Facebook gives you two choices: deactivate temporarily or delete permanently
When you want to stop using Facebook, you have two different paths. Deactivation hides your profile, messages, and posts from other people, but Facebook keeps all your data and you can reactivate anytime by logging back in. Deletion is permanent — after 30 days, your account, photos, posts, and messages are gone for good, and you cannot get them back.
Most people choose deactivation first because it is reversible. But if you are certain you want to leave Facebook entirely, deletion removes you completely. This guide covers both, starting with the permanent option since that is what most people search for.
Key Takeaways
- Permanent deletion takes 30 days to complete, and you can cancel it anytime during that month by logging back in.
- Deactivation hides your account immediately but keeps your data intact, and you can reactivate whenever you want.
- You must use a computer or phone browser to delete your account — the Facebook app does not have a deletion option.
- Facebook will not send you a confirmation email when deletion is complete, so mark your calendar for 30 days ahead.
- Messages you sent to other people stay in their inboxes even after your account is deleted.
How to permanently delete your Facebook account in four steps
Open Facebook in a web browser on your computer or phone — the mobile app does not have a deletion option. Log in if you are not already signed in. Go to the menu in the top right corner (three horizontal lines on mobile, or the downward arrow on desktop) and select Settings and privacy, then 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 enter your password to confirm. Type it in and click Continue.
Read the information about what happens when you delete. Facebook will tell you that you have 30 days to change your mind. If you are sure, click the button that says Delete account (the exact wording may vary slightly depending on your region). Your account is now scheduled for deletion.
That is it. Your profile disappears immediately from Facebook, but the company keeps your data for 30 days in case you change your mind. If you log back in during this month, the deletion stops and your account returns to normal. After 30 days pass with no login, deletion becomes permanent.
What happens to your data when you delete
Your photos, posts, comments, and friend list all disappear from Facebook's public view right away. Other people cannot see your profile or search for you. However, messages you sent to friends before deletion stay in their inboxes — deleting your account does not erase your side of conversations from other people's accounts.
Facebook keeps a copy of everything for 30 days. If you log in during that window, your account comes back exactly as it was. After 30 days, the company says it deletes the data, though some information tied to your account (like payment records or reports you made) may be kept longer for legal reasons.
If you have a Facebook business page or Instagram account linked to your Facebook profile, deletion may affect those too. Check your business pages and Instagram settings before you delete to understand what will happen to them.
Deactivation: the reversible option
If you are not ready to delete permanently, deactivation is safer. Your profile, photos, and posts hide from everyone immediately, and your name disappears from search results. You can reactivate anytime by logging in again — there is no time limit.
To deactivate, follow the same steps as deletion: go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Deactivation and deletion, but this time click Deactivate account. Facebook will ask why you are leaving and offer options to stay in touch. You can skip those and click Deactivate. Your account is now hidden.
While deactivated, you can still use Facebook's other services like Messenger, Instagram, or WhatsApp if you have accounts there. Your friends cannot message you through Facebook itself, but they can reach you through Messenger if you keep it active. You can turn Messenger off separately if you want to be completely unreachable.
The 30-day window: what you can and cannot do
During the 30 days after you request deletion, your account is in limbo. You can log in anytime to cancel the deletion — just enter your password and your account returns to normal with everything intact. Facebook does not send a reminder email, so if you think you might change your mind, set a phone alarm for day 29.
You cannot post, message, or interact with Facebook during this period, but the account still exists on Facebook's servers. If someone tries to send you a friend request or message, it will not go through. After 30 days of no login, the deletion becomes permanent and you cannot undo it.
If you delete your account by mistake, do not panic — log back in within 30 days and the deletion will stop. You will be back to normal immediately.
Troubleshooting: what to do if deletion does not work
If you click "Delete account" and nothing happens, clear your browser cache and cookies, then try again. Sometimes old data stored on your device blocks the deletion process. On most browsers, you can do this through Settings > Privacy or History > Clear browsing data.
If you are still stuck, make sure you are using the official Facebook website (facebook.com), not a third-party app or a phishing site. Check that your password is correct by logging out and logging back in. If you cannot log in at all, use the "Forgot password?" link to reset it first.
If deletion still fails after clearing your cache and resetting your password, Facebook may have locked your account for security reasons. Go to facebook.com/login/identify to see if there is a security issue to resolve. Once you fix it, try the deletion steps again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download my photos and posts before I delete?
Yes. Before you delete, go to Settings > Your information > Download your information. Facebook will create a file with copies of your photos, posts, and messages. This takes a few hours to prepare, and you can download it anytime during the 30-day deletion window or after.
What if I share a Facebook login with someone else?
Only the person who knows the password can delete the account. If you share a login, change your password first so only you can access it, then proceed with deletion. The other person will be logged out.
Will deleting my Facebook account delete my Instagram?
Not automatically. If your Instagram account is linked to Facebook, you may lose some features, but your Instagram profile stays active. You can unlink them in Instagram Settings > Accounts > Linked accounts before you delete Facebook if you want to keep Instagram separate.
Do I need to delete Facebook Messenger separately?
No. When you delete your Facebook account, Messenger access goes away too. However, you can keep Messenger active during the 30-day deletion window if you want people to reach you there. After 30 days, Messenger stops working with that account.
What happens to my Facebook business page when I delete my personal account?
If you are the only admin, your business page will be at risk. Before you delete your personal account, add another admin to your business page or transfer ownership. Go to your page Settings > Roles > Admins and add someone else before you delete your personal account.