Facebook gives you two different ways to stop using your account
Deactivation pauses your account temporarily. Your profile, photos, and posts disappear from Facebook, but the company keeps your data. You can reactivate anytime by logging back in. Deletion is permanent — after 30 days, Facebook removes your account and most of your information from their servers. You cannot undo deletion after that waiting period ends.
Most people choose deactivation if they want to step back but might return. Choose deletion if you want a clean break and do not plan to use Facebook again. Both processes start from your account settings, not from a link in an email or a third-party website.
Key Takeaways
- Deactivation hides your profile immediately but keeps your data on Facebook's servers; you can reactivate by logging in again anytime.
- Deletion removes your account permanently after 30 days, and you cannot reverse it once that period ends.
- You must use Facebook's official settings menu to start either process — never use a link from an email or outside website.
- After deactivation, Facebook still stores your messages, photos, and friend list in case you return.
- Messenger continues to work after deactivation unless you also deactivate Messenger separately.
How to deactivate your Facebook account on a computer
Open Facebook and log in if you are not already. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner of the page, next to your profile picture. Scroll down and select Settings and privacy, then click Settings.
On the left side, 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 for leaving and may offer you options to stay in touch with friends. You can skip these. Enter your password to confirm, then click Deactivate.
Your profile will disappear from Facebook within a few minutes. Friends will not see your name in their friend lists, and your posts will no longer appear on their feeds. You can reactivate by logging in with your email and password at any time.
How to deactivate your Facebook account on a phone
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.
Scroll down to Deactivation and deletion and tap it. Select Deactivate account. Facebook will ask for a reason and may suggest ways to stay connected. You can skip these prompts. Enter your password and tap Deactivate.
How to permanently delete your Facebook account
Go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Deactivation and deletion (the same path as deactivation). This time, select Delete account instead of Deactivate account. Facebook will explain that deletion is permanent and takes 30 days to complete.
Enter your password to confirm. Your account will be hidden immediately, but Facebook will not fully remove your data for 30 days. During this window, if you log back in, the deletion will stop and your account will reactivate. After 30 days pass, Facebook will delete your account and remove most of your information from their servers. Some data may remain in their backup systems for a longer period.
What happens to your data after deactivation
When you deactivate, Facebook keeps everything: your messages, photos, friend list, posts, and login information. The company does not delete this data — it simply hides your profile from other users. If you reactivate by logging in, your account returns exactly as it was.
Your messages remain in your deactivated account. Friends can still see old messages you sent them before deactivation, but they cannot message you while your account is deactivated. If you reactivate, you can message again.
Facebook Messenger works separately from your main account. Deactivating your Facebook profile does not automatically deactivate Messenger. If you want to stop using Messenger too, you must deactivate it separately through Messenger's own settings.
What happens to your data after deletion
After the 30-day waiting period, Facebook removes your account from their active systems. Your profile, posts, photos, and friend connections disappear. However, Facebook may keep some information in backup copies for legal, security, or operational reasons — this data is not accessible to you or other users.
Messages you sent to others before deletion remain in their inboxes, but they will show as sent by a deleted account rather than by your name. Comments you left on public pages may also remain visible with your name removed or replaced with "Facebook User."
If you have linked your Facebook account to other apps or websites (like using Facebook to log into Instagram, Spotify, or a game), those connections will break. You may lose access to those services if Facebook was your only login method. Check your connected apps before you delete.
Protecting your account before you go
Before deactivating or deleting, download a copy of your information. Go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Your information and connections > Download your information. Facebook will prepare a file containing your photos, posts, messages, and other data. This takes a few hours to a few days depending on how much you have on your account.
If you use Facebook to log into other services, change those passwords or set up a new login method first. Check your connected apps in Settings > Apps and websites and remove any you no longer use or trust.
Tell close friends or family that you are leaving, especially if they rely on Facebook Messenger to reach you. Consider sharing an alternate contact method before you deactivate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reactivate my account after I delete it?
No, not after 30 days. During the 30-day waiting period, you can log back in and the deletion will stop. After 30 days, Facebook permanently removes your account and you cannot recover it. If you want to use Facebook again, you would need to create a new account from scratch.
Will my friends know I deactivated my account?
Your friends will notice your profile is gone, but Facebook does not send them a notification that you deactivated. They may see that you are no longer in their friend list or that your profile cannot be found when they search for you.
What happens to photos I posted if I delete my account?
Photos you posted to your own timeline will be deleted. However, photos you were tagged in by others may remain on their timelines or in albums, though your name will no longer be attached. You cannot remove tags from photos after your account is deleted.
Does deactivating Facebook also deactivate Instagram?
No. Facebook and Instagram are separate accounts. Deactivating or deleting your Facebook account does not affect Instagram. If you want to stop using Instagram, you must deactivate or delete that account separately through Instagram's settings.
What if I forgot my password and cannot deactivate?
Use Facebook's password reset tool at facebook.com/login/identify. Enter your email or phone number, and Facebook will send you a link to reset your password. Once you reset it, you can log in and follow the deactivation or deletion steps. If you no longer have access to your email or phone number, contact Facebook's support team through their Help Center.