Facebook deletion is permanent and takes 30 days
When you delete your Facebook account, the company gives you 30 days to change your mind. During those 30 days, your profile is hidden from other users, but the account still exists in Facebook's systems. If you log back in during this window, the deletion stops and your account returns to normal. After 30 days pass, Facebook begins removing your data from its servers, though some information tied to messages you sent to others may remain on their accounts.
Deactivation is different from deletion. A deactivated account hides your profile immediately but keeps the account active — you can reactivate it anytime by logging in. Deletion is the permanent path, and you should only choose it if you are certain you will not want to return.
Key Takeaways
- Deleting your account takes 30 days to finalize, and you can cancel the deletion by logging in at any point during that month.
- You must use a computer or mobile web browser to delete your account — the Facebook app does not have a delete option.
- After deletion is complete, Facebook keeps some data for legal and security reasons, but your profile and posts are removed from public view.
- Messages you sent to other people remain in their inboxes even after your account is deleted.
Steps to delete your account on a computer
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 name. Select Settings and privacy, then click Settings.
On the left side of the screen, scroll down and click Deactivation and deletion. You will see two options: one to deactivate your account and one to delete it. 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 to complete the request. Once you submit the deletion request, the 30-day countdown begins.
Deleting your account on a mobile browser
Open a web browser on your phone — Safari, Chrome, or Firefox — and go to Facebook.com. Log in if needed. Tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) in the bottom right corner of the screen. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then tap Settings.
Scroll down to find Deactivation and deletion and tap it. Select Delete account and follow the confirmation steps. You will need to enter your password and any security codes Facebook sends you. The deletion request is submitted the same way as on a computer, and the 30-day waiting period applies.
What happens during the 30-day waiting period
Your profile becomes invisible to other Facebook users immediately. Your name will not appear in search results, your posts will not show up on friends' feeds, and people cannot message you. However, your account still exists on Facebook's servers during this time.
If you change your mind, simply log back into your account using your email and password. Your profile, photos, friends list, and all other data will return to normal. You do not need to do anything special to cancel the deletion — logging in automatically stops the process. If you do not log in during the 30 days, the deletion becomes permanent and Facebook begins removing your information from its systems.
Data that remains after deletion
Facebook does not delete all information associated with your account immediately. Messages you sent to other people stay in their inboxes and message threads. If you tagged yourself in photos on other people's accounts, those tags may remain visible to their friends. Copies of your information may also be kept in Facebook's backup systems for a limited time.
Facebook also retains some data for legal reasons, to prevent fraud, and to enforce its terms of service. The company does not publish exact timelines for when this backup data is fully removed. If you want to download your photos, messages, and other data before deletion, you can do so through Facebook's download tool before you submit the deletion request.
Downloading your data before you delete
Before you delete your account, you can save a copy of your information. Go to Settings and privacy, then Settings. Click Your information and permissions on the left side, then select Download your information. Choose the date range and data types you want to include — photos, posts, messages, and more. Facebook will prepare a file and send you a download link, usually within a few hours.
This download is useful if you want to keep copies of your photos or messages after your account is gone. You can also use this tool to see exactly what data Facebook has collected about you before you decide to delete.
Why you might want to deactivate instead of delete
Deactivation is a good option if you want to take a break from Facebook but might return later. Your account remains on Facebook's servers, and you can reactivate it anytime by logging in. Your profile is hidden from search results and your posts do not appear in feeds, but the account itself is not being removed.
Deactivation is also faster — there is no waiting period. Your profile disappears immediately. If you decide after a few months or years that you want to use Facebook again, you simply log in and your account is back. Deletion, by contrast, is meant to be permanent and cannot be undone after the 30 days are up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my Facebook account from the mobile app?
No. The Facebook app does not have a delete account option. You must use a web browser on a computer or phone to access the deletion settings. Open Facebook.com in Safari, Chrome, Firefox, or another browser, log in, and follow the steps in Settings and privacy.
What happens to my Facebook Messenger account when I delete Facebook?
Your Messenger account is tied to your Facebook account. When you delete Facebook, you also lose access to Messenger. People can still see your old messages in their inboxes, but you will not be able to send or receive new messages. If you want to keep using Messenger, you should deactivate your Facebook account instead of deleting it.
Can someone else use my email address to create a new Facebook account after I delete mine?
Yes. After your account is fully deleted, the email address you used is no longer tied to Facebook. Another person can create a new account using that same email. If you want to prevent this, you can change your email address before you delete your account, though this does not stop someone from using the old email later.
Will deleting Facebook remove me from group chats or event invitations?
Yes. Once your account is deleted, you will be removed from all groups and events. People who invited you to events will see that you are no longer attending. Group chats that depend on your Facebook account will also lose your participation, though the messages you already sent will remain visible to others in the group.
How long does it take for Facebook to completely remove all my data?
Facebook says it takes about 30 days for your profile and most of your data to be removed after the deletion period ends. However, backup copies and data kept for legal reasons may take longer to fully delete. Facebook does not publish exact timelines for when all traces of your account are gone from their systems.