The fastest way to delete Facebook on your phone

You can delete your Facebook account entirely from your phone's Facebook app or mobile browser — you do not need a computer. The process takes about five minutes and permanently removes your account after 30 days. During those 30 days, you can change your mind and restore it; after 30 days, Facebook deletes everything: your photos, messages, friend list, and posts.

The steps differ slightly depending on whether you use the Facebook app or a mobile browser. Both routes work equally well. If you use the app, you will go through your settings menu. If you use a browser on your phone, you will log in to facebook.com and find the same settings in a different location.

Key Takeaways

  • Deleting your account from the Facebook app takes five steps: open Settings and Privacy, tap Settings, scroll to Account Ownership and Control, tap Deactivation and Deletion, then choose Delete Account and confirm.
  • You have 30 days after requesting deletion to change your mind and restore your account before Facebook permanently removes everything.
  • If you cannot find the Deactivation and Deletion option, your phone's app may be outdated — update it through your phone's app store.
  • Deleting your account also removes you from Instagram and Messenger if they are linked to the same Facebook login.
  • Facebook will ask you to enter your password one more time before finalizing the deletion request as a security step.

Delete your account using the Facebook app

Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) in the bottom right corner. On some phones this appears in the top right instead. Scroll down until you see "Settings and Privacy," then tap it.

Tap "Settings" from the menu that appears. Scroll down through the settings list until you find "Account Ownership and Control" — this section groups together options for managing your account. Tap it to open that section.

Look for "Deactivation and Deletion" within Account Ownership and Control. Tap it. You will see two options: "Deactivate Account" and "Delete Account." Choose "Delete Account" because deactivation is temporary and reversible, while deletion is permanent after 30 days.

Facebook will ask you to choose a reason for leaving (optional) and then ask you to enter your password one final time. Type your password and tap the button to confirm deletion. You will see a message saying your account is scheduled for deletion. At this point, your account is no longer visible to other people, though you have 30 days to undo this decision.

Delete your account using a mobile browser

Open any browser on your phone — Safari, Chrome, Firefox, or whatever you normally use — and go to facebook.com. Log in with your email and password if you are not already logged in.

Tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the bottom right corner of the screen. Scroll down and tap "Settings and Privacy," then tap "Settings." Scroll down to find "Account Ownership and Control" and tap it.

Tap "Deactivation and Deletion," then choose "Delete Account." Enter your password when prompted and confirm. The process is identical to the app version; the only difference is where the menu buttons appear on your screen.

What happens during the 30-day waiting period

After you request deletion, your profile disappears from Facebook immediately. Other people cannot find you, see your posts, or message you. However, Facebook keeps your data for 30 days in case you change your mind.

If you log back into Facebook during these 30 days, your account will be restored automatically and the deletion request will be cancelled. You do not need to do anything special — simply logging in counts as a restore. After 30 days pass without you logging in, Facebook permanently deletes your account, photos, messages, and all other data.

Deleting your account also affects Instagram and Messenger

If you use the same Facebook login to access Instagram or Messenger, deleting your Facebook account will also delete those accounts. This happens because Meta (the company that owns all three) links them together when you use the same email address and password.

If you want to keep Instagram or Messenger but delete Facebook, you need to change your Instagram or Messenger login to a separate email address before you delete your Facebook account. Log into Instagram or Messenger on your phone, go to Settings, find the login or account section, and change the email to something different from your Facebook email. Once that is done, deleting Facebook will not affect those accounts.

If the deletion option does not appear in your settings

The most common reason the "Deactivation and Deletion" option is missing is that your Facebook app is outdated. Open your phone's app store (Google Play on Android, App Store on iPhone), search for Facebook, and tap "Update" if an update is available. Close the app completely and reopen it, then follow the deletion steps again.

If updating does not help, try using a mobile browser instead of the app. Go to facebook.com in Safari, Chrome, or Firefox and follow the browser steps listed above. The browser version is more reliable when the app has glitches.

What to do if you change your mind within 30 days

If you decide you want to keep your account, simply log back in on your phone using your email and password. Your account will be restored immediately, and the deletion request will be cancelled. You can do this at any point during the 30-day window.

After 30 days have passed, you cannot restore your account. Facebook will have permanently deleted everything. If you want to use Facebook again after that point, you will need to create a new account from scratch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my Facebook account if I forgot my password?

No, Facebook requires your password as a final security step before deletion. Use the "Forgot Password" link on the Facebook login screen to reset it first. Check the email address associated with your account for a password reset link, then create a new password and use it to complete the deletion process.

Will deleting my Facebook account remove me from Facebook groups or events I created?

Yes. Any groups you created will be deleted, and any events you created will be removed. If you are only a member of groups or events (not the creator), you will simply be removed from them when your account is deleted.

Does Facebook delete my messages when I delete my account?

Your messages are deleted from your account, but messages you sent to other people may still appear in their inboxes. Facebook does not delete messages from the recipient's side when you delete your account. If privacy is your concern, consider reviewing what you have messaged before deletion.

What if my account is hacked — can I delete it faster than 30 days?

The 30-day waiting period cannot be skipped, even if your account was compromised. However, if your account was hacked, change your password immediately and report it to Facebook through the security settings. You can still request deletion and wait the 30 days, or you can secure the account and keep it if you regain control.

Can I download my photos and messages before I delete my account?

Yes. Before you delete, go to Settings and Privacy, tap Settings, scroll to "Your Information and Permissions," and look for "Download Your Information." This tool lets you download a copy of your photos, posts, and messages. Do this before you request deletion, since you will not be able to access your account during the 30-day waiting period.