Facebook gives you two options: deactivate temporarily or delete permanently

Deactivation hides your profile, posts, and photos from other users for as long as you want. You can reactivate anytime by logging back in. Your data stays on Facebook's servers.

Deletion removes your account and most of your data permanently after 30 days. During that month, you can cancel the deletion by logging in again. After 30 days, Facebook deletes your posts, photos, and friend connections. Some information (like messages you sent to others) may remain in their inboxes.

Most people who want to leave Facebook should delete rather than deactivate, because deactivation is reversible and your account can be found again if you log in by accident.

Key Takeaways

  • Deletion takes 30 days to complete, and you can undo it by logging in during that window.
  • After 30 days, your posts and photos are gone, but messages you sent to others may still appear in their conversations.
  • Download your photos and posts before you delete if you want to keep copies.
  • Deactivation is temporary and reversible; deletion is permanent after the 30-day grace period ends.

How to permanently delete your Facebook account

Go to Settings & Privacy (the menu icon in the top right corner), then select Settings. On the left sidebar, click Deactivation and Deletion. Choose Delete Account, then click Continue to Account Deletion.

Facebook will ask you to enter your password and solve a CAPTCHA to confirm. Click Delete Account again. Your account enters the 30-day deletion window immediately. During this time, your profile is hidden from search results and other users cannot see your posts or send you messages.

If you change your mind within 30 days, log back into your account with your email and password. Your account will be restored with all your data intact. After 30 days pass without you logging in, deletion becomes permanent.

How to deactivate your account temporarily

Go to Settings & Privacy, then Settings. Click Deactivation and Deletion and choose Deactivate Account. Select a reason for leaving (optional), then click Deactivate.

Your profile disappears from Facebook immediately. Friends cannot find you, see your posts, or message you. However, Facebook keeps your data and can reactivate your account if you log in again—even months or years later. Your messages to others remain visible in their inboxes.

Deactivation is useful if you want to take a break but might return later. If you know you will not come back, deletion is the better choice because it removes your data from Facebook's active systems.

Download your data before you delete

Facebook lets you download copies of your photos, posts, videos, and friend lists before your account is removed. Go to Settings & Privacy, then Settings. Click Your Information and Permissions, then Download Your Information.

Choose the date range (usually "All of My Information"), select the file format (HTML is easiest to read), and click Request a Download. Facebook will prepare a file and email you a link, usually within a few hours. Download the file and save it to your computer before you delete your account.

This step is optional but worth doing if you have photos or posts you want to keep. Once your 30-day deletion window closes, you cannot recover this data from Facebook.

What happens to your data after deletion

Your posts, photos, and friend connections are removed from Facebook's public systems within 30 days. However, Facebook may keep copies of your data in backup systems for a longer period for legal and security reasons. Messages you sent directly to other users typically remain in their inboxes and conversations.

Third-party apps and websites that you connected to your Facebook account may still have copies of your data. Deleting your Facebook account does not automatically remove your information from those services. You may need to delete your account on those platforms separately.

Search engines like Google may still show cached versions of your old Facebook profile for a while. You can request removal by going to Google Search Console, but this is separate from deleting your Facebook account.

Reasons people delete Facebook and what to do instead

If you are leaving because of privacy concerns, you can adjust your privacy settings instead of deleting. Go to Settings & Privacy, then Settings, then Privacy. You can limit who sees your posts, who can contact you, and what information is public.

If you are leaving because you spend too much time on the platform, deactivation may be enough. You can take a break without losing your account, and reactivate later if you change your mind. Some people find that deactivating for a few weeks helps them decide whether they want to return.

If you want to stay in touch with friends but leave Facebook, consider asking for their phone numbers or email addresses before you delete. You can also use other messaging apps like WhatsApp, Signal, or email to stay connected.

What to do if you cannot access your account

If you forgot your password or cannot log in, go to the Facebook login page and click Forgotten Password? Enter your email or phone number, and Facebook will send you a reset link. Follow the link to create a new password, then log in and proceed with deletion or deactivation.

If you do not have access to your email or phone number, click Can't Access Your Account? on the login page. Facebook will walk you through identity verification steps, which may include uploading a photo ID. This process can take several days.

If your account was hacked or disabled by Facebook, you can request a review by going to the Help Center and selecting your issue. Facebook may restore your account if it was disabled by mistake, or you may need to create a new account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my Facebook account on my phone?

Yes. Open the Facebook app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), scroll down to Settings & Privacy, tap Settings, then Deactivation and Deletion. Choose Delete Account and follow the prompts. The process is the same on iPhone and Android.

What if I delete Facebook but keep Instagram or WhatsApp?

Deleting your Facebook account does not automatically delete your Instagram or WhatsApp accounts, even though Facebook owns both. You must delete each account separately. Log into Instagram or WhatsApp and follow their deletion process independently.

Will my friends know I deleted my account?

Your friends will see that your profile is no longer available, but Facebook does not send them a notification. If they try to visit your profile or search for you, they will see that your account does not exist. You may want to tell close friends before you delete.

Can I use the same email address for a new Facebook account after deletion?

You can create a new account with the same email address after your 30-day deletion window closes. During the 30-day period, that email is locked to your old account in case you want to restore it. After 30 days, the email becomes available for a new account.

Does Facebook delete my account if I do not log in for a long time?

No. Facebook does not automatically delete inactive accounts. Your account will remain on Facebook indefinitely unless you manually delete it. Deactivation also does not expire—your account stays deactivated until you reactivate it by logging in.