Facebook deletion removes your account and all its data permanently

When you delete your Facebook account, the company removes your profile, photos, posts, and friend list from its servers. This is different from deactivation, which hides your account but keeps the data. Deletion is permanent — after 30 days, Facebook cannot restore it. During those 30 days, if you log back in, the deletion cancels and your account reactivates.

Facebook gives you a month to change your mind because the deletion process takes time to run across all their systems. After 30 days pass, your information is gone. Some data tied to messages you sent to others may remain in their inboxes, and some information may stay in Facebook's backups for a limited time.

Key Takeaways

  • Deletion takes 30 days to complete, and logging in during that window cancels the deletion and restores your account.
  • You must use your password to request deletion — Facebook will not delete an account without confirming your identity.
  • Photos and posts you shared are removed, but messages you sent to others may stay in their inboxes.
  • After deletion completes, you can create a new Facebook account with the same email address.

Steps to delete your account on desktop

Go to Facebook.com and log in if you are not already signed in. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner of the page, next to your profile picture. Select Settings and privacy, then click Settings.

On the left side menu, scroll down and click Deactivation and deletion. You will see two options: one to deactivate and one to delete. Click Delete account. Facebook will ask you to confirm your password and may ask you to enter a security code sent to your email or phone. Follow the prompts, then click Delete account again to confirm.

Steps 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. Tap Deactivation and deletion.

Tap Delete account. Enter your password when prompted and complete any security verification Facebook requests. Tap Delete account to confirm. The process is the same whether you use iPhone or Android.

What happens during the 30-day waiting period

Your profile will not appear in search results or in other people's friend lists. No one can message you or see your posts. However, your account is not fully gone yet — Facebook is still processing the deletion across its systems.

If you log in to your account at any point during these 30 days, the deletion request cancels automatically and your account returns to normal. You will not receive a warning before this happens. If you change your mind, simply log in with your username and password.

What data is deleted and what remains

Facebook removes your profile, all your posts, photos, videos, and comments. Your friend list disappears. Messages you sent to others are deleted from your inbox, but the people who received them can still see those messages in their own inboxes — Facebook does not remove messages from the recipient's side.

Information you shared in groups or on other people's pages may remain visible to group members or page followers, depending on the privacy settings of those spaces. Some data may stay in Facebook's backup systems for a limited time after deletion completes, but it will not be accessible to you or visible to others.

Creating a new account after deletion

Once the 30-day period ends and your account is fully deleted, you can create a new Facebook account using the same email address. You can also use a different email if you prefer. There is no waiting period — you can sign up immediately after deletion completes.

Your new account will start fresh with no history, friends, or posts. If you want to reconnect with people, you will need to send them friend requests again. Any groups or pages you followed will need to be rejoined.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my account without a password?

No. Facebook requires your password to delete an account because it is a permanent action. If you forgot your password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login page to reset it before requesting deletion.

What if I want to keep my photos before deleting?

Download your photos first. On desktop, go to Settings, then click Download your information in the left menu. Choose the date range and content types you want, then request the download. Facebook will email you a file with your data within a few days.

Does deleting Facebook also delete Instagram or WhatsApp?

No. Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are separate accounts. Deleting your Facebook account does not affect Instagram or WhatsApp. You must delete each account separately if you want to remove all three.

Will my friends know I deleted my account?

Your friends will see that your profile is no longer visible, but Facebook does not send them a notification that you deleted your account. They may notice you are gone if they try to visit your profile or message you.

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

No. After 30 days, deletion is permanent and cannot be reversed. You can create a new account, but your old data cannot be restored. If you think you might want your account back, do not request deletion — deactivation is reversible at any time.