Facebook gives you two choices: deactivate temporarily or delete permanently

When you want to stop using Facebook, you have two different paths. Deactivation hides your profile, posts, and friends list from other people, but Facebook keeps your data and you can reactivate anytime by logging back in. Deletion removes your account and most of your information from Facebook's servers permanently — though the process takes about 30 days to complete, and some data (like messages you sent to others) may remain in their inboxes.

Most people who say they want to "delete" Facebook actually want deactivation, because it's reversible. But if you're certain you won't return, permanent deletion is the option that removes your account from the platform entirely.

Key Takeaways

  • Deactivation hides your account but keeps it recoverable — you can reactivate by logging in again anytime.
  • Deletion is permanent after 30 days and cannot be undone, so download your photos and messages first if you want to keep them.
  • You can delete your account from Settings on desktop, or from the menu on mobile — the process takes the same steps either way.
  • After you request deletion, Facebook takes 30 days to fully remove your data, during which you cannot undo the request.

How to deactivate your Facebook account (temporary)

Deactivation is the faster, reversible option. On desktop, click the downward arrow in the top right corner of Facebook, then select Settings and privacy, then Settings. On the left side, click Deactivation and deletion. Choose Deactivate account, then click Continue to account deactivation.

Facebook will ask you to confirm your password and may ask why you're leaving — you can skip that part. Choose whether you want Facebook to send you a reminder email, then click Deactivate. Your account is now hidden. You can reactivate it anytime by logging in with your email and password.

On mobile, open the Facebook app, tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the bottom right, scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then Settings. Tap Deactivation and deletion and follow the same steps as desktop.

How to permanently delete your Facebook account

Permanent deletion takes longer but removes your account completely. Start the same way: go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Deactivation and deletion. This time, choose Delete account instead of deactivate, then click Continue to account deletion.

Confirm your password. Facebook will show you what data will be deleted and what will remain (like messages you sent to others — those stay in their inboxes). Click Delete. You'll see a confirmation that your account is scheduled for deletion.

From this point, you have 30 days to change your mind. If you log back in during those 30 days, the deletion request cancels and your account stays active. After 30 days pass, Facebook permanently removes your account and you cannot undo it.

Download your information before you delete

If you want to keep copies of your photos, videos, posts, or messages, download them before you delete your account. Go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Your information and permissions > Download your information. Choose the date range and categories you want (photos, posts, messages, etc.), then click Request a download.

Facebook will prepare a file of your data, which usually takes a few hours. You'll get a notification when it's ready, and you can download it as a ZIP file. This copy is yours to keep, even after your account is deleted. Do this before you request deletion, because once deletion starts, you won't be able to access your account to download anything.

What happens to your data after deletion

After 30 days, Facebook removes your profile, photos, posts, and friends list from its servers. However, some data persists: messages you sent to other people stay in their inboxes, comments you made on other people's posts may remain, and anything you shared publicly might have been copied or screenshotted by others.

If you used your Facebook login to sign into other apps or websites (like Spotify, Instagram, or games), those connections break when your account deletes. You'll need to create separate logins for those services if you want to keep using them. Instagram, which Facebook owns, is a separate account — deleting Facebook doesn't delete Instagram unless you delete that account separately.

If you change your mind during the 30-day window

You have 30 days from the moment you request deletion to cancel it. Simply log back into Facebook with your email and password. Your account will reactivate and the deletion request will cancel. After 30 days have passed, you cannot undo deletion — your account is gone permanently.

If you log in during those 30 days by accident (even if you didn't mean to), the deletion cancels. Be careful not to click "Remember me" on shared computers or devices, because that could accidentally log you back in.

Deactivation vs. deletion: which one to choose

Choose deactivation if you might want to return to Facebook someday, want to keep your account name reserved, or aren't completely sure. Deactivation is instant and fully reversible — there's no waiting period. Choose deletion if you're certain you won't use Facebook again and want your account completely removed from the platform.

Deactivation is also useful if you want to take a break without losing your account. Many people deactivate for a few months, then reactivate when they're ready. Deletion is the right choice only if you're confident in that decision, because you cannot undo it after 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will deleting Facebook also delete my Instagram or WhatsApp account?

No. Instagram and WhatsApp are separate accounts, even though Facebook owns them. Deleting your Facebook account does not affect Instagram or WhatsApp unless you delete those accounts separately. However, if you use the same email address for all three, you may want to update your Instagram and WhatsApp contact information first.

Can someone else use my email address to create a new Facebook account after I delete mine?

Yes. After your account is fully deleted (30 days later), your email address becomes available for someone else to use. If you want to prevent this, you can change your email address to a fake one before you delete, or keep your account deactivated instead of deleted.

What if I deactivate but then want to fully delete instead?

You can delete a deactivated account. Go back to Settings and privacy > Settings > Deactivation and deletion and choose Delete account instead. The 30-day deletion window starts from when you request deletion, not from when you deactivated.

Will my friends be notified that I deleted my account?

No. Facebook does not send notifications to your friends when you deactivate or delete. Your profile simply disappears from their view. They may notice you're gone if they try to visit your profile or message you, but Facebook doesn't announce it.

Can I delete my account if I'm locked out or forgot my password?

If you can't log in, go to facebook.com and click "Forgotten password?" to reset it using your email or phone number. Once you log back in, follow the deletion steps. If you can't access your email or phone, you may need to use Facebook's account recovery process, which can take longer.