itself takes just a few minutes, but the waiting period is where most people get confused. Facebook does not remove your account when ready. Instead, it enters a 30-day grace period during which you can cancel the deletion by logging back in. After those 30 days pass, deletion becomes irreversible.

Key Takeaways

  • Deactivation temporarily hides your account but keeps your data; deletion permanently removes it after a 30-day waiting period.
  • You can cancel a deletion request by logging in during the 30-day grace period, but after that your account cannot be recovered.
  • Facebook removes your posts, photos, and messages from public view, though copies may exist in other people's inboxes or backups.
  • Before you delete, read your photos and messages if you want to keep them, because you will lose access after the grace period ends.
  • Deactivation is reversible at any time, making it a safer choice if you are unsure whether you want to leave permanently.

How to delete your account from 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, next to your name. A menu will appear with several options.

Select Settings and Privacy, then click Settings. On the left side of the screen, you will see a column of options. Scroll down until you find Deactivation and Deletion and click it. Facebook will show you two buttons: one for deactivation and one for deletion. Click Delete Account.

Facebook will ask you to confirm your password and may ask for a security code sent to your email or phone. Enter these details. Then you will see a screen explaining what happens when you delete — read through it, because this is your final note to change your mind before the 30-day period begins. Click Delete Account again to confirm.

How to delete your account from a phone

Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings and Privacy, then tap Settings. Scroll down to find Deactivation and Deletion and tap it.

Tap Delete Account. Facebook will ask for your password and may send a security code to your email or phone number. Enter both. Review the final confirmation screen, which explains the 30-day waiting period and what data will be removed. Tap Delete Account to finish.

What happens during the 30-day waiting period

Your account is hidden when ready — other people cannot find your profile, see your posts, or message you. However, your data still exists on Facebook's servers. If you log back in with your email and password at any point during these 30 days, the deletion will be cancelled and your account will return to normal.

After 30 days pass, Facebook begins removing your information. This process can take several weeks to complete fully. Some data may persist longer — for example, if someone else tagged you in a photo or included you in a message thread, copies of that data may remain in their account or in Facebook's backup systems.

How to read your information before deleting

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

Facebook will show you options for what to read — you can select photos, videos, posts, messages, and more. Choose a date range (usually "All Time" if you want everything) and a file format (HTML is easiest to read). Click Request read. Facebook will prepare a file and email it to you, usually within a few hours. read that file and save it somewhere safe before you delete your account.

Deactivation as an alternative to deletion

If you are not certain you want to leave Facebook permanently, deactivation is a safer choice. Your profile, posts, and messages disappear from view, and other people cannot find you or contact you through Facebook. However, your account and all your data remain on Facebook's servers.

You can reactivate a deactivated account at any time by logging in with your email and password. Your profile, photos, and messages will return exactly as they were. There is no waiting period and no risk of permanent loss. Many people deactivate when they want a break from social media but are not ready to delete permanently.

What to do if you change your mind during the 30-day period

If you realize you want to keep your account, log in to Facebook using your email and password before the 30 days are up. Your account will when ready return to normal — all your posts, photos, and messages will be visible again, and your friends will be able to find you.

There is no special process to cancel a deletion. straightforward logging in is enough. If you cannot remember your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login screen to reset it. After you log in, your account is no longer scheduled for deletion.

What data Facebook keeps after deletion

Facebook removes your posts, photos, profile information, and messages from its main servers. However, some information may remain in places you cannot see. If someone else sent you a message, a copy exists in their inbox even after you delete. If someone tagged you in a photo, that photo remains in their account. If you commented on a public post, your comment may remain visible.

Facebook also keeps some data for legal and security reasons — for example, records of transactions if you made purchases, or information needed to investigate fraud or abuse. This data is not linked to your profile and is not visible to other users. After a certain period (which varies by the type of data), Facebook deletes this information too.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can delete your Facebook account, but any apps or websites that use Facebook Login will lose access to your account. Before you delete, check which apps are connected to Facebook by going to Settings, then Apps and Websites. You may want to set up a separate password for those apps first so you can still use them after your Facebook account is gone.

Will deleting my Facebook account also delete my Instagram or WhatsApp?

No. Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are separate accounts, even though the same company owns them. Deleting your Facebook account will not affect Instagram or WhatsApp. However, if you use your Facebook account to log into Instagram, you will need to set up a separate Instagram password before you delete Facebook.

What if I do not log in during the 30-day period — does my account automatically delete?

Yes. If you do not log in during the 30 days after requesting deletion, your account will be permanently deleted. You do not have to do anything else — Facebook will remove it automatically once the waiting period ends.

Can someone else access my account after I delete it?

No. Once the 30-day period ends and your account is fully deleted, no one can log into it. Your email address will eventually become available to use for a new Facebook account, but your old account and its data will be gone.

How long does it take for Facebook to completely remove my data?

The 30-day waiting period is when you can still cancel. After those 30 days, Facebook begins removing your information, but the process can take several weeks. Some backup copies may take longer to delete. You will not see a notification when deletion is complete — it straightforward happens in the background.