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 by logging back in. Deletion removes your account and all its content from Facebook's servers within about 30 days, though some information may remain in backups for longer. Most people who want to leave Facebook permanently choose deletion.
Facebook does not let you cancel through the app alone. You must use a web browser on a computer or mobile device to start the deletion process. The company also requires you to wait 30 days after requesting deletion before the account is fully gone — during that window, you can cancel the deletion if you change your mind by logging back in.
Key Takeaways
- You must use a web browser to delete your account; the Facebook app does not have a deletion option.
- Deletion takes 30 days to complete, and you can undo it by logging in during that waiting period.
- Before you delete, download your photos, videos, and posts if you want to keep them — Facebook will remove them after 30 days.
- Deactivation is temporary and reversible by logging in; deletion is permanent after the 30-day window closes.
- You will need your password to confirm deletion, so have it ready before you start.
How to delete your account in five steps
Open Facebook in a web browser and log in if you are not already signed in. Go to the Settings menu by clicking the downward arrow in the top right corner of the page, then select Settings and privacy, then Settings.
On the left side of the Settings page, click Deactivation and deletion. You will see two options: "Deactivate account" and "Delete account". Click Delete account. Facebook will ask you to confirm your choice and enter your password. Type your password and click Continue.
Facebook will show you a final confirmation screen explaining that your account will be deleted in 30 days. Click Delete account again to confirm. Your account is now scheduled for deletion. You will receive an email confirming the request.
During the 30-day waiting period, your profile will not be visible to other users, but your account still exists. If you log in at any point during these 30 days, the deletion will be cancelled and your account will return to normal. After 30 days pass without you logging in, Facebook will permanently remove your account and all associated data.
What happens to your data after deletion
Facebook removes your profile, photos, videos, posts, and messages from its public servers within 30 days. However, the company keeps copies of some information in backup systems for a longer period — Facebook states this can be several months — before those backups are deleted as well.
Information you shared with other people, such as messages they received from you or photos they downloaded, will remain on their accounts. Facebook cannot remove data that other users have already saved. If you want to remove a specific post or photo before deleting your account, you can do that manually by going to your profile and deleting individual items.
Third-party apps and websites that you connected to your Facebook account will lose access to your Facebook login after deletion. However, any data you shared with those apps before disconnecting may still exist on their servers. You should review which apps had access to your account and disconnect them before deleting if you want to limit what data remains elsewhere.
Download your information before deletion
Facebook lets you download a copy of your photos, videos, posts, and other account information before your account is deleted. This is the only way to keep a personal record of your content after deletion.
To download your data, go to Settings, then click Your information and permissions, then Download your information. Select the date range and content types you want to download — you can choose everything or specific items like photos, videos, or posts. Click Create file. Facebook will prepare a compressed file of your data, which usually takes a few hours. You will receive an email with a link to download it. The file will be available for a limited time, so download it promptly.
Deactivation as an alternative to deletion
If you are not certain you want to leave Facebook permanently, deactivation is a reversible option. When you deactivate, your profile becomes invisible to other users. Your name will not appear in search results, and your messages will not be visible in other people's inboxes. However, Facebook keeps your account data intact on its servers.
To deactivate instead of delete, go to Settings, then Deactivation and deletion, and click Deactivate account. Facebook will ask why you are leaving and offer options to stay in touch. You can skip these and click Deactivate. Your account will be hidden immediately.
You can reactivate your account at any time by logging in with your email and password. When you do, your profile, photos, posts, and messages will return to normal. There is no time limit on deactivation — you can keep your account deactivated indefinitely and reactivate years later if you choose.
What to do about Facebook-connected accounts and services
If you use your Facebook login to sign into other websites or apps — such as Spotify, Instagram, dating apps, or gaming platforms — those services will lose access to your Facebook account after deletion. You should change your login method on those services before deleting your Facebook account, or you may be locked out.
Go through your connected apps and either change your password on each service to something you remember, or link them to a different login method such as Google or Apple ID. You can see which apps are connected to your Facebook account by going to Settings, then Apps and websites, then Active. Review the list and disconnect any apps you no longer use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my Facebook account from the mobile app?
No. Facebook only allows account deletion through a web browser. Open Facebook.com in Safari, Chrome, or another browser on your phone or computer, log in, and follow the deletion steps. The Facebook app does not have a deletion option.
What if I change my mind during the 30-day waiting period?
Log in to your account using your email and password at any point during the 30 days. Your account will return to normal and the deletion will be cancelled. After 30 days pass without you logging in, deletion becomes permanent and cannot be undone.
Will deleting my Facebook account also delete my Instagram account?
No. Facebook and Instagram are separate accounts. Deleting your Facebook account will not affect Instagram. However, if you use your Facebook login to access Instagram, you will need to set up a different login method for Instagram before deleting Facebook, or you may lose access to Instagram.
Can Facebook recover my account after the 30 days are up?
No. After 30 days, Facebook permanently deletes your account. The company cannot restore it. This is why downloading your data before deletion is important if you want to keep any record of your photos, posts, or other content.
Do I need to cancel my Facebook ads account separately?
If you ran ads through Facebook Ads Manager, deleting your personal account will also close your ads account. However, if you have outstanding charges or unpaid invoices, Facebook may keep records of that billing information for accounting purposes even after your account is deleted.