Facebook gives you two ways to stop using a page: deactivation, which you can reverse, and deletion, which you cannot

Deactivation hides your page from the public and removes it from search results, but Facebook keeps all the data. You can reactivate it within 30 days by logging back in. Deletion is permanent — after 30 days, Facebook removes the page and everything on it from their servers, and you cannot undo it.

Which one you choose depends on whether you might want the page back. If you are stepping away temporarily or unsure, deactivate. If you want it gone for good, delete. The steps are slightly different for each, and the timing matters if you choose deletion.

Key Takeaways

  • Deactivation hides your page immediately but keeps all content and settings; you can reactivate within 30 days by logging in again.
  • Deletion removes your page permanently after a 30-day waiting period, during which you can cancel the deletion if you change your mind.
  • Only the person who created the page or a page admin with full control can deactivate or delete it.
  • Before you deactivate or delete, download any content you want to keep, because you will lose access to posts, photos, and messages.
  • If other people manage the page with you, they will lose access as soon as you deactivate or delete, so tell them first.

How to deactivate your Facebook page

Log into Facebook and go to your page. Click the three dots (more options) at the top right of the page header. Scroll down and select "Page Settings." On the left side, click "General." Scroll to the bottom and look for "Deactivate Page." Click it, then click "Deactivate Page" again to confirm.

Facebook will ask you why you are deactivating. You can skip this or choose a reason — it does not affect what happens next. Your page will disappear from public view within minutes. No one can see it, message it, or find it through search. Your profile picture and name will not appear on posts you made before deactivation.

If you change your mind within 30 days, log back into Facebook and go to your page. Click the three dots, select "Page Settings," then "General," and look for "Reactivate Page." Click it and your page returns exactly as it was.

How to permanently delete your Facebook page

Log into Facebook and go to your page. Click the three dots at the top right, then "Page Settings." On the left, click "General." Scroll to the bottom and select "Delete Page." Facebook will show you a warning that deletion is permanent. Click "Delete Page" to continue.

You will see a confirmation screen asking you to re-enter your password. Type it in and click "Delete." Facebook will then tell you that your page is scheduled for deletion and will be fully removed in 30 days. During those 30 days, the page is not visible to anyone, but you can still cancel the deletion.

To cancel deletion before the 30 days are up, log back in, go to your page, click the three dots, select "Page Settings," then "General," and look for "Cancel Deletion." Click it and your page will return to normal. After 30 days pass, the cancellation option disappears and the deletion becomes permanent.

What happens to your page content and messages

When you deactivate, all your posts, photos, videos, and comments stay on Facebook's servers but are hidden from public view. If someone had a direct link to a post, they cannot access it. Messages sent to your page go to a folder you can still read, but people cannot send new messages to a deactivated page.

When you delete, Facebook removes everything — posts, photos, comments, messages, and all page data — after the 30-day waiting period ends. If you want to keep any of this content, download it before you delete. To download your page data, go to "Page Settings," click "General," scroll down, and look for "Download Your Information." Click it, select what you want to download, and Facebook will prepare a file you can retrieve.

What other admins and followers will see

If other people have admin access to your page, they will lose that access as soon as you deactivate or delete. They will not be able to post, edit settings, or see any page data. If you are the only admin and you deactivate, the page simply disappears from their view. If you delete, they will see that the page no longer exists.

Followers of your page will see it vanish from their "Liked Pages" list. Any posts from your page that appeared in their feed will no longer be visible. If you deactivate, they might see the page reappear if you reactivate within 30 days. If you delete, it is gone permanently.

Situations where you cannot deactivate or delete

You must be logged in as the page creator or as an admin with full control to deactivate or delete. If you are an editor or moderator but not an admin, you cannot perform either action. Ask the page creator or a full admin to do it.

If your page is linked to a Facebook Shop or Instagram business account, you may need to disconnect those first. Go to "Page Settings," then "Instagram Accounts" or "Shop," and remove the connection before you deactivate or delete. Facebook will tell you if this is required when you try to delete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deactivate my page and keep my personal Facebook account?

Yes. Deactivating or deleting a page does not affect your personal account. Your profile, friends list, and personal posts remain unchanged. Only the page disappears.

What if I deactivate my page but want to reactivate it after 30 days?

You cannot reactivate after 30 days have passed. If you deactivate and wait longer than 30 days without logging in, the page enters a deletion queue and will be permanently removed. If you think you might want it back, reactivate within the 30-day window.

Will deleting my page remove all my posts from other people's timelines?

No. Posts you made on your page will disappear, but comments you made on other pages or profiles will remain. People will see your comment but will not be able to click through to your page.

Can I download my page data before I delete it?

Yes. Go to "Page Settings," click "General," scroll down, and select "Download Your Information." Choose what you want to download — posts, photos, messages, or all data — and Facebook will prepare a file. You can download it before you delete the page.

What happens to my page's URL if I delete it?

After deletion, your page's URL becomes unavailable and cannot be claimed by someone else for at least 14 days. After that, someone else could potentially create a new page and claim the same URL, though this is uncommon.