Facebook gives you two options: deactivation or deletion
Deactivation hides your profile temporarily. Your name, photos, and posts disappear from Facebook, but the company keeps your data. You can reactivate anytime by logging back in. Deactivation is reversible and takes effect immediately.
Deletion removes your account permanently after 30 days. During this waiting period, you can cancel the deletion by logging in again. After 30 days pass, Facebook deletes your photos, posts, messages, and most personal information from its servers. Some data tied to other people's accounts (like when they tagged you) may remain.
Most people choose deletion if they want a clean break. Choose deactivation if you might return to Facebook later or want to keep your account but step away for a while.
Key Takeaways
- Deactivation hides your profile immediately but keeps your data; you can reactivate anytime by logging in.
- Deletion removes your account permanently after a 30-day waiting period, during which you can cancel by logging in.
- To deactivate, go to Settings and Privacy > Settings > Deactivation and Deletion, then choose Deactivate Account.
- To delete, follow the same path but choose Delete Account, then confirm your password and reason for leaving.
- Facebook may take up to 90 days to fully remove all your data from backup systems after the 30-day window ends.
How to deactivate your Facebook account on desktop
Open Facebook in a web browser and log in. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner (next to your profile picture). Select Settings and Privacy, then Settings.
On the left sidebar, click Deactivation and Deletion. You will see two options. Click Deactivate Account. Facebook will ask you to enter your password to confirm. Choose a reason for leaving from the dropdown menu (optional but helpful for feedback). Check the box next to "I don't want to receive emails from Facebook" if you prefer not to get reactivation reminders. Click Deactivate to finish.
Your profile will disappear within minutes. You can reactivate by logging in with your email and password anytime in the future.
How to delete your Facebook account on desktop
Follow the same first steps: click the arrow in the top right, select Settings and Privacy, then Settings. On the left sidebar, click Deactivation and Deletion.
This time, click Delete Account. Enter your password when prompted. Choose a reason for leaving (optional). Read the information about what happens during the 30-day waiting period. Click Delete Account to confirm.
Facebook will send a confirmation email to the address on your account. Your profile disappears immediately, but the deletion is not final for 30 days. If you change your mind, log in during this window and click "Cancel Deletion" to stop the process. After 30 days, your account and data are gone for good.
How to deactivate or delete on mobile
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 Settings.
Scroll down to find Deactivation and Deletion and tap it. Choose either Deactivate Account or Delete Account. Follow the same steps as the desktop version: enter your password, choose a reason (optional), and confirm your choice. The process works the same way on mobile as it does on a computer.
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. Your messages, photos, and posts are not visible. However, Facebook still has access to your data on its servers during this time.
If you log in during the 30-day window, you can cancel the deletion and your account will return to normal. If you do not log in and the 30 days pass, Facebook begins permanently removing your information. This process can take up to 90 days total, so some of your data may remain in Facebook's backup systems for a few months after the 30-day period ends.
Removing Facebook from other apps and services
If you used your Facebook account to log into other apps or websites, deleting Facebook will not automatically disconnect those services. You should remove Facebook access from any apps that use it before you delete your account.
To do this, go to Settings and Privacy > Settings > Apps and Websites (on desktop). You will see a list of apps connected to your Facebook account. Click each one and select Remove. On mobile, tap the three lines, go to Settings and Privacy > Settings, scroll to Apps and Websites, and remove each app the same way. This prevents those services from losing access to your Facebook login after your account is deleted.
Downloading your information before you go
Facebook lets you download a copy of your photos, posts, messages, and other personal data before you delete your account. Go to Settings and Privacy > Settings > Your Information and Permissions > Download Your Information. Choose the date range and data types you want to save. Facebook will prepare a file (usually a ZIP folder) that you can download to your computer.
This download can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours depending on how much data you have. You will receive an email when it is ready. Downloading your information does not affect your account deletion — it just gives you a personal backup before Facebook removes everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reactivate my account after the 30-day deletion period ends?
No. Once the 30 days pass, your account is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered. You can create a new Facebook account with the same email address, but your old data will not return. If you think you might want to use Facebook again, choose deactivation instead of deletion.
Will deleting Facebook also delete my Instagram or WhatsApp accounts?
No. Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are separate accounts even though the same company owns them. Deleting your Facebook account will not affect Instagram or WhatsApp. You must delete those accounts separately if you want to remove them.
What happens to messages I sent to other people after I delete my account?
Messages you sent remain in other people's inboxes. Your name will appear as "Facebook User" in their conversation history, but the messages themselves stay there. People can still see what you wrote, just not your profile.
Can I delete my account without entering my password?
No. Facebook requires your password to confirm account deletion for security reasons. If you forgot your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it before you attempt to delete your account.
Does deactivating my account remove me from Facebook groups?
Yes. When you deactivate, you are removed from all groups, events, and pages you joined. If you reactivate later, you will not automatically rejoin them — you would need to join again manually.