Permanent deletion takes 30 days and cannot be undone

When you delete your Facebook account, the company keeps your data for 30 days in case you change your mind and log back in. After those 30 days, Facebook removes your profile, photos, posts, and messages from its servers. This is different from deactivation, which hides your account but keeps everything intact. Permanent deletion is final — you cannot recover your account, your photos, or your messages after the 30-day window closes.

The deletion process itself takes only a few minutes. You start it through your account settings, and then you wait. During the 30-day period, you will not be able to use your account, but Facebook is still holding your data. If you log in even once during those 30 days, the deletion cancels and your account reactivates.

Some data may stay longer. Messages you sent to other people remain in their inboxes even after your account is gone. Photos you uploaded to other people's timelines stay there. Facebook also keeps some information for legal reasons, though it is not connected to your account anymore.

Key Takeaways

  • Permanent deletion takes 30 days from the moment you request it, and logging in during that time cancels the deletion.
  • You must use a computer or the Facebook website to start deletion — the mobile app does not have this option.
  • Messages and photos you sent to other people will remain visible to them after your account is deleted.
  • After 30 days, your account cannot be recovered, so download your photos and messages first if you want to keep them.
  • If you are not ready for permanent deletion, deactivation hides your account and lets you reactivate it later without a time limit.

Download your photos and messages before you delete

Facebook lets you download a copy of everything on your account — your photos, videos, posts, messages, and contact information. This takes a few minutes to set up and then Facebook emails you a file. Do this before you request permanent deletion, because once the 30-day period starts, you cannot download anything.

On a computer, go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings. Click on Your Information and Connections in the left menu. Select Download Your Information. Facebook will ask you what you want to download (photos, messages, posts, and so on) and what format you want (HTML or JSON). Choose what matters to you, then click Request a Download. Facebook will email you a link within a few hours or a few days, depending on how much data you have. Download the file and save it somewhere safe.

The file is large if you have been on Facebook for years. Make sure you have enough space on your computer or an external hard drive before you download it. Once you have the file saved, you can delete your account without worrying about losing your memories.

How to request permanent deletion on a computer

You must use a computer or the Facebook website to delete your account. The Facebook app on your phone does not have a delete option. Open Facebook in a web browser and log in if you are not already logged in.

Click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner. Scroll down and click Settings and Privacy, then Settings. On the left side, click Your Information and Connections. Look for Deactivation or Deletion and click on it. Facebook will show you 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. The next screen will explain what happens when you delete your account and ask you to choose a reason (optional). Click Delete Account again. Facebook will tell you that your account will be permanently deleted in 30 days and that you should not log in during that time.

What happens during the 30-day waiting period

After you request deletion, your profile disappears from Facebook immediately. Other people cannot find your account, see your posts, or message you. Your name will not appear in search results. However, Facebook is still storing your data on its servers during these 30 days.

If you log in to your account at any point during the 30 days, the deletion request cancels automatically and your account reactivates. Your profile comes back, your posts reappear, and everything returns to normal. You would have to request deletion again if you still want to delete. This is why it is important to avoid logging in, even by accident.

Some people log in without meaning to — they click a Facebook link in an email, or they use a Facebook login button on another website. Be careful during this 30-day period. If you are worried you might accidentally log in, consider changing your password to something you do not remember, or asking someone else to change it for you.

What stays on Facebook after your account is deleted

Messages you sent to other people remain in their inboxes. If you sent someone a private message, they can still read it after your account is gone. If you posted on someone else's timeline or in a group, that post stays there with your name attached, even though your profile no longer exists. Photos you uploaded to other people's albums stay in those albums.

Comments you made on public posts may disappear, but this is not may provide. Some comments stay visible with your name, others are removed. Facebook does not clearly explain which comments stay and which go.

If you were tagged in photos by other people, those photos and tags remain. The person who uploaded the photo can remove the tag, but you cannot remove it yourself once your account is deleted. If you want those tags gone, ask the person who posted the photo to untag you before you delete your account.

Deactivation is reversible if you are not sure about permanent deletion

If you are uncertain about deleting your account permanently, deactivation is a safer choice. When you deactivate, your profile hides from Facebook, but all your data stays on Facebook's servers. You can reactivate your account at any time by logging in again — there is no time limit. Your posts, photos, and messages come back exactly as they were.

Deactivation takes effect immediately. Other people cannot see your profile or find you in search. However, Facebook still has your information and can use it for advertising and other purposes. If you want Facebook to stop using your data, permanent deletion is the only option.

You can deactivate from the mobile app or a computer. Go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings. Click Your Information and Connections, then Deactivation or Deletion. Choose Deactivate Account instead of Delete Account. Facebook will ask you why you are leaving and offer options to stay in touch. You can skip these and click Deactivate.

What to do if you cannot find the delete option

If you are looking at Settings and cannot find Deactivation or Deletion, you may be in the wrong section. Make sure you are in Settings and Privacy, then Settings. On the left menu, look for Your Information and Connections — this is not the same as Privacy or Security. Click on it, and Deactivation or Deletion should appear.

If you are using the Facebook app on your phone, the delete option is not available there. You must use a computer or go to facebook.com in your phone's web browser. Log in and follow the steps above.

If you still cannot find it, try a different web browser. Sometimes browser extensions or settings can hide parts of Facebook's interface. Open Facebook in a private or incognito window, or try a different browser like Chrome, Safari, or Firefox.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. After 30 days, your account is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered. This is why downloading your photos and messages beforehand is important. If you think you might want your account back, use deactivation instead — you can reactivate a deactivated account at any time.

Will my friends be notified that I deleted my account?

Facebook does not send a notification 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, but Facebook does not announce it.

What happens to my Facebook Messenger account when I delete Facebook?

Messenger is separate from Facebook, so deleting your Facebook account does not automatically delete Messenger. However, you will not be able to use Messenger to contact people or receive messages. If you want to delete Messenger as well, you must delete it separately through the Messenger app or settings.

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

You can still request deletion even if you owe Facebook money for ads. However, Facebook may pursue payment after your account is deleted. It is better to settle any outstanding balance before you delete, so there are no complications later.

Does deleting my Facebook account delete my Instagram account too?

No. Facebook and Instagram are separate accounts, even though Facebook owns Instagram. Deleting your Facebook account does not affect your Instagram account. If you want to delete Instagram as well, you must delete it separately through Instagram's settings.