Facebook gives you two ways out: deactivation and deletion

Deactivation hides your profile temporarily. Your name disappears from search, your messages stop showing, and your friends can't see your posts. But Facebook keeps all your data and can reactivate your account if you log back in within 30 days. After 30 days, the account stays deactivated but your data remains on Facebook's servers.

Deletion is permanent. Facebook removes your profile, posts, photos, and messages from public view. The company says it takes up to 90 days to fully delete everything from their backup systems, but the account cannot be recovered after that window closes. If you want your account gone for good, deletion is the only option.

Most people choose deactivation by accident because it's the default option. If you truly want to close your account permanently, you need to follow the deletion steps, not the deactivation ones.

Key Takeaways

  • Deactivation hides your profile but keeps your data on Facebook's servers and lets you reactivate within 30 days; deletion is permanent and cannot be undone.
  • You delete your account through Facebook's Settings menu under "Deactivation and Deletion," not through a support form or help center.
  • After you request deletion, Facebook takes up to 90 days to remove all your data from backup systems, but your account is gone immediately.
  • Before deleting, download your photos and posts if you want to keep them, because deletion removes everything you posted.
  • If you change your mind within 30 days, you can log back in and cancel the deletion request before the 90-day window ends.

How to delete your account on desktop

Open Facebook in a web browser and log in if you're not already signed in. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner of the page — this opens your account menu. Select Settings and privacy, then click Settings.

On the left side of the Settings page, scroll down and click Deactivation and Deletion. You'll see two options: "Deactivate account" and "Delete account." Click the radio button next to Delete account, then click Continue. Facebook will ask you to confirm your password and may ask you to solve a CAPTCHA to verify you're human.

Read the information about what happens when you delete your account. Facebook will tell you that you have 30 days to change your mind. After you click Delete account, the deletion process begins. Your profile disappears immediately, but Facebook spends the next 90 days removing your data from their systems.

How to delete your account on mobile

Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) in the bottom right corner on iPhone or the top right corner on Android. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then tap Settings.

Scroll down to find Deactivation and Deletion and tap it. Select the radio button next to Delete account and tap Continue. Enter your password when prompted. Facebook will show you the deletion details and ask for final confirmation. Tap Delete account to finish.

The mobile process is identical to desktop — your account is gone immediately, and the 90-day removal from backup systems begins right away.

Download your information before you delete

Once your account is deleted, you cannot recover your photos, videos, messages, or posts. If you want to keep any of this, download it first. Go to Settings and privacy > Settings, then find Your information and permissions on the left side. Click Download your information.

Facebook will let you choose what to download — photos, videos, posts, messages, and more. Select what you want to keep and choose your file format (HTML or JSON). Facebook will prepare a file and send you a download link, usually within a few minutes but sometimes within a few hours. Download this file to your computer before you delete your account.

This step takes only a few minutes and saves you from permanent loss of photos or messages you might want later.

What happens in the 30-day window after deletion

For 30 days after you request deletion, you can undo the process by logging back into your account. If you log in during this window, Facebook will ask if you want to cancel the deletion. Click yes, and your account returns to normal with all your data intact.

After 30 days pass, you cannot undo the deletion. Facebook continues removing your data from backup systems for another 60 days (90 days total from the deletion date), but your account is permanently gone. You cannot recover it, and you cannot create a new account with the same email address immediately — Facebook may take time to fully release that email from their system.

If you're uncertain about deletion, deactivation is a safer first step. You can deactivate for a month, see how you feel, and then decide whether to delete permanently.

Deactivation: the reversible option

If you want to step away from Facebook but aren't ready to delete permanently, deactivation lets you pause without losing your account. Your profile, posts, and photos disappear from Facebook, and your friends can't message you or see your activity. But Facebook keeps everything on its servers.

To deactivate instead of delete, go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Deactivation and Deletion and select Deactivate account. Facebook will ask why you're leaving and offer options to stay in touch. You can choose whether to hide your account from search or let friends still find you. After you confirm, your account is deactivated immediately.

You can reactivate a deactivated account anytime by logging back in. There's no time limit on deactivation — you can leave your account deactivated for months or years and still come back. If you think you might return to Facebook someday, deactivation is the safer choice.

What Facebook does with your data after deletion

When you delete your account, your profile and posts are removed from public view immediately. Messages you sent to others remain in their inboxes, but they won't show your name or profile picture — they'll appear as "Facebook User." Photos and videos you posted are gone from your timeline, but if someone else shared a photo of you, that photo stays on their timeline.

Facebook says it takes up to 90 days to delete all your data from backup systems. This doesn't mean your information is recoverable during those 90 days — it means Facebook's internal systems are still processing the deletion. After 90 days, the company says your data is completely removed, though this is difficult to verify independently.

Some data may persist outside Facebook's control. If you posted something that someone else screenshotted or shared elsewhere, that copy exists independently of your Facebook account. Deletion only removes what Facebook itself is storing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my Facebook account if I use it to log into other apps?

Yes, but those apps will lose access to your Facebook login. Before you delete, change the login method on any apps that use your Facebook account — most apps let you create a password or use another login option like Google or Apple ID. Check each app's settings first so you don't get locked out.

What's the difference between deleting Facebook and Instagram if I have both?

Facebook and Instagram are separate accounts. Deleting one does not delete the other. If you want both gone, you must delete each account separately through its own settings. If you use the same email for both, you'll need to change the email on one account before deleting the other.

Will deleting my account remove me from Facebook groups or events I'm part of?

Yes. Once your account is deleted, you're removed from all groups and events. Your RSVP to events disappears, and your posts in groups are gone. If you're organizing an event or group, you should transfer ownership to someone else before you delete.

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

Facebook won't prevent you from deleting your account because of a balance or dispute. However, if you owe money for ads or other services, deletion doesn't erase that debt. Contact Facebook's support team about any outstanding issues before you delete, or the company may pursue collection.

How do I know if my account is actually deleted?

After deletion, you won't be able to log in. If you try to log in and Facebook asks for your password, the deletion hasn't finished yet — you're still in the 30-day window. After 30 days, attempting to log in will show an error saying the account doesn't exist. You can also ask a friend to search for your name on Facebook — if your profile doesn't appear, deletion is complete.