Facebook and Instagram deletion is permanent and takes 30 days
When you delete a Facebook or Instagram account, the platform gives you 30 days to change your mind. During that month, your account is hidden from everyone but not yet erased. After 30 days pass, Facebook permanently removes your profile, photos, messages, and all other data associated with that account. You cannot recover it after that window closes.
The deletion process is different from deactivation. A deactivated account can be reactivated at any time by logging back in — your data stays on Facebook's servers. Deletion is the only way to remove your information from the platform entirely, though Facebook retains some data for legal and operational reasons even after deletion.
Key Takeaways
- You must use a web browser on a computer or phone to delete your account; the mobile app does not have a deletion option.
- Facebook will ask you to enter your password and solve a security check before confirming deletion.
- Your account remains hidden for 30 days, and you can log back in during that time to cancel the deletion.
- After 30 days, your account and all associated data are permanently removed and cannot be recovered.
- Messages you sent to other people may remain in their inboxes even after your account is deleted.
Steps to delete your Facebook account
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, then select Settings and privacy, then Settings. On the left side menu, click Deactivation and deletion.
You will see two options: Deactivate account and Delete account. Choose Delete account. Facebook will ask you to enter your password and complete a security check (usually identifying friends in photos or entering a code sent to your email or phone). After you complete these steps, click Delete account again to confirm. Your account will then enter the 30-day deletion window.
During those 30 days, your profile will not appear in search results and no one can message you or see your posts. If you log back in at any point during this period, the deletion will be cancelled and your account will return to normal. After 30 days with no login, the deletion becomes permanent.
Steps to delete your Instagram account
Go to instagram.com on a web browser and log in. Click your profile icon in the bottom right, then select Settings and privacy. Scroll down and tap Help, then Help Center. In the search bar, type "delete account" and select the result that says How do I delete my Instagram account?
The help page will have a link that says Delete your account. Click that link, which will take you to the deletion form. Select a reason for deletion from the dropdown menu (Instagram asks this but does not require a specific answer). Enter your password, then click Permanently delete account. Like Facebook, Instagram gives you 30 days to change your mind by logging back in.
If you use Instagram through a Facebook account (meaning you signed up with Facebook login rather than an email address), deleting your Instagram account will not delete your Facebook account. You would need to delete Facebook separately using the steps above.
What happens to your data after deletion
Your photos, videos, captions, comments, and likes are removed from public view when ready. Other people's posts that you commented on will show your comment as deleted, but the comment text disappears. Messages you sent to other users may remain in their inboxes — deletion of your account does not erase messages from the recipient's side.
Facebook and Instagram keep some information even after permanent deletion, including records of transactions (if you made purchases), copies of data for legal compliance, and backups stored on their servers. They do this under data retention laws and their own policies. However, this retained data is not connected to your account and is not visible to other users.
If you want to keep your data before deleting
Facebook and Instagram both allow you to read a copy of your information before deletion. On Facebook, go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Your information and permissions > read your information. Choose the date range and format (HTML or JSON), then click Request a read. Facebook will prepare a file and email you a link within a few days.
For Instagram, go to Settings and privacy > Account > read your info. Select the date range and format, then click Request read. Instagram will email you a link to your data file. This read includes your photos, videos, captions, and profile information, but not messages from other people or content you did not create.
read your data before you delete your account, because you cannot retrieve it afterward. Store the file in a safe location on your computer or external drive.
Deactivation as an alternative to deletion
If you are unsure about permanent deletion, deactivation is a middle ground. A deactivated account hides your profile from search results and removes your posts from the feed, but your account still exists on Facebook's servers. You can reactivate it at any time by logging back in — your photos, friends list, and messages will all return exactly as they were.
Deactivation is useful if you want to take a break from social media without losing your account permanently, or if you think you might want to return later. However, if your goal is to remove your information from Facebook or Instagram entirely, deactivation does not accomplish that. Only deletion does.
What to do if you cannot access your account
If you have forgotten your password or no longer have access to the email address or phone number linked to your account, you can still delete it. On the Facebook login page, click Forgotten password? and follow the recovery steps. If you cannot recover your account through email or phone, Facebook has an account recovery form at facebook.com/login/identify where you can request help.
For Instagram, use the Forgot password? link on the login page. If you cannot recover access, go to instagram.com/accounts/login/ and select Can't log in? to start the recovery process. Once you regain access to your account, you can proceed with deletion using the steps above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my Facebook account without deleting my Instagram account?
Yes. Facebook and Instagram are separate accounts unless you specifically linked them during setup. Deleting one does not affect the other. If you signed up for Instagram using your Facebook login, your Instagram account is still separate and will not be deleted when you delete Facebook.
What happens to my Facebook Messenger after I delete my account?
Your Messenger account will be deleted along with your Facebook account. People will no longer be able to message you, and your chat history will disappear from your side. Messages you sent to others will remain in their inboxes, but they will see them as coming from a deleted account.
Can I reactivate my account after the 30-day deletion period ends?
No. After 30 days, your account is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered. If you log in during the 30-day window, the deletion is cancelled and your account returns to normal. After that window closes, there is no way to restore it.
Will deleting my account remove me from group chats or tagged photos?
Deleting your account removes you from group chats and your name will no longer appear as a member. However, photos or posts where you were tagged by other people will remain on their accounts and in their feeds — deletion of your account does not remove tags that other people created.
Do I need to delete my account from the mobile app or a computer?
You must use a web browser on a computer or mobile phone. The Facebook and Instagram mobile apps do not have a deletion option. Open facebook.com or instagram.com in Safari, Chrome, or another browser to access the deletion settings.