Facebook gives you two choices: deactivation or deletion
Deactivation hides your profile temporarily. Your name disappears from search, your messages stop showing, and your wall goes blank. You can reactivate anytime by logging back in — Facebook keeps your data for 30 days, then deletes it if you don't return. Most people choose this if they might want their account back later.
Deletion is permanent. After you request it, Facebook waits 30 days before erasing your account, photos, messages, and posts. You cannot reactivate a deleted account. If you log in during that 30-day window, the deletion cancels and your account stays active. After 30 days, the data is gone — though Facebook says some information may remain in backups for a limited time.
The choice depends on whether you might want to return. If you are certain you will not use Facebook again and want your data removed, choose deletion. If you just need a break or want to keep the option open, deactivation is simpler.
Key Takeaways
- Deactivation hides your account but keeps your data; you can reactivate by logging in anytime within 30 days.
- Deletion removes your account permanently after 30 days, and you cannot reactivate it once the process completes.
- To delete your account, go to Settings and Privacy > Settings > Deactivation and Deletion, then choose Delete Account and confirm your password.
- During the 30-day waiting period, do not log in, or the deletion will cancel and your account will remain active.
- Some data may persist in Facebook's backups even after deletion, but your profile and posts will no longer be visible to other users.
How to deactivate your account if you want to keep the option to return
Open Facebook on a computer or phone. Click the menu icon (three horizontal lines on mobile, or the downward arrow on desktop in the top right). Scroll down and select Settings and Privacy, then Settings.
On the left side, click Deactivation and Deletion. You will see two options: Deactivate Account and Delete Account. Choose Deactivate Account. Facebook will ask why you are leaving — you can skip this or pick a reason. Enter your password to confirm.
Your profile is now hidden. Your friends cannot see your wall, your name does not appear in searches, and your messages show as "Facebook User" instead of your name. You can reactivate by logging in with your email and password anytime within 30 days. After 30 days of inactivity, Facebook may delete the deactivated account, though you can still reactivate if you log in.
How to permanently delete your account
Go to Settings and Privacy > Settings on Facebook. Click Deactivation and Deletion on the left. This time, select Delete Account. Facebook will ask you to confirm your password and may ask why you are leaving.
After you confirm, Facebook begins a 30-day countdown. During this time, your profile is hidden from other users, but your data is still there. Do not log in during these 30 days. If you log in, even once, the deletion request cancels and your account becomes active again. You would have to start the deletion process over.
After 30 days pass without you logging in, Facebook permanently deletes your account. Your photos, posts, messages, and profile are gone. You cannot recover the account or reactivate it. If you change your mind before the 30 days are up, log in to cancel the deletion.
What happens to your data after deletion
Your profile, posts, photos, and messages are removed from Facebook's public systems. Other users cannot find you or see what you posted. However, Facebook states that some information may remain in backup copies for a limited time as part of their standard data storage practices.
Messages you sent to others may still appear in their inboxes, even after your account is deleted. If you want those removed, you need to unsend them before you delete your account. Open each conversation, find the message, and select the option to unsend it (this removes it from both sides).
Photos you were tagged in by others will remain on their profiles and in their albums. Deletion only removes photos you uploaded yourself. If you want to remove tags before deleting, go to each photo and untag yourself.
Preparing your account before deletion
Before you delete, read a copy of your information if you want to keep photos or messages. Go to Settings and Privacy > Settings > Your Information and Permissions > read Your Information. Choose the date range and data types you want (photos, posts, messages). Facebook will prepare a file you can read.
Unsend any messages you want removed from other people's inboxes. Open Messenger, find the conversation, select the message, and choose Remove. This deletes it from both your inbox and theirs.
Untag yourself from photos posted by others if you do not want them associated with your name. Go to your profile, click Photos, then Photos of You. Click each photo and select Remove Tag.
Deactivation vs. deletion: which is right for you
Choose deactivation if you are taking a break, want to reduce social media use, or might return to Facebook later. Your account is hidden, but reactivating is as straightforward as logging in. This is the safer choice if you are unsure.
Choose deletion if you are certain you will not use Facebook again and want your account completely removed. Understand that you cannot get it back after 30 days, and some data may remain in backups. This is the right choice only if you are fully committed to leaving.
If you use Facebook to log into other apps or websites, check those services first. Some apps let you disconnect from Facebook, but others may stop working if your Facebook account is deleted. Look for login options or contact the app's support before you delete.
What to do if you change your mind during the 30-day window
If you requested deletion but want to keep your account, log in to Facebook before the 30 days are up. Your account will reactivate when ready, and the deletion request will cancel. You will be back to normal — all your data, posts, and messages will be restored.
If you deactivated your account and want to reactivate it, straightforward log in with your email and password. Your profile, friends list, and messages will return exactly as they were. You can reactivate a deactivated account anytime, even years later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my Facebook account on my phone?
Yes. Open the Facebook app, tap the menu icon (three lines), go to Settings and Privacy > Settings > Deactivation and Deletion, and choose Delete Account. The process is the same as on a computer. Make sure you use the Facebook app, not the mobile website, for the easiest experience.
What happens to my Facebook Messenger after I delete my account?
Messenger is a separate app, but it is linked to your Facebook account. When you delete your Facebook account, your Messenger account is also deleted. People cannot message you, and your message history is removed. You can read your messages before deletion if you want to keep them.
Will my friends know I deleted my account?
Your friends will see that your profile no longer exists, but Facebook does not send them a notification. They may notice you are gone if they try to visit your profile or search for you. If you want to tell them, you can message them before you delete.
Can I use the same email to create a new Facebook account after deletion?
Yes, but wait until after the 30-day deletion period is complete. If you create a new account with the same email during the 30 days, it may interfere with the deletion process. After 30 days have passed, you can use that email for a new account without issues.
Does Facebook delete my data from third-party apps that use my login?
No. When you delete your Facebook account, apps that you logged into with Facebook will no longer be able to access your Facebook data, but the apps themselves still have any information you gave them directly. You may need to delete those accounts separately or contact the app to request data removal.