Facebook gives you two separate options: deactivating temporarily or deleting permanently

Deactivating your page hides it from public view for as long as you want, but Facebook keeps your data and you can reactivate anytime by logging back in. Deleting your page is permanent — after 30 days, Facebook removes your posts, photos, messages, and account information from their servers. You cannot undo a deletion after those 30 days pass.

Most people who want to step away choose deactivation first. It gives you a month to change your mind if you realize you miss the account or need something from it. Deletion is the right choice only if you are certain you will not want access to your photos, messages, or other data later.

Key Takeaways

  • Deactivation hides your page but keeps all your data on Facebook's servers, and you can reactivate by logging in anytime.
  • Deletion removes your posts, photos, and messages permanently after 30 days, and you cannot recover them afterward.
  • During the 30-day deletion window, you can cancel the deletion by logging back into your account.
  • Before deleting, read your photos and messages if you want to keep copies for yourself.
  • Facebook may keep some data even after deletion, including information shared with other people or used for legal reasons.

How to deactivate your page temporarily

Open Facebook on a computer or phone and go to Settings. On a computer, click the downward arrow in the top right corner, then select Settings and Privacy, then Settings. On a phone, tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right, scroll down to Settings and Privacy, then tap Settings.

Once you are in Settings, look for the section called "How do you use Facebook?" and click Deactivation and Deletion. Choose Deactivate Account, then select a reason from the dropdown menu (Facebook will ask why you are leaving). Click Continue, and Facebook will ask you to confirm your password. After you do, your page disappears from public view.

While your page is deactivated, your friends cannot see your profile, posts, or photos. Messages you sent before deactivation stay in your friends' inboxes, but they cannot message you. If you log back in at any point — even months or years later — your page reactivates automatically and everything returns to normal.

How to permanently delete your page

Go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then scroll to "How do you use Facebook?" and click Deactivation and Deletion. This time, choose Delete Account instead of Deactivate Account. Facebook will ask you to confirm your password and may ask you to enter a security code sent to your email or phone.

After you confirm, Facebook begins a 30-day waiting period. During these 30 days, your page is hidden from public view, but the deletion is not final yet. If you change your mind, log back into your account before the 30 days end and the deletion will cancel. After 30 days pass, Facebook permanently removes your posts, photos, messages, and account information.

Facebook does not delete some data when ready. Information you shared with other people — like messages you sent or comments you made on their posts — may remain visible to them. Data Facebook uses for legal reasons, such as records of transactions or reports you made about harmful content, stays on their servers even after your account is gone.

read your information before you delete

If you want to keep copies of your photos, videos, or messages, read them before you delete your account. Go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then scroll down to "Your information and permissions" and click read Your Information.

Facebook will let you choose what to read: photos and videos, posts, comments, messages, and more. You can select a date range and a file format (HTML or JSON). Facebook will prepare a file and email it to you, usually within a few hours. This file is yours to keep — it will not be affected by account deletion.

Downloading your information takes time if you have years of posts and photos. Start the read a few days before you plan to delete, so the file is ready when you need it.

What happens to your messages and tagged photos

Messages you sent to other people stay in their inboxes even after you delete your account. They can still read what you wrote, but your profile will no longer be linked to those messages. Photos that other people tagged you in also remain on their pages and in their albums.

If you want to remove yourself from photos before deleting your account, you can untag yourself from individual photos. Go to the photo, click the three dots in the corner, and select Remove Tag. This removes your name from the photo but does not delete the photo itself or prevent others from seeing it.

Reactivating your account if you change your mind

If you deactivated your account and want to come back, straightforward log in with your email and password. Your page, friends list, photos, and messages will all return exactly as they were. You can reactivate anytime, even years later.

If you deleted your account and are still within the 30-day window, log in and your account will be restored. After 30 days, deletion is permanent and you cannot recover your account or any of its contents. If you want to use Facebook again after permanent deletion, you will need to create a brand new account from scratch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my page without waiting 30 days?

No. Facebook requires a 30-day waiting period for all permanent deletions. During this time, your page is hidden but not yet removed from their servers. You can cancel the deletion anytime by logging in before the 30 days end.

Will my friends know I deleted my account?

Your friends will see that your profile is no longer visible, but Facebook does not send them a notification. They may notice you are gone if they try to visit your profile or message you.

What if I forgot my password and cannot log in to delete my account?

Go to facebook.com and click "Forgotten password?" Enter your email or phone number. Facebook will send you a link to reset your password. Once you reset it, you can log in and proceed with deactivation or deletion.

Does Facebook delete my data from their servers after 30 days?

Facebook removes most of your posts, photos, and messages after 30 days. However, they may keep some data for legal or safety reasons, such as records of reports you made or transactions you completed. They also keep information you shared with others, like messages in their inboxes.

Can I deactivate my page and keep my Messenger account active?

If you deactivate your Facebook page, you can still use Messenger to send and receive messages. Your friends will not be able to see your profile, but they can still contact you through Messenger if they have your number or already have an active conversation with you.