What happens when you close your Facebook account
When you close your Facebook account, Facebook deletes your profile, photos, posts, and messages within about 90 days. During those 90 days, your account is deactivated — no one can see your profile or contact you through Facebook, but the company hasn't permanently removed your data yet. After 90 days pass without you logging back in, the deletion becomes permanent.
Closing is different from deactivating. A deactivated account can be reactivated by logging in again at any time. A closed account cannot be reopened — once the 90-day window ends, your data is gone for good. Facebook will keep some information (like messages you sent to others) because those are stored in other people's inboxes, but your own account and everything attached to it will be deleted.
If you use your Facebook login to sign into other apps or websites — like Spotify, Instagram, or games — closing your Facebook account will lock you out of those services. Check what apps are connected to your Facebook account before you close it, because you will need to set up separate passwords for any services you want to keep using.
Key Takeaways
- Closing your Facebook account takes 90 days to complete permanently, and you can reactivate it by logging in during that window.
- Any apps or websites that use your Facebook login will stop working once your account closes, so disconnect them first if you want to keep using those services.
- Messages you sent to other people stay in their inboxes, but your own messages, photos, and posts will be deleted after the 90-day period ends.
- You must use a computer or mobile browser to close your account — the Facebook app does not have a close account option.
How to close your account on a computer
Open Facebook in a web browser and log in if you are not already logged in. Click the downward-pointing arrow in the top right corner of the page, next to your profile picture. A menu will drop down with several options.
Scroll down in that menu and click Settings and privacy, then click Settings. On the left side of the screen, you will see a column of options. Scroll down to the bottom of that column and click Deactivation and deletion. Facebook will show you two options: Deactivate account and Delete account. Click Delete account.
Facebook will ask you to confirm your choice and may ask you to enter your password again for security. After you confirm, your account enters the 90-day deletion window. You will receive an email confirming that your account is scheduled for deletion. Do not log back in during those 90 days, or the deletion will stop and your account will reactivate.
How to close your account on a phone
Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (called a menu icon) in the bottom right corner of the screen. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then tap Settings. Scroll down until you see Accounts Center and tap it.
Tap Personal information, then tap Account ownership and control. Tap Deactivation or deletion. Select Delete account and follow the prompts to confirm. Facebook will ask for your password to verify your identity. After you confirm, your account will be scheduled for deletion.
If you cannot find these options in the app, open Facebook in your phone's web browser instead and follow the computer steps above. The browser version always has the full account closure menu, while the app sometimes hides it.
Disconnecting apps before you close your account
Before you close your Facebook account, check what other services are using your Facebook login. Open Facebook in a browser, click the downward arrow in the top right, and select Settings and privacy, then Settings. On the left side, click Apps and websites. You will see a list of every app and website connected to your Facebook account.
Go through the list and remove any apps you want to keep using. Click on each one and select Remove. For services you want to keep — like Spotify, Instagram, or gaming apps — you will need to set up a new password directly with that service before you remove the Facebook connection. Most services have a "forgot password" or "change password" option that lets you create a new login without using Facebook.
If you do not disconnect these apps before closing your Facebook account, you will be locked out of them. Reconnecting later is difficult because your Facebook account will no longer exist. Taking 10 minutes to disconnect and reset passwords now saves you hours of trouble later.
What to do if you change your mind during the 90 days
If you close your account and then change your mind within 90 days, simply log back into Facebook with your email and password. Your account will reactivate immediately, and all your photos, posts, and messages will return. The deletion will be cancelled.
After the 90 days have passed, your account cannot be recovered. Facebook will not restore a deleted account under any circumstances, even if you contact them and ask. Make sure you are certain before the 90-day window closes.
Deactivating instead of closing, if you want to keep your options open
If you are not ready to permanently delete your account, you can deactivate it instead. A deactivated account hides your profile from everyone, stops notifications, and removes you from search results — but it does not delete anything. You can reactivate by logging in at any time, even years later, and everything will be exactly as you left it.
Deactivation is useful if you want a break from Facebook but might want to come back. Closing is for people who are certain they will not use Facebook again. You can always close your account later if you decide deactivation is not enough, but you cannot undo a permanent deletion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Facebook delete my messages to other people?
No. Messages you sent to other people stay in their inboxes even after your account closes. Only your own copies of messages and your profile will be deleted. If someone wants to keep a record of your conversation, they will still have it.
Can I close my Facebook account if I have an outstanding balance or unpaid ads?
You can close your account, but Facebook may still pursue any unpaid bills. Closing your account does not erase debts. If you have unpaid ads or other charges, contact Facebook's support to settle them before closing, or be prepared for them to contact you after deletion.
What happens to my Instagram account if I close Facebook?
If your Instagram account is linked to your Facebook account, closing Facebook will not automatically close Instagram. However, you may lose some features or have trouble accessing Instagram if it relies on your Facebook login. Check your Instagram settings to make sure you can log in independently before closing Facebook.
Does Facebook keep any data after the 90 days?
Facebook deletes your profile and personal data, but may keep some information for legal or security reasons — like records of payments you made or reports you filed. They do not use this data to rebuild your profile or contact you, but they may retain it in their backup systems.
Can someone else use my email address to create a new Facebook account after mine closes?
Yes. Once your account is permanently deleted, someone else can sign up for Facebook using the same email address. If you want to prevent this, change your email address in your Facebook settings before closing your account, or use an email address you no longer have access to.