Facebook deletion is permanent and takes 30 days
When you delete your Facebook account, the company gives you 30 days to change your mind. During that month, your profile is hidden from other users but still exists on Facebook's servers. After 30 days, Facebook permanently removes your account, photos, messages, and all other data you posted. If you want the account gone faster or want to keep it but hide it temporarily, deletion and deactivation are two different paths.
Most people who want their account "gone" actually want deactivation — a pause button that hides your profile without erasing anything. Deletion is the choice when you never want to return and understand that some data (like messages you sent to others) may remain in their inboxes even after your account closes.
Key Takeaways
- Deactivation hides your profile when ready but keeps your account and all data intact; you can reactivate anytime by logging back in.
- Deletion takes 30 days to complete and is permanent — after that period, your account cannot be recovered.
- Messages you sent to others may stay in their inboxes even after you delete your account.
- You can read your photos, videos, and posts before deletion if you want to keep copies.
- Facebook will not delete your account if you log in during the 30-day waiting period.
Deactivate your account if you might return later
Deactivation is the faster, reversible option. Your name and profile picture disappear from Facebook, and other users cannot find your account or see your posts. Messages you already sent stay visible to the people who received them, but you stop receiving new notifications.
To deactivate on a computer, open Facebook and click the downward arrow in the top right corner. Select Settings and privacy, then Settings. On the left menu, click Deactivation and deletion. Choose Deactivate account and follow the prompts. Facebook will ask why you are leaving and offer options to stay in touch with specific friends — you can skip these.
On a phone or tablet, tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) at the bottom right. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then Settings. Tap Accounts center at the bottom, then Accounts. Select your Facebook account and tap Deactivation or deletion. Choose Deactivate account and complete the steps.
Your account stays deactivated until you log back in with your password. There is no time limit — you can reactivate after a week, a year, or whenever you decide to return.
Delete your account permanently in three steps
Permanent deletion requires you to navigate to a specific Facebook page because the option is not in the main settings menu. Go to facebook.com/help/delete_account on any web browser. You do not need to be logged in.
Click the Delete Account button on that page. Facebook will ask you to log in if you are not already signed in. After you log in, you will see a confirmation screen explaining that deletion takes 30 days and that you cannot undo it after that period. Click Delete Account again to confirm.
Facebook will ask for your password one more time for security. Enter it and click Continue. Your account is now scheduled for deletion. You will receive an email confirming the request. Do not log back in during the next 30 days, or the deletion will be cancelled and your account will remain active.
read your data before deletion
If you want to keep copies of your photos, videos, or posts, read them before the 30-day deletion period begins. Once deletion is complete, you cannot recover this information from Facebook.
On a computer, click the downward arrow in the top right corner and select Settings and privacy, then Settings. Click Your information and permissions on the left, then read your information. Choose the date range and content types you want (photos, videos, posts, messages). Select a file format — most people choose HTML because it is easiest to view in a web browser. Click Request a read.
Facebook will prepare your file, which can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours depending on how much data you have. You will receive an email with a read link. The file will be available for a limited time, so read it promptly and save it to your computer or cloud storage.
What happens to your messages and tagged photos
When your account is deleted, messages you sent to other people remain in their inboxes. They can still read what you wrote, but your profile will no longer be attached to those messages. If someone clicks on your name in an old message, they will see a blank profile instead of your account.
Photos that other people tagged you in will stay on their profiles and in their albums. You will no longer appear in the tag, but the photo itself remains. If you want those photos removed, you would need to contact the person who posted them and ask them to delete or untag you — this must happen before your account is deleted.
Comments you left on other people's posts will be deleted along with your account. Your name will disappear from those comment threads, though the conversation may look incomplete to people reading it.
Reactivate a deactivated account
If you deactivated your account and want to come back, straightforward log in to Facebook with your email address and password. Your profile, friends list, photos, and messages will all be restored when ready. There is no waiting period for reactivation — your account becomes active the moment you log in.
If you cannot remember your password, click Forgot password? on the login screen. Facebook will send you a link to reset it. Use that link to create a new password, then log in normally to reactivate your account.
What to do if you cannot find the delete option
If you are using the Facebook app on your phone and cannot locate the deletion option, switch to a web browser instead. The app sometimes hides this feature in different locations depending on your phone's operating system. Going to facebook.com/help/delete_account in a browser is the most direct route on any device.
If you are locked out of your account and cannot log in, you will need to recover access first. Go to facebook.com/login/identify and follow the steps to regain access using your email address or phone number. Once you can log in again, you can proceed with deletion or deactivation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my account without waiting 30 days?
No. Facebook requires a 30-day waiting period for all permanent deletions. This is a safety measure to prevent accidental loss of your account. If you need your account hidden when ready, deactivate it instead — deactivation hides your profile right away.
Will deleting Facebook delete my Instagram or WhatsApp accounts?
No. Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are separate accounts even though the same company owns them. Deleting your Facebook account does not affect Instagram or WhatsApp. You would need to delete those accounts separately if you want them gone.
What if I log in during the 30-day deletion period?
Logging in cancels the deletion request and reactivates your account when ready. Your profile, photos, and messages will all be restored. If you want to delete again, you must start the process over from the beginning.
Can someone else see my account during the 30-day waiting period?
No. Your profile is hidden from other users as soon as you request deletion. Other people cannot find your account, see your posts, or send you messages. Only you can see your account during this time if you log in.
Do I need to delete my account if I just want to take a break?
No. Deactivation is the better choice for a temporary break. It hides your profile when ready and you can reactivate anytime by logging back in. Deletion should only be used if you are certain you do not want to return.