Facebook gives you two ways to stop using your account: deactivation and deletion
Deactivation hides your profile, posts, and photos from other users, but Facebook keeps your data. You can reactivate by logging back in. Deletion removes your account permanently after 30 days and erases most of your information from Facebook's servers, though some data tied to other companies' systems may remain.
Most people who want to leave Facebook should choose deletion, because deactivation is temporary and your account can be restored by accident if you log in again. Deletion is the only option if you want Facebook to stop storing your information.
Both processes start in the same place: your account settings. The steps differ slightly depending on whether you use Facebook on a computer or phone, and Facebook's interface changes occasionally, so the exact button locations may shift.
Key Takeaways
- Deactivation hides your account but keeps your data on Facebook's servers; deletion removes the account permanently after a 30-day waiting period.
- You must use a computer to delete your account—the deletion option does not appear in the Facebook mobile app.
- After you request deletion, you have 30 days to change your mind by logging back in; after that, the account is gone.
- Some information tied to other websites or apps may remain even after deletion, because those companies store their own copies.
- If you only want to take a break, deactivation is faster, but you should log out completely to avoid accidentally reactivating.
How to delete your account on a computer
Go to facebook.com and log in if you are not already signed in. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner of the page, next to your profile picture. Select Settings and privacy, then click Settings.
On the left side of the page, click Personal information. Look for the row labeled Account ownership and control and click it. You will see two options: Deactivation or deletion. Click that option. Facebook will show you a screen with both choices side by side. Select Delete account and click Continue to account deletion.
Facebook will ask you to enter your password to confirm you own the account. Type it in and click Continue. You will see a final confirmation screen explaining that your account will be deleted in 30 days. Click Delete account to finish. Your account is now scheduled for deletion.
How to deactivate your account on a computer
Follow the same steps as deletion: Settings and privacy → Settings → Personal information → Account ownership and control → Deactivation or deletion. This time, select Deactivate account instead of delete.
Facebook will ask why you are leaving and offer options to pause notifications, hide your account, or change privacy settings. These are optional—you can skip them. Enter your password and click Continue. Your account is now deactivated and hidden from other users.
When you deactivate, Facebook keeps your messages in the inboxes of people who received them, and you can still see your own messages if you reactivate. Your photos and posts are hidden but not deleted.
Deleting your account on a phone or tablet
The Facebook app does not include a deletion option—you must use a web browser on your phone. Open Safari, Chrome, or another browser and go to facebook.com. Log in if needed. Tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) in the bottom right corner of the screen.
Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then tap Settings. Tap Personal information, then Account ownership and control, then Deactivation or deletion. Select Delete account, enter your password, and confirm. The process is the same as on a computer, just with touch controls instead of clicks.
What happens during the 30-day waiting period
After you request deletion, Facebook does not when ready erase your account. Instead, it enters a 30-day waiting period. During this time, your account is hidden from other users, but you can still log in and cancel the deletion if you change your mind.
If you log in during these 30 days, the deletion request is cancelled and your account returns to normal. This is why you should log out of all devices and avoid clicking any Facebook links during the waiting period—accidentally logging in will undo your deletion request.
After 30 days pass with no login, Facebook deletes your account and most of the data associated with it. Some information may take longer to remove from backup systems.
Information that may remain after deletion
Facebook deletes the posts, photos, and messages stored on its own servers, but some data may persist elsewhere. Messages you sent to other people remain in their inboxes, and they can still see them after your account is gone. Copies of your photos or posts that other people shared or downloaded are not deleted.
If you used Facebook to log into other websites or apps—like Spotify, Pinterest, or games—those services have their own records of your activity. Deleting your Facebook account does not delete your accounts on those other services, and it does not remove the data those services collected about you.
Some advertisers may have stored information about you based on your Facebook activity. Deleting your account does not remove you from their databases, though Facebook will stop sending them new data about you.
Deactivation versus deletion: which should you choose
Choose deletion if you want to leave Facebook permanently and do not plan to return. Deletion is the only way to have Facebook stop storing your information, and it prevents accidental reactivation. The 30-day waiting period gives you time to change your mind if you realize you made a mistake.
Choose deactivation if you want to take a break but might return later, or if you are not sure whether you want to leave permanently. Deactivated accounts can be reactivated when ready by logging in, so you do not lose anything if you decide to come back. However, deactivation is not a privacy choice—Facebook still stores all your data and can show your account to other users if you reactivate.
If you deactivate, log out of Facebook on all your devices and delete the app from your phone. This prevents you from accidentally logging in and reactivating your account when you click a Facebook link or see a notification.
What to do before you delete your account
Before you request deletion, read a copy of your photos, videos, and posts. Open Facebook, go to Settings and privacy → Settings → Personal information → Your information and copies. Click read your information and follow the steps to create a file. Facebook will email you a copy of your data, which you can save to your computer.
If you used Facebook to log into other accounts, change those passwords now. Go to each service—Spotify, Pinterest, games, or anything else that uses Facebook login—and set up a new password that does not depend on Facebook. This way, you can still access those accounts after your Facebook account is deleted.
Tell the people you contact through Facebook that you are leaving and provide them with another way to reach you: email, phone, or another messaging app. If you are in any groups that matter to you, take screenshots or notes of important information before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my account from the Facebook app?
No. The Facebook mobile app only offers deactivation. To delete your account, you must use a web browser on your phone, tablet, or computer and go to facebook.com. Open the browser's menu and request the desktop version of the site if the mobile version does not show the deletion option.
What if I log in by accident during the 30-day waiting period?
Logging in cancels your deletion request and reactivates your account when ready. If this happens, go back to Settings and request deletion again. You will have another 30 days. To avoid this, log out of Facebook on all devices, delete the app, and avoid clicking links that might log you in automatically.
Will deleting my Facebook account delete my Instagram or WhatsApp accounts?
No. Facebook owns Instagram and WhatsApp, but they are separate accounts. Deleting your Facebook account does not affect them. If you want to delete Instagram or WhatsApp, you must delete those accounts separately through their own settings.
Can Facebook recover my account after the 30 days are up?
No. After 30 days, your account is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered. This is why the waiting period exists—to give you time to change your mind. If you are certain you want to leave, you do not need to do anything; just wait for the 30 days to pass.
Will my friends still see my old messages after I delete my account?
Yes. Messages you sent to other people remain in their inboxes even after your account is deleted. They can still read what you wrote, but they will not be able to click on your profile or see your other information. If you want those messages removed, you must delete them individually before you delete your account.