Facebook gives you two ways to remove your account, and they work differently

You can deactivate your account, which hides it temporarily but keeps your data on Facebook's servers. You can also delete your account, which removes it permanently after 30 days. Deactivation is reversible — you can log back in anytime within those 30 days and your account returns to normal. Deletion is not. After 30 days, Facebook erases your profile, photos, posts, and messages, and you cannot undo it.

The choice depends on whether you might want to return. If you are taking a break or testing life without Facebook, deactivation lets you come back without losing anything. If you are done with the platform entirely, deletion is the permanent option.

Key Takeaways

  • Deactivation hides your account but keeps all your data; deletion removes everything permanently after 30 days.
  • To delete your account, go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then scroll to find "Deactivation and Deletion" and choose Delete Account.
  • Facebook will ask you to confirm your password and may ask why you are leaving; you do not have to answer the survey.
  • During the 30-day waiting period, you can cancel the deletion by logging back in, but after 30 days your account and all its contents are gone forever.
  • Some data tied to your account — like messages you sent to others — may remain on their accounts even after you delete yours.

How to delete your account on desktop

Open Facebook in a web browser and log in. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner of the screen, next to your profile picture. Select Settings and Privacy, then click Settings.

On the left side of the screen, scroll down until you see Deactivation and Deletion. Click it. You will see two options: "Deactivate Account" and "Delete Account". Click Delete Account. Facebook will ask you to enter your password to confirm. Type it in and click Continue.

A screen will appear asking why you are leaving. This is optional — you can skip it by clicking Continue without selecting a reason. Facebook will then show you a final confirmation that your account will be deleted in 30 days. Click Delete Account one more time to confirm.

How to delete your account on mobile

Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (the 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 Delete Account. Enter your password when prompted and tap Continue. You will see the optional survey about why you are leaving — skip it if you want by tapping Continue again. Confirm the deletion by tapping Delete Account on the final screen.

What happens during the 30-day waiting period

After you request deletion, your profile disappears from Facebook immediately. Friends cannot find you, your posts are hidden, and your name no longer appears in comments or likes. However, Facebook keeps your data on its servers for 30 days in case you change your mind.

If you log back into your account at any point during these 30 days, the deletion request cancels and your account returns to normal. Your profile, photos, and messages reappear as if nothing happened. After the 30 days end, Facebook permanently erases your account and you cannot undo it.

What data actually gets deleted

Facebook removes your profile, cover photo, bio, all posts you created, photos you uploaded, videos, status updates, and comments you made on other pages. Your account no longer appears in search results, and people cannot message you. Your likes and reactions disappear from posts and pages.

Messages you sent to other people may still appear in their inboxes, even after your account is deleted. If you want those gone, you need to delete them individually before you delete your account — open each conversation, select the messages, and delete them. Facebook also keeps some data for legal and safety reasons, such as records of payments you made or reports you filed about abuse.

Difference between deactivation and deletion

Deactivation is temporary. Your profile hides from search and your friends cannot see your posts, but Facebook keeps everything. You can reactivate by logging in again, even months or years later, and your account returns exactly as it was. Deactivation is useful if you want a break without committing to permanent removal.

Deletion is permanent. After 30 days, there is no way to get your account back. Choose deletion only if you are certain you will not want to return. If you are unsure, deactivate first and see how you feel after a few weeks.

Things to do before you delete

Download your photos and posts if you want to keep them. Go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, scroll to Your Information and Permissions, and click Download Your Information. Facebook will create a file of your data that you can download to your computer. This takes a few minutes to a few hours depending on how much data you have.

Delete any messages you want removed from other people's inboxes. Open each conversation, select the messages you sent, and delete them. Note that this only removes them from your view — the other person may have already seen them or saved them elsewhere.

If you use your Facebook account to log into other apps or websites, change those passwords first. Some apps let you sign in with your Facebook account; after deletion, you will not be able to use that method anymore. Log into those apps directly and update your password so you can still access them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my account immediately or do I have to wait 30 days?

You must wait 30 days. The waiting period is built into Facebook's system and cannot be skipped. During those 30 days, your profile is hidden but your data remains on Facebook's servers. If you log back in, the deletion cancels automatically.

What if I change my mind after I request deletion?

Log back into your account anytime during the 30-day period and the deletion request cancels. Your profile, photos, and messages return to normal immediately. After 30 days have passed, you cannot undo the deletion.

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

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

Can I delete my account if I have an outstanding balance or unpaid ads?

Yes, you can still delete your account. However, Facebook may pursue payment for any outstanding charges even after your account is deleted. If you have unpaid ads or other charges, settle them before deletion to avoid collection issues.

Will my friends know I deleted my account?

Your friends will notice you are gone — they will not be able to find your profile or see your posts — but Facebook does not send them a notification that you deleted your account. They may figure it out when they try to message you or look you up.