Facebook gives you two separate paths: deactivate temporarily or delete permanently

Deactivation hides your profile, posts, and photos from other users for as long as you want. You can reactivate by logging back in. Deletion removes your account and all its content from Facebook's servers within about 30 days, though some information may stay in backups for longer. Most people choose deactivation if they might return; deletion if they want a clean break.

Both options stop Facebook from collecting data about your activity going forward. Neither one removes you from group chats or messages you were already part of — those stay visible to other members. If you have a Facebook business page tied to your personal account, deactivating your personal account will also deactivate the business page.

Key Takeaways

  • Deactivation hides your account but keeps it recoverable; deletion removes it permanently after 30 days.
  • You can deactivate from Settings on desktop or mobile, or delete through the same menu — both take less than a minute.
  • Facebook will ask you to confirm your choice and may offer you a reason to stay, but you can proceed without answering.
  • After deletion, some data may remain in Facebook's backup systems for up to 90 days, though your account will not be publicly visible.
  • If you use Facebook Login to sign into other apps or websites, those connections will break when you delete your account.

How to deactivate your account on desktop

Open Facebook in a web browser and log in. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner (next to your name or profile picture). Scroll down and select Settings and privacy, then click Settings. On the left sidebar, click Deactivation and deletion.

You will see two options: Deactivate account and Delete account. Click Deactivate account. Facebook will ask you to choose a reason and may offer suggestions to keep you on the platform — you can skip these and click Deactivate to confirm. You will be asked to re-enter your password. After that, your account is hidden.

How to deactivate your account on mobile

Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then tap Settings. Tap Deactivation and deletion. Select Deactivate account and follow the same confirmation steps as desktop.

If you are using an older version of the Facebook app, the menu structure may be slightly different — look for Account Settings instead of Settings and privacy. The deactivation option will be in the same general location.

How to permanently delete your account

Follow the same steps as deactivation: go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Deactivation and deletion. This time, click or tap Delete account. Facebook will ask you to confirm your identity by entering your password. You will also see a warning that deletion is permanent and that you have 30 days to change your mind.

After you confirm, your account enters a 30-day grace period. If you log back in during those 30 days, the deletion will be cancelled and your account will return to normal. After 30 days, Facebook begins removing your data from its active servers. Some information may remain in backup copies for up to 90 days, but your account will not be recoverable.

What happens to your data and connections

When you deactivate, your profile and posts are hidden from other users, but Facebook keeps all your data. If you reactivate, everything returns exactly as it was. When you delete, Facebook removes your posts, photos, and profile information from public view within 30 days, though copies may exist in their backup systems.

Messages you sent to other people will still appear in their inboxes — deletion does not erase conversations from the other person's account. If you were tagged in photos or posts by others, those tags remain visible even after your account is gone. If you use Facebook Login to sign into other websites or apps (like Spotify, Instagram, or gaming platforms), those connections will break, and you may lose access to accounts linked through Facebook.

Reactivating a deactivated account

If you deactivated your account and want to come back, simply log in with your email and password. Facebook will ask you to confirm that you want to reactivate, and your profile will return to normal within a few minutes. You can deactivate and reactivate as many times as you want — there is no limit.

If you deleted your account and want to undo it, you have 30 days from the deletion date to log back in. After 30 days, recovery is not possible. If you are within the 30-day window, log in with your original email and password, and Facebook will offer to restore your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Facebook delete my account if I do not log in for a long time?

No. Facebook only deletes accounts when you request it. Inactivity alone will not remove your account, though your profile may become harder to find in search results. Deactivated accounts also stay deactivated indefinitely — they do not reactivate on their own.

Can I download my photos and posts before I delete?

Yes. Before you deactivate or delete, go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Your information and permissions > Download your information. You can choose what data to download (photos, posts, messages, etc.) and Facebook will create a file you can save to your computer.

What if I have a Facebook business page?

If you are the only admin on a business page, deactivating or deleting your personal account will also deactivate or delete the business page. If other admins manage the page, they can reassign ownership to themselves before you delete your personal account. Go to the business page settings and change the page admin before you proceed with account deletion.

Will deleting my Facebook account also delete my Instagram account?

No. Instagram and Facebook are separate accounts, even though Facebook owns Instagram. Deleting your Facebook account will not affect your Instagram account unless you specifically linked them. If you linked them, you can unlink them in your Instagram settings before deleting Facebook.

Can I still use Messenger after I deactivate or delete?

After deactivation, you can still use Messenger — your messages stay accessible. After deletion, Messenger access ends within a few days. If you want to keep using Messenger but hide your Facebook profile, deactivation is the better choice.