Facebook gives you two ways to remove your account, and they work very differently
You can either deactivate your account, which hides it temporarily, or delete it permanently. Deactivation is reversible — you can log back in anytime within 30 days and restore everything. Deletion is not reversible. After 30 days, Facebook removes your profile, photos, posts, and friend connections from their servers. Choose deactivation if you might want to return. Choose deletion if you want it gone for good.
The process takes just a few clicks, but the waiting period afterward is where most people get confused. This guide walks you through both options and explains what happens to your data at each stage.
Key Takeaways
- Deactivation hides your account but keeps all your data intact; you can reactivate anytime within 30 days by logging back in.
- Deletion permanently removes your account, photos, posts, and messages after a 30-day waiting period, and cannot be undone.
- During the 30-day waiting period for deletion, your account is still technically there — Facebook does not remove it immediately.
- Some data like messages you sent to others may remain on their accounts even after you delete yours.
- You must have access to your email or phone number to start either process, because Facebook sends a confirmation code.
How to deactivate your Facebook account
Deactivation is the gentler option. Your profile disappears from search results and your friends' feeds, but Facebook keeps everything. If you change your mind, you log back in and your account reappears exactly as it was.
On a computer, click the downward arrow in the top right corner of Facebook. Select Settings and privacy, then Settings. On the left side, click Deactivation and deletion. Choose Deactivate account and click Continue. Facebook will ask why you are leaving — you can skip this or tell them. Then click Deactivate. You will be asked to confirm your password. Do that, and your account is deactivated immediately.
On a phone or tablet, tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then Settings. Tap Accounts center at the top. Tap Accounts, then select your Facebook account. Tap Deactivation or deletion and choose Deactivate account. Follow the same steps to confirm.
After deactivation, your friends cannot see your profile or send you messages. Your name disappears from their friend lists. However, Facebook keeps your messages, photos, and posts stored. If you log back in within 30 days, everything returns.
How to permanently delete your Facebook account
Deletion is permanent. After you request it, Facebook waits 30 days before actually removing your data. During those 30 days, your account is still there but locked — you cannot log in, and your friends cannot see your profile. After 30 days, everything is gone.
On a computer, click the downward arrow in the top right corner. Select Settings and privacy, then Settings. On the left side, click Deactivation and deletion. Choose Delete account and click Continue. Facebook will ask why — you can skip this. Then click Delete. Enter your password to confirm. You will receive a confirmation code by email or text message. Enter that code, and your deletion request is submitted.
On a phone or tablet, tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then Settings. Tap Accounts center at the top. Tap Accounts, then select your Facebook account. Tap Deactivation or deletion and choose Delete account. Follow the same steps to confirm with your password and the code Facebook sends you.
Once you submit the deletion request, you cannot undo it by logging back in. The 30-day waiting period is final. Mark your calendar if you think you might change your mind — after day 30, your account is permanently removed.
What happens to your data during the 30-day waiting period
During those 30 days, your account is locked. You cannot log in. Your friends cannot see your profile or send you messages. Facebook is not actively deleting anything yet — it is just preventing access while it prepares to remove everything from its servers.
If you accidentally requested deletion and want to stop it, log in during this 30-day window and your account will reactivate. After day 30, that option is gone. Some data you shared — like messages you sent to friends — may still appear in their inboxes even after your account is deleted, because those messages are stored on their accounts, not just yours.
Why you might want to deactivate instead of delete
Deactivation is useful if you need a break but think you might return. Many people deactivate during stressful periods and reactivate months later. Your account sits there untouched, waiting. There is no time limit on deactivation — you can leave it deactivated for years and still log back in.
Deactivation also keeps your Messenger account active if you want to stay in touch with people through messages without having a visible Facebook profile. You can message and receive messages even though your profile is gone. If you delete your account entirely, Messenger access goes with it.
Things to do before you delete
Before you request deletion, download your photos and posts if you want to keep them. Facebook lets you download a copy of your data. On a computer, go to Settings and privacy, then Settings. Click Your information and permissions on the left, then Download your information. Choose what you want to download — photos, posts, friends list, messages — and Facebook will prepare a file for you. This can take a few hours or a few days depending on how much data you have.
Tell your close friends and family that you are leaving, especially if they rely on Facebook to reach you. Give them your phone number or email address. If you run a business page, transfer ownership to someone else first, or that page will be deleted along with your account. If you manage a group, do the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel my deletion request after I submit it?
Yes, but only during the 30-day waiting period. Log into your account anytime before day 30 and your account will reactivate. After 30 days pass, the deletion is final and cannot be reversed. There is no way to recover your account after that point.
Will my messages disappear from my friends' inboxes when I delete my account?
No. Messages you sent to other people remain in their Messenger inboxes even after your account is deleted. Those messages are stored on their accounts. Only messages in your own inbox are removed when your account is deleted.
What if I deactivate but want to come back — will my friends know?
When you reactivate, your profile returns and you appear in search results again. Your friends will see you are back, but Facebook does not send them a notification. You can message them and they will see you are active again.
Does deleting Facebook also delete Instagram and WhatsApp?
No. Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are separate accounts. Deleting your Facebook account does not affect Instagram or WhatsApp unless you specifically linked them. You would need to delete those accounts separately if you want them gone.
Can I use the same email address to create a new Facebook account after deletion?
Yes, but only after the 30-day waiting period is complete. Once your account is fully deleted, you can sign up again with the same email address. However, Facebook may flag the new account as suspicious if it is created immediately after deletion, so waiting a few days is safer.