You can delete a Facebook page you created, but the process depends on whether you want to remove it temporarily or permanently
If you created a Facebook page for a business, organization, or project and no longer need it, you have two options: delete the page permanently, which removes it from Facebook entirely, or unpublish the page, which hides it from the public but keeps your data intact. Most people choose permanent deletion. The steps are straightforward and take about five minutes, though Facebook requires you to wait 14 days after requesting deletion before the page actually disappears.
This guide covers both options so you can choose what works for your situation. The process is the same whether you're using Facebook on a computer or phone, though the phone version has slightly different menu locations.
Key Takeaways
- Permanent deletion removes your page completely after a 14-day waiting period, during which you can cancel the deletion if you change your mind.
- Unpublishing a page hides it from public view but keeps all your posts, photos, and information saved in case you want to restore it later.
- You must be the page admin to delete or unpublish — if someone else created the page, you cannot remove it without their permission.
- After deletion is complete, you cannot recover the page or any of its content, so download important photos or information first if you need them.
- If your page has a large following or active community, consider unpublishing first to give people notice before permanent removal.
How to permanently delete a Facebook page on a computer
Open Facebook and go to the page you want to delete. Click the Settings button in the top right corner of the page (it looks like a gear icon). From the menu that appears, select Settings and privacy, then Settings.
On the left side of the screen, scroll down and click Deactivation and deletion. You will see two options: "Deactivate Page" and "Delete Page". Click Delete Page. Facebook will ask you to confirm your choice and explain that the page will be permanently removed after 14 days. Click the Delete Page button again to confirm. You will be asked to enter your password to verify your identity — type it in and click Continue.
That's it. Your page is now scheduled for deletion. Facebook will send you an email confirming the request. For the next 14 days, the page will not be visible to anyone, but you can still cancel the deletion by going back to Settings and clicking Cancel Deletion if you change your mind. After 14 days pass, the page and all its content will be permanently removed.
How to permanently delete a Facebook page on your phone
Open the Facebook app and navigate to your page. Tap the Menu button (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right of the screen. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then Settings.
Scroll down until you find Deactivation and deletion and tap it. Select Delete Page. Facebook will show you a confirmation screen explaining that your page will be removed after 14 days. Tap Delete Page again, then enter your password and tap Continue. Your page is now scheduled for deletion, and you will receive an email confirmation.
How to unpublish a page instead of deleting it
If you want to hide your page from the public but keep all your content and information, unpublishing is a better choice than permanent deletion. This is useful if you might want to reactivate the page later or if you want to preserve the posts and photos for your own records.
On a computer, go to your page and click Settings in the top right. Select Settings and privacy, then Settings. Click Deactivation and deletion on the left side. Choose Deactivate Page. Facebook will ask you to confirm — click Deactivate. Your page is now unpublished and hidden from public view, but all your content remains saved. You can reactivate it anytime by going back to the same menu and clicking Reactivate.
On your phone, follow the same steps: tap Menu, then Settings and privacy, then Settings. Scroll to Deactivation and deletion and tap Deactivate Page. Confirm your choice. The page is now hidden but not deleted.
What happens to your page content after deletion
Once the 14-day waiting period ends and your page is permanently deleted, Facebook removes all posts, photos, videos, comments, and messages associated with that page. You cannot recover any of this content after deletion is complete. If you have photos or posts you want to keep, download them before you request deletion.
To save your page content, go to your page settings and look for a Download Your Information option, or take screenshots of important posts and save photos to your computer manually. This takes extra time but ensures you don't lose anything you might need later.
What to do if you're not the page admin
If someone else created the page and you are not listed as an admin, you cannot delete or unpublish it. Only the page creator or someone with admin rights can remove a page. If you need the page removed, contact the person who created it and ask them to delete it.
If the page violates Facebook's rules — for example, if it contains hate speech, misinformation, or spam — you can report it to Facebook instead. Click the Menu button on the page and select Report Page. Facebook will review it and may remove it if it breaks their policies.
Common mistakes to avoid when deleting a page
The biggest mistake is not realizing the 14-day waiting period exists. Many people request deletion and then panic when the page is still visible the next day. Remember: the page disappears from public view immediately, but the final deletion takes two weeks. You can cancel anytime during this period if you change your mind.
Another common error is confusing page deletion with account deletion. Deleting a Facebook page only removes that specific page — it does not delete your personal Facebook account or any other pages you manage. If you want to delete your entire account instead, that is a separate process with different steps.
Do not delete a page without downloading important content first. Once it is gone, there is no way to recover photos, posts, or messages. If your page has years of content, spend an hour saving what matters before you request deletion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a page deletion after I request it?
Yes. During the 14-day waiting period, go back to your page settings, click Deactivation and deletion, and select Cancel Deletion. Your page will return to normal and remain active. After the 14 days pass, cancellation is no longer possible.
What is the difference between deactivating and deleting a page?
Deactivating (unpublishing) hides your page from the public but saves all your content. You can reactivate it anytime. Deleting permanently removes the page and everything on it after 14 days, with no way to recover it.
Will my followers be notified when I delete my page?
No, Facebook does not send notifications to your followers when you delete a page. They will simply notice the page is no longer visible when they try to find it. If you want to let people know, post an announcement before you delete.
Can I delete a page that has thousands of followers?
Yes, page size does not matter. You can delete any page you admin, regardless of how many followers it has. Consider unpublishing first if you want to give followers notice before permanent removal.
What if I deleted a page by mistake?
If you are still within the 14-day waiting period, go to your page settings and click Cancel Deletion to restore it. If more than 14 days have passed, the page is permanently gone and cannot be recovered. Contact Facebook Support if you believe the deletion was unauthorized.