Facebook gives you two ways out: deactivation and deletion

Deactivation hides your profile temporarily. Your name disappears from search, your messages and posts vanish from view, and friends cannot find you. But Facebook keeps your data in case you change your mind — you can reactivate by logging back in anytime within 30 days. After 30 days, reactivation becomes harder but may still be possible.

Deletion is permanent. Facebook removes your account, posts, photos, and messages from the site. The process takes about 30 days to complete fully, and you cannot undo it. If you log in during those 30 days, the deletion stops and your account stays active. After 30 days pass, your data is gone for good.

Most people choose deactivation first because it is reversible. Choose deletion only if you are certain you will not want your account back.

Key Takeaways

  • Deactivation hides your account but keeps your data; you can reactivate anytime within 30 days by logging in again.
  • Deletion removes your account permanently after 30 days, and logging in during that period cancels the deletion.
  • You can deactivate or delete through Settings on desktop, or through the menu on mobile — both take less than two minutes.
  • Facebook may keep some data longer than 30 days for legal or technical reasons, even after deletion is complete.
  • Messages you sent to others may stay in their inboxes even after your account is deleted.

How to deactivate your account on desktop

Open Facebook in a web browser and log in if you are not already. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner of the screen (next to your profile picture). Scroll down and select Settings and privacy, then click Settings.

On the left side, click Deactivation and deletion. You will see two options: "Deactivate account" and "Delete account". Click Deactivate account. Facebook will ask why you are leaving — you can select a reason or skip this step. Enter your password to confirm, then click Deactivate. Your account is now hidden.

How to deactivate your account on mobile

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

Scroll down to Deactivation and deletion and tap it. Select Deactivate account. Facebook will ask for your reason and your password. Tap Deactivate to finish. Your account is now deactivated.

How to permanently delete your account

The deletion process starts the same way as deactivation. Go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Deactivation and deletion. This time, click or tap Delete account instead of deactivate.

Facebook will explain that deletion is permanent and takes 30 days. Enter your password and click Delete account. Your account is now scheduled for removal. Do not log in during the next 30 days, or the deletion will cancel and your account will reactivate. After 30 days, your account and all its data are gone.

What happens to your data after deletion

Facebook removes your posts, photos, messages, and profile from its site within 30 days. However, the company may keep some information longer for legal reasons, backup systems, or to comply with law enforcement requests. Messages you sent to other people usually stay in their inboxes — deleting your account does not erase conversations from the other person's side.

If you used your Facebook login to sign into other apps or websites (like Spotify, Instagram, or gaming platforms), those connections break when your account is deleted. You will need to create separate passwords for those services or use a different login method.

Reactivating a deactivated account

If you deactivated your account and want it back within 30 days, simply log in with your email and password. Your profile, friends list, messages, and posts will return immediately. There is no special process — logging in automatically reactivates you.

After 30 days, reactivation becomes uncertain. Facebook may have deleted your data by then, though the company sometimes restores accounts beyond the 30-day window. Your best option is to contact Facebook through its help center and explain your situation, but there is no may provide they will restore your account.

What to do before you cancel

Before deactivating or deleting, download your photos and posts if you want to keep them. Go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Your information and permissions > Download your information. Facebook will prepare a file of your data, which you can download as a ZIP file. This takes a few minutes to a few hours depending on how much data you have.

Tell your close friends or family that you are leaving, especially if they rely on Facebook to reach you. Consider whether you use Facebook to log into other accounts — if you do, create separate passwords for those services first. Check if any important photos or messages are only stored on Facebook and nowhere else.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else use my email after I delete my account?

Yes. After your account is fully deleted, another person can sign up for Facebook using the same email address. If you want to prevent this, change your email address before deleting, or use an email you no longer check.

Will my friends see that I deleted my account?

No. Your profile simply disappears from their view. They will not receive a notification that you deleted your account, though they may notice you are no longer in their friends list.

What if I deactivate but then change my mind after 30 days?

Contact Facebook through its help center and explain that you want your account back. Facebook sometimes restores deactivated accounts beyond 30 days, but it is not may provide. Response times vary and there is no promise your account will be recovered.

Does deleting Facebook also delete my Instagram account?

No. Facebook and Instagram are separate accounts, even though Facebook owns Instagram. Deleting your Facebook account does not affect your Instagram profile. You must delete Instagram separately if you want to remove that account too.

Can I download my data after I delete my account?

You can download your data before deletion, but not after. Once your account is fully deleted, Facebook no longer stores your information in a format you can download. Download your data before you start the deletion process.