Permanent deletion takes 30 days, and Facebook will erase your data during that window
When you delete your Facebook account, the platform removes all your posts, photos, friend connections, and messages from public view within 30 days. During those 30 days, the deletion is reversible — if you log back in, your account comes back exactly as it was. After 30 days pass, Facebook permanently erases your data from their servers, and the account cannot be recovered.
This is different from deactivation, which hides your account but keeps it in Facebook's system. Deletion actually removes the account. The process is straightforward, but you need to know what happens to your information and what you cannot get back once those 30 days are over.
Key Takeaways
- You must go to the Settings menu, select "Deactivation and Deletion," and choose the delete option — not deactivate — to permanently remove your account.
- Facebook gives you 30 days to change your mind and log back in; after that, your account and all associated data are gone for good.
- Messages you sent to other people may remain in their inboxes even after your account is deleted, because those messages are stored in their accounts.
- Some information like payment history and legal records may be kept longer than 30 days for tax and fraud-prevention purposes.
- You cannot download your photos or messages after deletion begins, so save anything you want to keep before you start the process.
How to delete your account in four steps
Open Facebook and go to the Settings menu. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner of any page, then select "Settings and privacy," then "Settings." On the left side, you will see a menu — scroll down until you find "Deactivation and Deletion."
Click "Deactivation and Deletion" and you will see two options: one to deactivate your account and one to delete it. Choose "Delete Account." Facebook will ask you to confirm your password and may ask you to enter a security code sent to your email or phone. Enter both.
Read the information Facebook shows you about what will happen. It will tell you that your account will be permanently deleted after 30 days and that you can log back in during those 30 days to cancel the deletion. Click "Delete Account" to confirm.
Facebook will log you out immediately. Your account is now in deletion mode. You will not be able to use Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, or any other Meta service connected to that account during the 30-day window.
What to save before you delete
Once deletion starts, you cannot download your photos, videos, or messages. If you want to keep any of this information, you must save it before you begin the deletion process. Facebook offers a download tool that collects all your data into a file you can save to your computer.
To download your data, go to Settings, then "Your information and permissions," then "Download your information." Select the date range (usually "All of my data"), choose the file format (HTML is easiest to read), and click "Request a download." Facebook will prepare a file and email you a link. This can take a few hours or up to a day. Download the file and save it somewhere safe before you delete your account.
If you only care about photos, you can download them individually by going to your profile, clicking on each photo, and using your browser's save function. But the bulk download is faster if you have hundreds of photos.
What happens to your messages and posts
Your posts, comments, and photos will disappear from Facebook's servers after 30 days. Other people will no longer see them on their timelines or in search results. However, if someone took a screenshot of your post or shared it before you deleted your account, that copy will still exist on their device or in their account — Facebook cannot remove it.
Messages you sent to other people will remain in their inboxes even after your account is deleted. They will see the message, but your name will no longer be clickable and your profile will not exist. If you sent sensitive information in a message, the other person still has access to it. There is no way to delete messages from someone else's inbox once you have sent them.
If you were tagged in someone else's photos or posts, those photos and posts will remain. The tag will be removed, but the content stays. Only the person who posted it can delete it.
The 30-day window: what you can and cannot do
During the 30 days after you request deletion, your account is invisible to everyone else on Facebook. No one can find your profile, message you, or see your old posts. You cannot use Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, or WhatsApp with that account. If you try to log in, Facebook will show you a message saying your account is scheduled for deletion.
If you change your mind during those 30 days, log in with your email and password. Facebook will ask you to confirm that you want to cancel the deletion. Click yes, and your account will be restored with all your data intact. This must happen before the 30 days are up. After 30 days, the account cannot be recovered.
If you do not log in during the 30-day window, Facebook will permanently erase your account and all associated data from their servers on day 31. At that point, the email address and username are released and can be used by someone else.
Information Facebook keeps after deletion
Even after your account is permanently deleted, Facebook may keep some information for legal and business reasons. Payment history and transaction records are kept for tax purposes, usually for seven years. If you reported someone or were reported, records of that report may be kept. If you were involved in a dispute or legal issue, Facebook may retain records related to that.
Backup copies of your data may also exist on Facebook's servers for a limited time after deletion, in case of system failures or data recovery needs. These backups are eventually deleted, but the timeline is not public.
If you used Facebook Login to sign into other websites or apps (like Spotify or Pinterest), deleting your Facebook account will log you out of those services. You will need to create new accounts or use a different login method on those platforms.
Deleting your account on mobile devices
The process is the same on iPhone and Android. Open the Facebook app, tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the bottom right corner, scroll down to "Settings and privacy," then tap "Settings." Scroll down to "Deactivation and Deletion," tap it, choose "Delete Account," and follow the same confirmation steps as on a computer.
If you are using the mobile web version of Facebook instead of the app, the steps are identical to the computer version. Open Facebook in your phone's browser, go to Settings, and follow the deletion steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my account if I have an active Facebook Pay balance or pending transactions?
You can still request deletion, but Facebook recommends settling any pending transactions or withdrawing your balance first. If you delete with money in your account, you may not be able to access it. Contact Facebook Pay support before you delete if you have an active balance.
What happens to my Facebook Marketplace listings when I delete my account?
All active listings will be removed from Marketplace. Buyers who purchased from you will still be able to see their transaction history and leave reviews, but your profile will not be visible. Messages from buyers during the 30-day window will not be delivered.
Will deleting my Facebook account also delete my Instagram account?
No. If your Instagram account is linked to your Facebook account, deleting Facebook will unlink them, but Instagram will remain active. You can continue using Instagram with a separate login. If you want to delete Instagram too, you must delete it separately through Instagram's settings.
Can I delete my account if I am locked out or do not remember my password?
You can still request deletion. Use the "Forgot Password" link to reset your password, then log in and follow the deletion steps. If you cannot access your email, you may need to use the phone number associated with your account instead.
What if someone else has access to my account and I want to delete it?
Change your password immediately, then follow the deletion steps. If you cannot regain access, go to facebook.com/login/identify and select "I cannot access my account." Facebook will walk you through account recovery. Once you regain access, you can delete it.