Facebook and Instagram let you delete your account permanently, but the process is different from deactivation and takes time to complete
When you delete a Facebook or Instagram account, the account is gone for good — you cannot reactivate it later. Facebook gives you 30 days to change your mind after you request deletion. During those 30 days, if you log back in, the deletion stops and your account stays active. After 30 days pass without you logging in, Facebook removes your account, your profile, your photos, your messages, and your friends list from their servers.
Deactivation is different. When you deactivate instead of delete, your profile hides from other people, but Facebook keeps your data. You can reactivate whenever you want by logging back in. Most people who want a break from social media choose deactivation. But if you want Facebook and Instagram to remove your information entirely, deletion is what you need.
Key Takeaways
- Deletion takes 30 days to complete, and logging back in during that time cancels the deletion and reactivates your account.
- You can delete Facebook and Instagram separately — deleting one does not automatically delete the other, even if they share a login.
- Facebook keeps a copy of your photos and messages for a short time after deletion in case law enforcement requests them.
- Before you delete, download your photos and messages if you want to keep them, because deletion removes them from Facebook's servers.
How to delete your Facebook account
Go to Settings & Privacy in the menu on Facebook's website or app. Tap or click Settings, then scroll down to find Deactivation and Deletion. You will see two options: one to deactivate and one to delete. Choose Delete Account.
Facebook will ask you to enter your password to confirm. Type it in and click Delete Account again. Facebook will show you a message saying your account will be deleted in 30 days. During those 30 days, your profile is hidden from other people, but you can still log in. If you log in at any point, the deletion request cancels and your account stays active.
After 30 days with no login, Facebook removes your account permanently. You will not be able to log in, and your profile will not appear in search results or on other people's pages.
How to delete your Instagram account
Open Instagram on your phone or go to Instagram.com on a computer. Go to your profile by tapping or clicking your profile picture in the bottom right. Tap or click the menu icon (three horizontal lines), then scroll down and tap or click Settings and Privacy. Tap Help, then Help Center.
In the Help Center search box, type "delete account" and tap the result that says How do I delete my Instagram account? Click the link that says Delete Your Account. Instagram will take you to a page where you choose a reason for deletion from a dropdown menu. Select a reason, enter your password, and click Delete [Your Username].
Like Facebook, Instagram gives you 30 days to change your mind. If you log back in during those 30 days, the deletion stops. After 30 days without logging in, your account is gone.
What happens to your data during the 30-day waiting period
During the 30 days after you request deletion, your profile is hidden from other users. People cannot find you in search, see your posts, or message you. However, Facebook and Instagram keep your data on their servers during this time in case you change your mind and log back in.
If you do log back in — even just to check something — the deletion request is cancelled immediately and your account becomes active again. You will need to request deletion a second time if you still want to delete it.
After the 30 days end and you have not logged in, Facebook and Instagram delete your account from their active servers. They may keep backups of your information for a limited time for technical reasons, and they keep records if law enforcement requests them.
Download your photos and messages before deletion
Once your account is deleted, you cannot get your photos, videos, or messages back from Facebook or Instagram. If you want to keep any of this content, download it before you request deletion.
On Facebook, go to Settings & Privacy, then Settings, then scroll to Your Information and Permissions. Click Download Your Information. Choose the date range and the types of content you want (photos, videos, posts, messages), then click Create File. Facebook will prepare a file and send you a download link, usually within a few hours.
On Instagram, go to your profile, tap the menu icon, then Settings and Privacy. Tap Account, then Download Your Information. Choose your date range and format, then tap Create Download. Instagram will prepare your file and notify you when it is ready.
Deleting Facebook does not automatically delete Instagram
If you use the same email address and password to log into both Facebook and Instagram, the accounts are linked. However, deleting one account does not delete the other. You must request deletion for each account separately.
If you delete your Facebook account but not your Instagram account, your Instagram profile will still exist and people can still find you. If you want both accounts gone, you need to go through the deletion process on both platforms.
What to do if you cannot find the deletion option
If you are using an older version of the Facebook or Instagram app, the deletion option might be in a different place. The easiest way is to use a web browser instead of the app. Go to Facebook.com or Instagram.com, log in, and follow the steps above.
If you are still having trouble finding the deletion option, you can contact Facebook or Instagram support through their help centers. Facebook's help center is at Facebook.com/help, and Instagram's is at Help.Instagram.com. Search for "delete account" in either one and look for the official instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my account without waiting 30 days?
No. Facebook and Instagram require the 30-day waiting period. The only way to skip it is to not log in during those 30 days — once the 30 days pass, deletion is permanent and immediate. If you log in even once, the timer resets and you have to request deletion again.
What if I change my mind during the 30 days?
Log back into your account. Your profile will reactivate immediately and the deletion request will be cancelled. Your photos, messages, and friends list will all be there. If you want to delete again later, you can request deletion a second time.
Will deleting my account remove my comments and posts from other people's pages?
No. Your comments and posts on other people's pages, in groups, and on public pages will remain visible even after your account is deleted. Only your own profile and the content on your own profile disappears. If you want to remove specific posts or comments before deletion, delete them individually first.
Can someone else access my account after it is deleted?
No. After the 30-day period ends, your account no longer exists. No one can log into it, and the email address or phone number you used cannot be used to create a new account for 30 days. After that, you can create a new account with the same email or phone number.
What if I was hacked and cannot log in to request deletion?
Go to the login page and click "Forgot Password" or "Need Help Logging In." Follow the steps to regain access to your account. If you cannot regain access, use Facebook's or Instagram's support form to report a hacked account. You can request account deletion through the support process even if you cannot log in.