Facebook gives you two options: deactivate temporarily or delete permanently
When you want to stop using Facebook, you have a choice between two paths. Deactivation hides your profile, posts, and photos from other users for as long as you want — you can reactivate anytime by logging back in. Deletion is permanent: Facebook removes your profile, posts, photos, and most associated data within 30 days, and you cannot get it back.
Most people who think they want to delete actually want to deactivate. Deactivation takes seconds and leaves the door open if you change your mind in six months. Deletion is the right choice only if you are certain you will not want to return.
Both options are free and do not require you to contact Facebook support. You control the entire process yourself through your account settings.
Key Takeaways
- Deactivation hides your account immediately but keeps your data; you can reactivate anytime by logging in, and Facebook will not let you reactivate for at least a few days after you request it.
- Deletion is permanent and takes 30 days to complete; during those 30 days you can cancel the deletion by logging back in, but after 30 days your account and data are gone forever.
- To deactivate, go to Settings and Privacy > Settings > Deactivation and Deletion, choose Deactivate Account, and follow the prompts.
- To delete, go to Settings and Privacy > Settings > Deactivation and Deletion, choose Delete Account, and confirm your choice twice.
- Facebook will ask you to enter your password and may ask security questions before processing either request.
How to deactivate your Facebook account
Open Facebook on a computer or phone and go to the menu icon (three horizontal lines on mobile, or the downward arrow on desktop in the top right). Select Settings and Privacy, then Settings. On the left side, scroll down and tap or click Deactivation and Deletion.
Facebook will show you two options: Deactivate Account and Delete Account. Choose Deactivate Account. The site will ask you to pick a reason for leaving (this is optional) and may suggest ways to stay connected. Enter your password to confirm, then click Deactivate.
Your profile disappears immediately. Friends cannot find you, see your posts, or message you. However, Facebook keeps your data in case you return. If you log back in within the deactivation period, your account reactivates fully — your photos, friends list, and messages all return.
How to permanently delete your Facebook account
Follow the same first steps: menu icon > Settings and Privacy > Settings > Deactivation and Deletion. This time, choose Delete Account. Facebook will explain that deletion is permanent and takes about 30 days.
Enter your password and complete any security checks Facebook asks for (such as entering a code sent to your email or phone). Click Delete Account to confirm. Facebook will show a final warning that this action cannot be undone.
After you confirm, your account enters a 30-day deletion window. During this time, your profile is hidden from everyone, but you can still cancel the deletion by logging back in. After 30 days, Facebook permanently removes your account, posts, photos, messages, and most data associated with your profile.
What happens to your data during the 30-day deletion period
For 30 days after you request deletion, your account is invisible to other users but not yet erased from Facebook's servers. If you log in during this window, the deletion cancels and your account returns to normal. This grace period exists so you can undo the decision if you change your mind.
Some data may persist even after the 30 days end. Messages you sent to other people may remain in their inboxes. Photos you shared in Messenger or on other people's timelines may stay visible to them. Copies of your information that Facebook shared with third-party apps before deletion may not be removed by Facebook itself — you may need to contact those apps separately.
Deactivation versus deletion: which one to choose
Choose deactivation if you want a break from Facebook but might return later, if you are unsure about leaving permanently, or if you want to keep your account as a backup. Deactivation is reversible and takes no time to set up. The downside is that your account still exists and Facebook still holds your data.
Choose deletion if you are certain you will not use Facebook again and want your data removed from the platform. Deletion is permanent after 30 days, so only choose this if you have thought it through. The upside is that Facebook will stop storing your information (with the exceptions noted above).
If you are leaving because of privacy concerns, note that deletion does not remove data Facebook already sold or shared with advertisers and data brokers. Deletion only stops Facebook from collecting new information about you going forward.
What to do before you delete or deactivate
Before you go, download a copy of your photos, videos, and posts. On Facebook, go to Settings and Privacy > Settings > Your Information and Connections > Download Your Information. Choose the date range and data types you want, then click Request a Download. Facebook will email you a file within a few days.
If you use Facebook to log into other apps or websites (the "Log in with Facebook" button), change those passwords first. After deletion, you will not be able to use your Facebook account to sign in anywhere. Go to each app or website and set up a new password or use a different login method.
Let people know how to reach you after you leave. Post a final message with your email address or phone number, or message close friends directly. If you deactivate, people can still see your old posts and photos for a while, so you have a window to say goodbye.
Troubleshooting: what if the delete or deactivate button does not work
If you cannot find the Deactivation and Deletion option, make sure you are using the current version of Facebook. On mobile, update the app from your device's app store. On desktop, try a different browser or clear your browser cache.
If Facebook asks you to verify your identity before processing the request, check your email or phone for a code. You may need to enter a code sent via text message or email, or answer security questions you set up previously. This verification step protects your account from being deleted by someone else.
If you still cannot complete the process, try using a computer instead of a phone, or a phone instead of a computer. Some features work better on one platform than the other. If the problem persists, you can contact Facebook through the Help Center, though support for account deletion is limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reactivate my account after I delete it?
You can cancel deletion during the 30-day window by logging back in. After 30 days, your account is permanently gone and cannot be recovered. Facebook does not restore deleted accounts under any circumstances, so make sure before you confirm deletion.
Will my friends be able to see my messages after I delete my account?
Messages you sent to friends will remain in their inboxes after your account is deleted. They can still read what you wrote, but they will not be able to click on your name to view your profile. You cannot delete messages you sent to others.
What happens to my photos and videos when I delete my account?
Photos and videos you posted only to your own timeline will be deleted. However, photos and videos you shared in Messenger, or that appear on other people's timelines or in groups, may remain visible to them. Download your information before deletion if you want to keep copies.
Does deleting my Facebook account delete my Instagram or WhatsApp accounts?
No. Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are separate accounts even though the same company owns them. Deleting your Facebook account does not affect Instagram or WhatsApp. You must delete those accounts separately if you want to remove them.
How long does it take for my account to be completely deleted?
Facebook removes your profile and most data within 30 days of your deletion request. Some data, like messages you sent to others, may persist longer. The 30-day window gives you time to cancel if you change your mind.