Facebook gives you two ways out: deactivation and deletion

Deactivation and deletion are not the same thing, and Facebook counts on most people not knowing the difference. Deactivation hides your profile temporarily — your friends can't see you, but Facebook keeps all your data and can reactivate your account if you log back in within 30 days. Deletion is permanent. After 30 days, Facebook removes your profile, photos, posts, and messages from its servers. You cannot undo it.

Most people who want to leave Facebook actually want deletion, not deactivation. Deactivation is useful only if you think you might return. If you're done, deletion is the choice that actually removes you.

Key Takeaways

  • Deactivation hides your profile but keeps your data; deletion removes it permanently after 30 days.
  • To delete your account, go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Deactivation and Deletion, choose Delete, and confirm your password.
  • Facebook gives you a 30-day window to change your mind; after that, your account and all its data are gone for good.
  • Some of your messages to other people may remain in their inboxes even after you delete your account.
  • Downloaded copies of your photos and posts stay on your computer; deletion only removes them from Facebook's servers.

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 profile picture) and select Settings & Privacy, then Settings. On the left sidebar, 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 re-enter your password to confirm. Type it in and click Continue. Read the warning — it tells you that deletion is permanent and takes 30 days to complete. Click Delete Account again to confirm.

That's it. Your account is now scheduled for deletion. You'll receive a confirmation email. If you change your mind within 30 days, you can log back in and cancel the deletion request. After 30 days, the account is gone.

How to delete 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 & Privacy, then Settings. Tap Personal Information, then Account Ownership and Control. Tap Deactivation or Deletion.

Choose Delete Account. Facebook will ask for your password. Enter it and tap Continue. Review the warning message and tap Delete Account to confirm. You'll get a confirmation email, and the 30-day countdown begins.

What happens during the 30-day waiting period

For the next 30 days, your profile is invisible to other users. Your friends can't find you, see your posts, or message you. However, Facebook is still holding onto your data — photos, messages, friend lists, everything. If you log in during this window, the deletion cancels and your account returns to normal.

Some of your old messages may still appear in other people's inboxes. Facebook doesn't delete messages you sent to others; it only removes them from your side. If someone searches their conversation history with you, they'll still see what you wrote.

After 30 days pass, Facebook deletes your profile and data from its active servers. The deletion is permanent and cannot be reversed.

What data actually gets deleted

Facebook removes your profile, timeline, photos, videos, posts, comments, and friend list from its servers. Your account name becomes unavailable for anyone else to use. Search engines gradually stop showing cached versions of your old profile.

However, deletion does not remove copies of your data that you downloaded before deleting. If you saved photos to your computer or printed out conversations, those stay on your device. Deletion also doesn't remove messages you sent to other people — only your access to them.

If you used your Facebook account to log into other apps or websites (like Spotify, Instagram, or gaming platforms), those connections break. You'll need to create separate passwords for those services if you want to keep using them.

Deactivation as an alternative if you're unsure

If you're not certain about permanent deletion, deactivation lets you step back without losing the option to return. Your profile disappears from search results and your friends' feeds. No one can message you or see your old posts. Your account sits dormant.

Deactivation is reversible at any time — log back in and your account reactivates instantly. There's no waiting period. This makes sense if you're taking a break from social media but might want to return, or if you're concerned about losing access to photos or messages.

The downside: Facebook keeps all your data while your account is deactivated. If you want Facebook to actually remove your information, deletion is the only option.

Before you delete: what to save first

Facebook lets you download a copy of your data before deletion. Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Your Information and Permissions > Download Your Information. Choose the date range and data types you want (photos, posts, messages, etc.), then click Request a Download. Facebook will email you a file within a few days.

This download is separate from the deletion process. You can request it anytime, even after you've scheduled your account for deletion. Having a local copy means you won't lose photos or memories that matter to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel the deletion after I've requested it?

Yes, but only within 30 days. Log into your account during that window and go back to Deactivation and Deletion. Choose "Cancel Deletion" and your account returns to normal. After 30 days, cancellation is no longer possible.

Will my friends know I deleted my account?

They'll notice you're gone — your profile won't appear in their friends list and they can't message you. Facebook doesn't send a notification saying you deleted your account, but people will figure it out when they can't find you.

What happens to photos I'm tagged in?

Photos other people posted stay on their profiles and timelines. Deletion only removes photos you uploaded yourself. If you're tagged in someone else's photo, that tag disappears, but the photo remains.

Can I delete my account if I'm locked out?

If you can't log in, go to the Facebook login page and click "Forgotten Password". Reset your password using your email or phone number, then follow the deletion steps. If you can't access your email or phone, contact Facebook through their Help Center to verify your identity before proceeding.

Does deleting Facebook also delete Instagram and WhatsApp?

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