You can remove a group you created, but leaving one you joined works differently
If you created the group, you can delete it entirely — Facebook will remove all posts, members, and the group page itself. If you joined someone else's group, you can only leave it; the group stays active for other members. The steps differ, and what happens to your posts depends on which action you take.
Deleting a group you own is permanent and cannot be undone. Leaving a group you joined is reversible — you can rejoin later if the group is still public or if a member invites you back.
Key Takeaways
- Deleting a group you created removes it entirely from Facebook, including all posts and member records, and this action cannot be reversed.
- Leaving a group you joined removes you from the member list but leaves the group active for everyone else.
- If you are an admin of a group you did not create, you can remove yourself as admin but the group continues under other admins.
- Your posts in a group remain visible to group members even after you leave, unless you delete them individually before leaving.
- On mobile and desktop, the steps are the same — find the group, open its menu, and select the removal option.
How to delete a group you created
Open the group page on Facebook. At the top right, click the three dots (or the gear icon on older versions). Scroll down and select "Delete Group". Facebook will ask you to confirm — click "Delete" again. The group disappears when ready.
Before you delete, know that all posts, photos, files, and member records are gone. If you want to keep a record of what was posted, take screenshots or read the group's content first. Once deleted, you cannot restore it.
If the group has many members, consider announcing the deletion in advance so people know where to find you or the community elsewhere. You can post a final message before deleting, or send a message to active members through Messenger.
How to leave a group you joined
Open the group page. At the top right, click the three dots. Select "Leave Group". Click "Leave" to confirm. You are now removed from the member list.
Your posts and comments remain visible to group members after you leave — leaving does not erase your history in the group. If you want those posts gone, delete them individually before you leave. Open each post, click the three dots on it, and select "Delete".
After you leave, you will not receive notifications from the group. If the group is public, you can rejoin anytime. If it is private, you will need an existing member to send you an invitation.
What to do if you are an admin but did not create the group
You have two options: remove yourself as an admin, or leave the group entirely. If other admins exist, you can straightforward step down without affecting the group.
To remove yourself as admin, open the group, click the three dots, and select "Remove Yourself as Admin". The group continues under the remaining admins. To leave the group completely, follow the steps above for leaving a group you joined.
If you are the only admin left, Facebook will not let you delete the group unless you are also the creator. You can transfer admin rights to another member first, then leave. Open the group settings, find the member you want to promote, and select "Make Admin".
Removing a specific member from a group you manage
If you are an admin or the group creator and want to remove someone else, open the group and go to the Members section. Find the person's name, click the three dots next to it, and select "Remove from Group". They are removed when ready and cannot see the group anymore unless they are invited back.
Removed members do not receive a notification that they were removed, but they will notice the group no longer appears in their list. Their posts in the group remain visible to other members unless you delete those posts separately.
If a member is causing problems, you can also restrict their posting before removing them. Click the three dots next to their name and select "Restrict". They can still see the group, but their posts must be approved by an admin before other members see them.
What happens to your posts and comments after removal
When you leave a group, your posts stay in the group and remain visible to members. When you are removed by an admin, the same applies — your content does not disappear. Only the group creator can delete the entire group and erase all posts at once.
If you want your individual posts gone before you leave, delete them one at a time. Open the post, click the three dots, and select "Delete Post". This removes it from the group permanently. Comments you made on other people's posts can be deleted the same way.
If you delete your Facebook account, your posts in groups become anonymous — they show as posted by a removed user, but the text remains. The only way to fully erase your posts is to delete them before you leave the group or before your account is deleted.
Removing a group from your sidebar or notifications
If you want to stay in a group but do not want to see it in your sidebar or receive notifications, you do not have to leave. Instead, mute the group or hide it from your sidebar.
To mute notifications, open the group, click the three dots, and select "Mute Group". Choose how long to mute it — options include 15 minutes, 1 hour, 8 hours, or until you turn notifications back on. You stay in the group and can still visit it, but you will not get alerts.
To hide the group from your sidebar without muting, right-click the group name in your sidebar and select "Hide". It no longer appears in your list, but you can still find it by searching for the group name. You remain a member.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover a group after I delete it?
No. Deleting a group is permanent. Facebook does not offer a recovery option. If you think you might want the group back, consider leaving instead of deleting, or read the group's content before you delete it.
What happens to the group if I am the only admin?
If you are the only admin and also the creator, you can delete the group. If you are the only admin but did not create it, you cannot delete it — you can only remove yourself as admin or leave the group. Promote another member to admin first if you want to step down.
Do people get notified when I leave a group?
No. Members do not receive a notification that you left. Your name straightforward disappears from the member list. Admins can see who has left if they check the member list, but they do not get an alert.
Can I leave a group and rejoin later?
Yes, if the group is public. You can rejoin anytime by searching for it and clicking "Join". If the group is private, you will need an existing member to send you an invitation before you can rejoin.
If I delete my posts before leaving, will people know I was in the group?
They will know you were a member because your name appears in the group's history and member records. Deleting your posts removes your content, but not the record that you participated. Only the group creator can erase all evidence by deleting the entire group.