You can delete your Facebook account without knowing your password by using the account recovery process

Facebook lets you delete your account even if you've forgotten your password. The process works in two stages: first you recover access to your account using your email address or phone number, then you delete it. You don't need to remember the password itself — you just need to prove you own the account.

The recovery method Facebook offers depends on what information you set up when you created the account. Most people can recover access within a few minutes using their email or phone number. Once you're back in, deletion takes one more step and is permanent after 30 days.

Key Takeaways

  • You can start the deletion process by going to the Facebook login page and clicking "Forgot password?" to recover your account without knowing your current password.
  • Facebook will send a recovery code to the email address or phone number linked to your account, which you use to reset your password.
  • After you regain access, go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then find the "Deactivate or delete account" option to permanently delete your account.
  • Your account will be fully deleted after 30 days, during which Facebook keeps your data in case you change your mind and log back in.
  • If you can't access your email or phone number, you can use Facebook's identity verification process, though this takes longer.

Step 1: Go to the password recovery page

Open Facebook.com in your web browser. On the login screen, you'll see two fields for your email and password. Below the password field, click the text that says "Forgotten password?" This takes you to the account recovery page.

On the recovery page, Facebook asks you to enter the email address or phone number connected to your account. Type whichever one you remember using. If you're not sure which email you used, try the one you use most often — most people link their primary email when they sign up. Then click "Search" or "Next."

Step 2: Receive and enter your recovery code

Facebook will send a code to the email address or phone number you entered. Check your email inbox (including spam and promotions folders) or look for a text message. The code is usually six digits and arrives within a few minutes.

Go back to the Facebook recovery page and enter the code in the field provided. If you don't see the code after 10 minutes, click "Didn't get a code?" and Facebook will send another one. Once you enter the correct code, Facebook lets you create a new password.

Step 3: Create a new password and log in

Facebook will ask you to set a new password. Make it something you'll remember, since you need to log in once more to delete the account. Type the new password twice to confirm it, then click the button to continue.

You're now logged into your account. Facebook may ask you to confirm your identity one more time or review recent login activity — this is normal security. Once you see your News Feed or profile, you're ready to move to the deletion step.

Step 4: Find the delete account option

Click the downward arrow or menu icon in the top right corner of Facebook (on desktop) or the three horizontal lines (on mobile). Scroll down and click "Settings and Privacy," then click "Settings."

On the left side of the Settings page, scroll down until you see "Your information and permissions." Click that section. You'll see an option that says "Deactivate or delete account" — click it.

Step 5: Choose delete and confirm

Facebook shows you two options: "Deactivate account" and "Delete account." Deactivation hides your profile but keeps your data. Deletion removes your account permanently. Click "Delete account."

Facebook will ask you to enter your password one more time to confirm you want to delete. Type the new password you just created, then click "Continue" or "Delete account." Facebook will show you a final confirmation message. Once you confirm, your account is scheduled for deletion.

What happens after you delete your account

Your account doesn't disappear immediately. Facebook keeps it for 30 days in case you change your mind and log back in — logging in during this window cancels the deletion. After 30 days, Facebook permanently removes your profile, messages, photos, and other data from its servers.

Some information may stay longer. Copies of your messages that other people saved, photos that others posted of you, or data Facebook shared with third-party apps before deletion may not be removed. Backups and archived data can take longer to fully delete.

If you can't access your email or phone number

If the email or phone number linked to your account no longer works, Facebook has a backup process. On the account recovery page, after you enter your email or phone, look for a link that says "No longer have access to these?" or "Can't access these?" Click it.

Facebook will ask you to upload a photo of your ID to verify you're the account owner. This process takes longer — usually several days — because a person at Facebook reviews your ID. Once verified, you can reset your password and proceed with deletion. Make sure the name on your ID matches the name on your Facebook account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my account if I don't have access to my email or phone anymore?

Yes. Use Facebook's identity verification process by uploading a photo of your ID. This takes several days because Facebook staff review it, but once verified, you can reset your password and delete your account. The ID must match the name on your Facebook profile.

What's the difference between deactivating and deleting?

Deactivation hides your profile and messages but keeps all your data on Facebook's servers. You can reactivate anytime by logging in. Deletion removes your account and data permanently after 30 days. Choose deletion if you don't plan to return.

Will deleting my account remove me from group chats and tagged photos?

Your account will be removed from groups and your profile will disappear, but photos and messages other people posted won't be deleted. If someone tagged you in a photo before deletion, the photo stays but your name won't be linked to it anymore.

How long does it take to fully delete my Facebook account?

Your account is scheduled for deletion immediately, but Facebook keeps it for 30 days. If you log in during those 30 days, the deletion stops. After 30 days, your account and data are permanently removed, though some backups may take longer to clear.

What if I get an error message during password recovery?

If Facebook says it can't find your account, double-check the email or phone number. Try variations — you might have used a different email than you remember. If you still get an error, use the identity verification process with your ID instead of the email recovery method.