Facebook gives you two ways out: deactivation or deletion, and they work differently

Deactivation hides your profile temporarily. Your name disappears from search, your messages and posts vanish from view, and friends can't find you. But Facebook keeps your data. If you log back in within 30 days, everything restores. After 30 days, the account stays deactivated until you return.

Deletion is permanent. Facebook removes your profile, posts, photos, and messages from the site. The process takes about 30 days to complete — during that month, if you log in, the deletion stops and your account reactivates. After 30 days pass without logging in, Facebook deletes the data. Some information (like messages you sent to others) may remain in their inboxes, and Facebook keeps records for legal reasons, but your account itself is gone.

Most people who want out should choose deletion. Deactivation is useful only if you think you might return later.

Key Takeaways

  • Deletion is permanent after 30 days of not logging in, while deactivation can be reversed anytime.
  • To delete your account, go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Deactivation and Deletion, choose Delete Account, and confirm your password.
  • During the 30-day waiting period, logging in will cancel the deletion and restore your account.
  • Facebook keeps some data after deletion for legal and safety reasons, but your profile and posts are removed from the site.
  • Before deleting, download your photos and posts if you want to keep them — Facebook provides a download tool under Settings.

How to delete your account on desktop

Open Facebook in a web browser and log in. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner (next to your name or profile picture). Select Settings & Privacy, then Settings.

On the left side, scroll down and click Deactivation and Deletion. You'll see two options: "Deactivate Account" and "Delete Account." Click Delete Account. Facebook will ask you to confirm your password and may ask security questions. Answer them and click Continue. Read the final confirmation screen — it explains what happens to your data — then click Delete Account again.

That's it. Your account enters the 30-day deletion window. Don't log in during this time, or the deletion cancels.

How to delete your account on mobile

Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy, then Settings.

Scroll to the bottom and tap Deactivation and Deletion. Choose Delete Account and confirm your password. Facebook will show you a final warning about what deletion means. Tap Delete Account to confirm.

Your account is now scheduled for deletion. The 30-day clock starts immediately.

What to do before you delete

Download your data first. In Settings, find Your Information and Permissions, then Download Your Information. Choose the date range (usually "All of My Information"), select what you want (photos, posts, videos, messages), and click Request a Download. Facebook emails you a file within a few days. This is your only chance to keep copies of your posts and photos after deletion.

Tell people you're leaving. Message close friends or post a final message so people know how to reach you elsewhere. After deletion, they won't be able to find you through Facebook.

Log out of other apps and websites that use Facebook to sign in. If you use "Log in with Facebook" on Instagram, Spotify, or other services, change those passwords or switch to a different sign-in method before deleting your Facebook account. Otherwise, you may lose access to those accounts.

What happens during the 30-day waiting period

Your profile is hidden immediately — friends can't see it, search won't find it, and your posts disappear from their feeds. But the deletion isn't final yet. If you log in at any point during the 30 days, Facebook cancels the deletion and your account comes back exactly as it was.

After 30 days of not logging in, Facebook permanently deletes your account. Your profile, posts, photos, and messages are removed from the site. Some data (like messages you sent to others) stays in their inboxes, and Facebook keeps records for legal compliance, but your account itself is gone.

If you change your mind

You have 30 days to undo deletion. Simply log in to your account using your email and password. Facebook will ask if you want to cancel the deletion. Click yes, and your account reactivates with everything restored.

After 30 days, you can't undo it. If you want a Facebook account again, you'll have to create a new one from scratch.

Deactivation as an alternative

If you're not sure about permanent deletion, deactivate instead. Your profile hides, but Facebook keeps your data. You can reactivate anytime by logging in — there's no time limit. Deactivation is useful if you want a break from Facebook but might return later, or if you want to test life without the platform before committing to deletion.

To deactivate, follow the same steps as deletion but choose Deactivate Account instead. Your profile disappears, but you can come back whenever you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Facebook delete my account if I just stop using it?

No. Inactive accounts stay on Facebook indefinitely. Your profile remains searchable and visible to others unless you deactivate or delete it. You must manually request deletion for your account to be removed.

Can I delete my Facebook account without a password?

No. Facebook requires your password to confirm deletion. If you've forgotten it, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it before starting the deletion process.

What happens to my Facebook Messenger after I delete my account?

Your messages stay in other people's inboxes, but they can't message you anymore. Your side of the conversation disappears from your account. If you want to keep messages, take screenshots or download your data before deleting.

Does deleting Facebook also delete Instagram?

No. Facebook and Instagram are separate accounts. Deleting your Facebook account doesn't affect Instagram unless you created your Instagram account using Facebook login. If you did, change your Instagram password first so you don't lose access.

Can I delete my account if I have an outstanding balance or dispute?

Yes. Facebook won't block deletion for account balance issues. However, if you've made purchases through Facebook or have an active dispute with the company, resolve those first to avoid complications.