Facebook gives you two ways to remove your account: deactivation, which is temporary, or deletion, which is permanent

Deactivation hides your profile, posts, and messages from other users, but Facebook keeps your data. You can reactivate anytime by logging back in. Deletion removes your account entirely after 30 days. During that month, you can cancel the deletion by logging in again. After 30 days, Facebook deletes your photos, posts, messages, and most associated data, though some information tied to other users' accounts (like when they tagged you) may remain.

Choose deactivation if you want to step away temporarily or aren't sure. Choose deletion if you want your account gone for good. The process for each takes about two minutes on a computer or phone.

Key Takeaways

  • Deactivation hides your account but keeps your data; deletion removes it permanently after 30 days.
  • You can undo deactivation anytime by logging back in, but deletion can only be undone during the 30-day waiting period.
  • Both options are found in your account settings under "Deactivation and Deletion" on a computer, or under "Settings & Privacy" on a phone.
  • After deletion is final, Facebook may keep some data tied to other users' posts or messages, but your own content is removed.

How to deactivate your Facebook account

On a computer, click the downward arrow in the top right corner of Facebook, then select "Settings and Privacy," then "Settings." On the left side, click "Deactivation and Deletion." Choose "Deactivate Account," then click "Continue to Account Deactivation." Facebook will ask why you're leaving and offer options to stay in touch. You can skip these. Enter your password and click "Deactivate."

On a phone, tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the bottom right corner, scroll down to "Settings & Privacy," then tap "Settings." Scroll to "Deactivation and Deletion," tap "Deactivate Account," then "Continue to Account Deactivation." Enter your password and confirm.

Your profile disappears immediately. Friends cannot find you or see your posts. Messages you sent remain in their inboxes, but they cannot message you. If you log back in at any point, your account reactivates and everything returns to normal.

How to permanently delete your Facebook account

The deletion process starts the same way as deactivation. On a computer, go to "Settings and Privacy," then "Settings," then "Deactivation and Deletion." This time, choose "Delete Account" instead of "Deactivate Account." Click "Continue to Account Deletion." Facebook will ask for your password and may ask you to enter a security code sent to your email or phone number.

On a phone, follow the same path to "Deactivation and Deletion," but select "Delete Account." Enter your password and any security codes Facebook requests.

Once you confirm, your account enters a 30-day grace period. During this time, your profile is hidden and you cannot log in, but the deletion is not yet final. If you change your mind, log in with your email and password before the 30 days end, and your account will be restored. After 30 days, deletion is permanent and cannot be undone.

What happens to your data after deletion

Facebook deletes your photos, posts, videos, and messages from its servers. Your profile name becomes unavailable for anyone else to use. Comments you left on other people's posts are removed, and your likes disappear from their content.

Some data persists because it belongs to other users. If someone tagged you in a photo, that photo and tag remain on their account. If someone saved a message you sent them, they can still read it. Copies of your information may also exist in Facebook's backup systems for a limited time before being fully purged.

If you used Facebook to sign into other apps or websites (like Spotify or a news site), those connections are severed. You will need to create separate accounts or use a different login method for those services.

Deactivation versus deletion: which should you choose

Deactivation is the safer choice if you are unsure. It takes seconds to undo, and you lose nothing. Use it if you want a break from Facebook but might return, or if you want to test life without the platform before committing to deletion.

Deletion is right if you are certain you do not want a Facebook account anymore. It is permanent after 30 days, so only choose it if you have already downloaded your photos and messages if you want to keep them. Deletion also means you cannot use Facebook to log into other services, so check which apps and websites rely on your Facebook login before you proceed.

How to download your data before deleting

Before you delete, you can download a copy of your photos, posts, and messages. On a computer, go to "Settings and Privacy," then "Settings," then scroll down to "Your Information and Permissions." Click "Download Your Information." Choose the date range and data types you want (photos, posts, messages, etc.), then click "Request a Download." Facebook will prepare a file and email you a link, usually within a few hours.

On a phone, tap the menu, go to "Settings & Privacy," then "Settings," then scroll to "Your Information and Permissions," and tap "Download Your Information." Select what you want and request the download the same way.

The download file is compressed and may be large. Save it to your computer or cloud storage before you delete your account, since you will not be able to access it through Facebook afterward.

What to do if you cannot access your account

If you forgot your password or cannot log in, you cannot deactivate or delete through the normal settings. Go to facebook.com/login/identify on a computer or phone and enter the email or phone number linked to your account. Facebook will send you a code to reset your password. Once you log in, follow the deactivation or deletion steps above.

If you do not have access to your email or phone number, or if your account was hacked, visit facebook.com/help/contact and describe the problem. Facebook's support team can help you regain access or may be able to delete the account for you, though this process takes longer than self-service deletion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else use my Facebook name or email after I delete my account?

No. After deletion, your email address and username are reserved and cannot be used to create a new Facebook account for at least a few months. This prevents someone from impersonating you by taking over your identity.

Will deleting my Facebook account delete my Instagram or WhatsApp?

No. Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are separate services. Deleting your Facebook account does not affect Instagram or WhatsApp accounts, even though Facebook owns them. You would need to delete each account separately if you want to remove all three.

What happens to my Facebook Marketplace listings if I delete my account?

Your active listings are removed immediately when you delete your account. Buyers cannot contact you about items you posted. If you have pending transactions, consider completing them or messaging buyers before you delete.

Can I reactivate my account after the 30-day deletion period ends?

No. Once the 30 days pass, your account and all associated data are permanently deleted. You can create a new Facebook account with the same email address, but it will be a fresh account with no history or connections to your old one.

Will Facebook send me a confirmation email when my account is deleted?

Facebook does not send a confirmation when the 30-day grace period ends and deletion becomes permanent. Mark your calendar if you want to know when the process is complete, or log in before day 30 to confirm your account is still there.