Facebook gives you two choices: deactivate or delete

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. If you log back in within 30 days, everything returns exactly as it was. After 30 days, the account stays deleted — but reactivating it after that point is not possible.

Deletion is permanent. Facebook removes your profile, posts, photos, and messages from public view. The company says it takes up to 90 days to fully erase your data from their servers, though some information tied to other accounts (like when you were tagged in someone else's photo) may remain. You cannot reactivate a deleted account. If you change your mind, you would have to create a brand new one from scratch.

Most people who want out choose deletion. Deactivation is useful only if you think you might return within a month.

Key Takeaways

  • Deletion is permanent and cannot be undone, while deactivation hides your account for 30 days and can be reversed if you log back in.
  • You can delete your account through Facebook's settings on a computer or phone, and the process takes just a few clicks.
  • Facebook takes up to 90 days to fully remove your data from their servers after deletion.
  • Before you delete, download your photos and posts if you want to keep copies for yourself.
  • Messenger will stop working after deletion, so save any important conversations beforehand.

How to delete your account on a computer

Open Facebook in a web browser and log in. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner of the page — it is next to your profile picture. Select Settings and privacy, then click Settings.

On the left side of the screen, scroll down and 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 (the puzzle that proves you are human). Enter your password and complete the CAPTCHA, then click Continue.

Facebook will show you a final warning explaining that deletion is permanent. Read through it, then click the button to confirm deletion. Your account will be scheduled for removal. You will receive an email confirming the request. Do not log back in during the next 30 days, or the deletion will be cancelled.

How to delete your account on a phone

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

Scroll down to find Deactivation and deletion and tap it. Select Delete account. Enter your password when prompted and complete any security checks Facebook asks for. Tap Continue to move forward.

Review the final confirmation screen and tap the button to confirm deletion. Your account will be marked for removal. Like the computer process, do not log in again for 30 days or the deletion will be reversed.

Download your photos and posts before you delete

Once your account is gone, you cannot get your photos and posts back from Facebook. If you want to keep copies, download them first. On a computer, click the downward arrow in the top right, go to Settings and privacy, then Settings. On the left side, click Your information and permissions, then Download your information.

Facebook will ask you to choose a date range and what types of content to download. Select All of your information to get everything, or pick specific categories like photos, posts, or messages. Choose your file format (HTML is easiest to read) and click Request a download. Facebook will prepare a file and email you a link. This can take a few hours or up to a day. Download the file and save it to your computer before you delete your account.

On a phone, the process is similar but the menu layout differs slightly. Tap the three lines, go to Settings and privacy, then Settings. Look for Download your information under the account section. Follow the same steps to request and download your data.

What happens to your messages and Messenger

When you delete your Facebook account, Messenger stops working. Your message history with other people will still exist on their accounts — they can still see conversations with you — but you will not be able to access any of your messages. If you have important conversations you want to remember, take screenshots or copy the text before you delete.

If you use Messenger to stay in touch with people, consider giving them your phone number or email address before you delete. That way they can contact you through other channels. Some people deactivate Facebook but keep Messenger running by logging in separately, though this is not a permanent solution.

What to do if you change your mind within 30 days

If you delete your account and then realize you made a mistake, you have a 30-day window to undo it. Log back into Facebook using your email and password. Facebook will ask if you want to cancel the deletion. Click yes, and your account will be restored with all your photos, friends, and messages intact.

After 30 days, cancellation is no longer possible. Your account will be fully deleted from Facebook's servers, and you cannot get it back. Creating a new account with the same email is possible, but it will be a completely fresh start with no history or connections to your old profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Facebook delete my account immediately?

No. Facebook schedules your account for deletion and takes up to 90 days to fully remove your data from their servers. During the first 30 days, you can still undo the deletion by logging back in. After 30 days, the deletion becomes permanent, though the company may take another 60 days to erase everything from their systems.

Can I delete my account if I have an outstanding balance or unpaid ads?

You can still delete your account, but Facebook may pursue any unpaid charges. If you have a business account with active ads or unpaid invoices, settle those first to avoid complications. Contact Facebook's business support if you are unsure about your account status.

What happens to my tagged photos after I delete?

Photos that other people posted and tagged you in will remain on their accounts and in their albums. Deletion only removes content you posted yourself. If you want those tagged photos removed, you would need to contact the people who posted them and ask them to untag you or delete the photos.

Can I delete just my Facebook account but keep Instagram?

Yes. Facebook and Instagram are separate accounts, even though Facebook owns Instagram. Deleting your Facebook account does not affect your Instagram account. You can delete one without touching the other. If you want to delete both, you need to go through the deletion process for each platform separately.

What if I forgot my password and cannot log in to delete?

Use Facebook's password recovery tool. Go to the login page, click "Forgotten password?", and follow the steps to reset it using your email or phone number. Once you regain access, you can proceed with deletion. If you no longer have access to the email or phone number tied to your account, contact Facebook's support team for help.