Facebook gives you two choices: deactivate temporarily or delete permanently
When you decide you no longer want your Facebook account, you have two different paths. Deactivation hides your profile, posts, and friends list from other people, but Facebook keeps your data and you can reactivate anytime by logging back in. Deletion is permanent — Facebook removes your account and most of your information after 30 days, and you cannot get it back.
Most people who want to leave Facebook actually want deactivation, because it gives you an exit ramp if you change your mind. But if you are certain you will not return, deletion is the option to choose. This guide covers both, so you can pick the one that matches what you actually want to do.
Key Takeaways
- Deactivation hides your account but keeps your data; deletion removes it permanently after 30 days.
- You can deactivate from Settings on your phone or computer in under a minute.
- Deletion requires you to confirm your identity and wait 30 days before the account is fully removed.
- Facebook will not delete messages you sent to other people, even after your account is gone.
- If you use Facebook Login to sign into other apps, those apps will stop working after deletion.
How to deactivate your Facebook 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 & Privacy, then tap Settings. Scroll down to the section labeled Account Ownership and Control and tap Deactivation or Deletion.
Choose Deactivate Account. Facebook will ask you why you are leaving — you can pick a reason or skip this step. Enter your password to confirm, then tap Continue. On the next screen, tap Deactivate to finish. Your account is now hidden from view. You can log back in anytime to reactivate it.
How to deactivate your Facebook account on a computer
Go to facebook.com and log in if you are not already. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner and select Settings & Privacy, then click Settings. On the left side, click Personal Information, then click Account Ownership and Control.
Click Deactivation or Deletion. Select Deactivate Account and click Continue. Facebook will ask why you are leaving — answer or skip. Enter your password and click Deactivate. Your account is now deactivated and invisible to other users.
How to permanently delete your Facebook account
The deletion process is similar to deactivation but takes longer because Facebook requires a 30-day waiting period. On your phone, go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Account Ownership and Control > Deactivation or Deletion. On a computer, follow the same path: Settings > Personal Information > Account Ownership and Control > Deactivation or Deletion.
This time, choose Delete Account instead of Deactivate Account. Click or tap Continue. Enter your password and click or tap Delete. Facebook will send you a confirmation email. After 30 days pass with no action from you, your account and all associated data will be permanently removed. If you log back in during those 30 days, the deletion will cancel and your account will reactivate.
What happens to your data after deletion
Facebook removes most of your information — your profile, photos, posts, and friend connections all disappear. However, messages you sent to other people remain in their inboxes. If you tagged yourself in photos that belong to other people, those tags are removed but the photos stay. Comments you made on public pages may also remain visible.
If you used Facebook Login to sign into other apps or websites, those connections break after deletion. You will no longer be able to use your Facebook account to log into services like Spotify, Instagram, or gaming apps. You may need to create new passwords for those services or link them to a different account.
What to do if you change your mind during the 30-day waiting period
During the 30 days after you request deletion, you can cancel the process by logging back into your account. Go to facebook.com, enter your email or phone number and password, and log in normally. Your account will reactivate immediately and deletion will be cancelled. After the 30 days are up, you cannot recover the account.
If you forgot your password, you can still reset it using your email or phone number before the 30 days end. Once you log in, the deletion request stops and your account returns to normal. This is your only window to change your mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my Facebook account without waiting 30 days?
No. Facebook requires a 30-day waiting period for all permanent deletions. This gives you time to change your mind if you log back in. Deactivation is instant if you want your account hidden right away.
Will deleting my Facebook account delete my Instagram account too?
No. Facebook and Instagram are separate accounts even though the same company owns them. Deleting one does not affect the other. You would need to delete Instagram separately if you want both gone.
What if I forgot my password and cannot log in to delete my account?
Go to facebook.com and click Forgot Password. Use your email address or phone number to reset it. Once you can log in again, follow the deletion steps. If you cannot access your email or phone, contact Facebook's support through their help center.
Can Facebook recover my account after the 30 days are up?
No. After 30 days, your account is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered. Facebook does not restore deleted accounts under any circumstances. If you think you might want to return, deactivate instead of delete.
Will my friends be notified when I delete my account?
No. Your friends will simply see that your profile no longer exists. Facebook does not send notifications about account deletions. Your name will disappear from their friend lists and any messages you sent will remain but show as from a deleted account.