Facebook gives you two choices: deactivate or delete

Deactivation hides your profile temporarily. Your name disappears from search, your messages go dark, and your friends can't see your posts. But Facebook keeps all your data. If you log back in within 30 days, everything returns exactly as it was. After 30 days, the account is gone — but Facebook may keep backups of your information for legal reasons.

Deletion is permanent. Facebook removes your profile, posts, photos, and messages from public view. The process takes about 30 days to complete. During those 30 days, if you log back in, the deletion stops and your account reactivates. After 30 days pass without logging in, your account and most associated data are deleted from Facebook's servers. Some information — like messages you sent to others — may remain in their inboxes.

Most people who want their account "completely gone" mean deletion, not deactivation. The steps are different, and the outcome is different. Choose deletion if you want Facebook to remove your presence from the platform.

Key Takeaways

  • Deletion is permanent after 30 days, but deactivation is temporary and reversible — make sure you choose the right one.
  • You must use a computer or the Facebook website to delete your account; the mobile app only offers deactivation.
  • During the 30-day deletion window, logging back in will cancel the deletion and reactivate your account.
  • Messages you sent to others will remain in their inboxes even after your account is deleted.
  • Download your photos and posts before deleting if you want to keep copies — Facebook will not send them to you afterward.

How to delete your account on a computer

Go to facebook.com and log in if you are not already signed in. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner of the page (next to your name). Scroll down and click 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 Delete account. Facebook will ask you to confirm your password and may ask you to solve a CAPTCHA (those distorted letter puzzles). Enter your password and complete the CAPTCHA.

Facebook will show you a screen explaining what happens when you delete. Read it carefully — this is your last chance to change your mind before the 30-day window starts. Click Delete account again to confirm. Your account is now scheduled for deletion.

What happens during the 30-day deletion window

For the next 30 days, your profile is hidden from Facebook. Your friends cannot find you, see your posts, or send you messages. Your name will not appear in search results. However, your account still exists in Facebook's systems during this time.

If you change your mind and log back in — even once — the deletion cancels immediately and your account returns to normal. You will not get a warning before this happens. Simply entering your email and password will reactivate everything.

After 30 days pass without you logging in, Facebook permanently deletes your account. Most of your data is removed from their servers. Some information, like messages you sent to other people, stays in their message histories because it belongs to their accounts, not yours.

Download your information before deleting

Facebook lets you download a copy of your photos, posts, and other information before deletion. This is your only chance to keep these files — Facebook will not send them to you after the account is gone.

Go to Settings and privacy, then Settings. Click Your information and permissions on the left, then click Download your information. Choose the date range (usually "All of my information"), select what you want to download (photos, posts, videos, etc.), and click Request a download. Facebook will prepare a file, usually within a few hours. You will get a notification when it is ready. Download the file and save it to your computer before you delete your account.

Why the mobile app does not let you delete

The Facebook mobile app only offers deactivation, not deletion. This is intentional — Facebook makes deletion harder to do by accident. To delete your account, you must use a web browser on a computer or tablet, not the app.

If you only have access to a phone, you can open a web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.), go to facebook.com, and follow the deletion steps above. The process is the same.

What to do if you cannot log in

If you forgot your password or cannot access your account, you cannot delete it yourself. Go to facebook.com/login/identify and follow the steps to recover your account. You will need access to the email address or phone number linked to the account. Once you regain access, follow the deletion steps above.

If you cannot recover your account and do not have access to the linked email or phone, contact Facebook through their Help Center. Go to facebook.com/help and search for "delete account". Look for the option to report a problem or contact support. Explain that you cannot access your account and want it deleted. Facebook may ask you to verify your identity before proceeding.

Deactivation as an alternative

If you are not sure whether you want to delete permanently, deactivate first. Deactivation hides your profile for as long as you want. You can reactivate anytime by logging back in. This is useful if you want to take a break from Facebook but might return later.

To deactivate, go to Settings and privacy, then Settings. Click Deactivation and deletion and choose Deactivate account. Follow the prompts. Your profile disappears immediately, but your data stays on Facebook's servers. If you log in again in six months or six years, your account will be exactly as you left it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Facebook delete my account if I do not log in for a long time?

No. Facebook only deletes an account if you specifically request deletion and do not log in during the 30-day window. Simply not using your account does not trigger deletion. Your account will remain active indefinitely unless you delete it yourself.

Can I delete my account on the Facebook app?

No. The app only offers deactivation. You must use a web browser on a computer or mobile device to delete your account. Open facebook.com in Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or another browser and follow the deletion steps.

What if I log in during the 30-day deletion period?

Logging in cancels the deletion and reactivates your account immediately. Everything returns to normal — your posts, photos, and friends list come back. You will have to start the deletion process over if you want to delete again.

Will my messages disappear from my friends' inboxes after I delete?

No. Messages you sent to other people remain in their message histories. Deletion only removes your profile and posts from your own account. Conversations you had with others stay in their accounts.

Can I delete my account if I have an active dispute or legal case?

Facebook may prevent deletion if there is an active legal hold on your account. If you are involved in a court case or investigation involving Facebook, contact the legal team handling your case before attempting deletion. Otherwise, you can delete normally.