Permanent deletion takes 30 days, and you cannot undo it
When you delete your Facebook account, the company gives you 30 days to change your mind. During those 30 days, your account is hidden but not gone — you can log back in and cancel the deletion. After 30 days pass, Facebook removes your account, photos, messages, and everything else permanently. There is no recovery after that point.
This is different from deactivation, which temporarily hides your account but keeps all your data on Facebook's servers. Deletion is the only way to have Facebook remove your information entirely.
Key Takeaways
- Permanent deletion takes 30 days from the moment you request it, and you cannot undo it after those 30 days are up.
- You must use a computer or the Facebook mobile app to delete your account — the process does not work on the mobile website.
- Facebook keeps some information even after deletion, including messages you sent to others and content you posted in groups.
- If you change your mind during the 30-day window, you can log in and cancel the deletion request before it becomes permanent.
- Messenger will stop working once your account is deleted, so download any conversations you want to keep first.
How to request account deletion on a computer
Open Facebook in a web browser and log in to your account. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner of the page, next to your profile picture. From the menu that appears, select Settings and privacy, then click Settings.
On the left side of the screen, click Deactivation and deletion. You will see two options: one to deactivate your account and one to delete it. Click Delete account, then click Continue to account deletion. Facebook will ask you to enter your password to confirm. Type it in and click Continue.
On the next screen, Facebook explains what happens when you delete your account. Read through it, then click Delete account at the bottom. Your deletion request is now submitted. Facebook will send a confirmation email to the address on your account. The 30-day countdown begins immediately.
How to request account deletion on your phone
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 Accounts center near the top of the screen.
Tap Accounts, then select your Facebook account from the list. Tap Deactivation and deletion. Choose Delete account and tap Continue to account deletion. Enter your password when prompted and tap Continue. Review the information on the final screen, then tap Delete account. You will receive a confirmation email.
Do not use the mobile website version of Facebook for this process — the deletion option does not appear there. You must use either the app or a computer.
What happens during the 30-day waiting period
Your account becomes invisible to other people immediately. Your profile will not appear in searches, your friends cannot see your posts, and your name will not show up in group conversations. However, your data still exists on Facebook's servers during these 30 days.
If you log back into your account at any point during this period, your deletion request is cancelled and everything returns to normal. You can do this as many times as you want. Only after the full 30 days pass without you logging in will Facebook permanently erase your account.
Messages you sent to other people will still appear in their inboxes, even after your account is deleted. Posts you made in groups will also remain visible. Facebook does not remove content you created in shared spaces — only content from your own profile.
What information Facebook keeps after deletion
Even after your account is permanently deleted, Facebook retains certain information. Messages you sent to other users stay in their message threads. Comments and posts you made in groups remain visible to group members. Photos you uploaded that other people have tagged or shared will still exist in their copies.
Facebook also keeps backup copies of your data for a limited time for technical and legal reasons. The company states it may take up to 90 days for all traces to be removed from backup systems, though your account will be inaccessible after the initial 30 days.
If you are concerned about specific content, delete individual posts, photos, or comments before requesting account deletion. This removes them from your profile immediately and prevents them from being included in backups.
Download your information before deleting
Before you request deletion, consider downloading a copy of your photos, videos, and messages. Once your account is gone, you cannot retrieve this content from Facebook. To download your information, go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Your information and permissions > Download your information.
Facebook will prepare a file containing your photos, videos, posts, and messages. Depending on how much content you have, this can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. You will receive an email when the file is ready. Download it and save it to your computer or cloud storage before you request account deletion.
What to do if you change your mind
If you decide you want to keep your account, log in during the 30-day waiting period. Your account will immediately return to normal and the deletion request will be cancelled. You can log in from any device — computer, phone, or tablet — and your account will be restored.
After the 30 days are up, logging in will not work. The account no longer exists. At that point, you would need to create a new Facebook account if you want to use the service again. You cannot recover the old account or its data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will deleting my Facebook account 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 does not affect Instagram or WhatsApp. You must delete each account separately if you want to remove all three.
Can someone else access my account during the 30-day deletion period?
No. Your account is locked during the waiting period. Even if someone has your password, they cannot log in. Your account remains inaccessible to everyone except you until either the 30 days pass or you cancel the deletion.
What happens to my Facebook Marketplace listings when I delete my account?
Active listings will be removed and buyers will not be able to contact you. If you have pending transactions, complete them or cancel them before requesting deletion. After your account is deleted, you cannot respond to messages about sales.
Will my friends be notified that I deleted my account?
No. Facebook does not send notifications to your friends when you delete your account. Your profile will simply disappear from their view. Some people may notice you are gone if they try to visit your profile or search for you.
Can I delete my account if I have an outstanding balance or unpaid ads?
Yes, you can request deletion regardless of account balance or unpaid charges. However, Facebook may pursue payment for any outstanding amounts. Settle any bills before deletion if you want to avoid collection attempts.