Facebook gives you two options: deactivation or deletion

Deactivation hides your profile temporarily. Your name disappears from search, your messages and posts vanish from view, and friends cannot find you. You can reactivate anytime by logging back in — Facebook holds your data for 30 days, then deletes it if you do not return.

Deletion is permanent. After you request it, Facebook waits 30 days before erasing your account, photos, posts, and messages from its servers. If you log in during those 30 days, the deletion cancels and your account stays active. After 30 days pass without logging in, the deletion completes and cannot be undone.

Most people choose deactivation first because it is reversible. Choose deletion only if you are certain you will not want your account back.

Key Takeaways

  • Deactivation hides your profile but keeps your data; you can reactivate by logging in anytime.
  • Deletion is permanent after 30 days and erases your account, photos, posts, and messages from Facebook's servers.
  • To deactivate, go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then find Deactivation and Deletion in the left menu.
  • To delete, use the same menu path but select Delete Account instead, then wait 30 days without logging in.
  • Some data tied to your account — like messages you sent to others — may remain on their accounts even after you delete yours.

How to deactivate your account

On Facebook's website or app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines on mobile, or the down arrow on desktop in the top right). Select Settings and Privacy, then Settings. In the left menu, scroll down and tap Deactivation and Deletion. Choose Deactivate Account, then follow the prompts. Facebook will ask why you are leaving — you can skip this or answer it. Confirm your choice and you are done.

Your profile, photos, and posts disappear from Facebook immediately. Friends cannot message you or see your activity. If you change your mind within 30 days, log back in with your password and your account reactivates with everything restored.

How to delete your account permanently

Follow the same path: menu, Settings and Privacy, Settings, Deactivation and Deletion in the left menu. This time, select Delete Account instead of Deactivate. Facebook will ask you to confirm your password and may ask security questions to verify your identity. Tap Delete Account and confirm.

Facebook then begins a 30-day waiting period. During this time, your profile is hidden from view, but your data still exists on Facebook's servers. If you log in at any point during these 30 days — even accidentally — the deletion request cancels and your account returns to normal. After 30 days pass without you logging in, Facebook permanently removes your account and all associated data.

What happens to your data after deletion

Facebook deletes your profile, photos, posts, videos, and messages from its platform. However, messages you sent to other people may still appear in their inboxes — deleting your account does not erase conversations on the other person's end. Similarly, if you posted comments on other people's photos or pages, those comments may remain visible even after your account is gone.

Copies of your information may also persist in Facebook's backup systems for a limited time after deletion. Facebook does not specify how long these backups are kept, but they are separate from your active account and not accessible to you or the public.

Deactivating versus deleting: which should you choose

Choose deactivation if you want to step back but might return later, or if you want to test life without Facebook before making a permanent decision. Deactivation takes seconds and you lose nothing — your account waits for you to come back.

Choose deletion if you are certain you will not use Facebook again and want your data removed from the platform. Deletion is slower (30 days) and irreversible, but it gives you a final chance to change your mind. If you are worried you might reactivate on impulse, deletion's waiting period can help — you have to actively choose not to log in for a full month.

If you use Facebook to log into other apps or websites

Before you deactivate or delete, check which other services use your Facebook login. Many apps and websites let you sign in with Facebook instead of creating a separate password. If you delete your Facebook account, you lose access to those services unless you set up a different login method first.

To find connected apps, go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings. In the left menu, select Apps and Websites. You will see a list of apps that can access your Facebook data. Remove any you no longer use, and for apps you want to keep, set up a separate password or login method before you delete your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download my photos and posts before I delete my account?

Yes. Before you deactivate or delete, go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings. In the left menu, select Your Information and Download Your Information. Facebook will compile your photos, posts, and other data into a file you can download. This process takes a few minutes to a few hours depending on how much data you have.

What if I accidentally log in during the 30-day deletion waiting period?

Your deletion request cancels immediately and your account returns to active. Your profile, photos, and posts reappear. You will need to request deletion again if you still want to proceed, and the 30-day clock restarts.

Will deleting my Facebook account also delete my Instagram or WhatsApp?

No. Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are separate accounts even though Facebook owns all three. Deleting your Facebook account does not affect Instagram or WhatsApp. You would need to delete those accounts separately if you want to remove them.

Can Facebook recover my account after the 30 days are up?

No. After 30 days pass without you logging in, Facebook permanently deletes your account and data. There is no way to recover it after that point. If you think you might want your account back, deactivate instead of delete.

Do I need to unfollow or unfriend people before I delete my account?

No. When you deactivate or delete, your account is removed from view automatically. You do not need to manually unfriend or unfollow anyone first — Facebook handles the cleanup when your account is hidden or deleted.