Facebook gives you two ways to stop using your account: deactivation and deletion

Deactivation hides your profile temporarily. Your name disappears from search, your messages and posts vanish from view, and friends can't find you. You can reactivate anytime by logging back in — Facebook keeps your data intact for 30 days, then deletes it if you don't return.

Deletion is permanent. After you request it, Facebook waits 30 days, then erases your account, posts, photos, and messages from their servers. You cannot undo this. If you log in during those 30 days, the deletion cancels and your account stays active.

Most people choose deactivation first because it's reversible. Pick deletion only if you're certain you won't want your account back.

Key Takeaways

  • Deactivation hides your profile but keeps your data; deletion removes everything permanently after 30 days.
  • You can reactivate a deactivated account anytime by logging in, but you cannot undo a deletion once the 30 days pass.
  • Both options are found in Facebook Settings under "Deactivation and Deletion," not in a general account menu.
  • If you delete your account, Facebook keeps your data for 30 days in case you change your mind and log back in.
  • Messages you sent to others stay in their inboxes even after you delete your account.

How to deactivate your Facebook account

Open Facebook on a computer (the mobile app doesn't have this option in all regions). Click the downward arrow in the top right corner, then select Settings and privacy, then Settings.

On the left side, click Deactivation and Deletion. Choose Deactivate Account, then click Continue. Facebook will ask you to enter your password and choose a reason for leaving (optional). Click Deactivate.

Your profile is now hidden. You can reactivate it anytime by logging in with your email and password — your posts, photos, and friends list will return exactly as they were.

How to permanently delete your Facebook account

Go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Deactivation and Deletion on a computer. This time, select Delete Account instead of Deactivate Account, then click Continue.

Enter your password and click Delete. Facebook will show a confirmation message. Your account enters a 30-day grace period during which your data is still stored on Facebook's servers but hidden from public view.

If you log in during these 30 days, the deletion request cancels automatically and your account reactivates. After 30 days pass without you logging in, Facebook permanently removes your account and all associated data.

What happens to your data after deletion

Your posts, photos, videos, and friend list are erased from Facebook's servers after the 30-day window closes. However, messages you sent to other people remain in their inboxes — Facebook cannot delete messages from recipients' accounts.

If you were tagged in other people's photos or posts, those tags are removed, but the photos and posts themselves stay. Copies of your information that Facebook shared with third-party apps before deletion may still exist on those apps' servers; deleting your Facebook account does not automatically delete data from external services.

Backups of your data may exist in Facebook's offline storage for a longer period, though they are not accessible to you or the public.

If you want to keep your data before closing

Facebook lets you download a copy of your information before you delete. Go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Your information and permissions > Download your information. Choose the date range and format (HTML or JSON), then click Request a Download.

Facebook will prepare a file containing your posts, photos, messages, and friend list. You'll receive an email when it's ready, usually within a few hours. Download it before you delete your account, because once deletion is complete, you cannot retrieve this file from Facebook.

Deactivation vs. deletion: which should you choose

Choose deactivation if you want to step away but might return later, if you're unsure about losing your data permanently, or if you want to keep your account as a backup. Deactivation is also useful if you want to see how life feels without Facebook before making a final decision.

Choose deletion only if you are certain you will not want your account back and you understand that all your data will be erased. Deletion is final — there is no way to recover your account or its contents after 30 days.

If you simply want to reduce how much time you spend on Facebook without closing your account, consider using Facebook's built-in tools instead: you can limit notifications, unfollow people without unfriending them, or use app timers to restrict daily usage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reactivate my account after I delete it?

Only during the 30-day grace period. If you log in anytime during those 30 days, your deletion request cancels and your account returns to normal. After 30 days pass, deletion is permanent and you cannot recover your account.

Will my friends know I deleted my account?

Your profile will disappear from their friend lists and they won't be able to message you, but Facebook does not send a notification saying you deleted your account. They may notice you're gone when they try to find you or message you.

What if I deactivate but want to reactivate later?

Log in with your email and password anytime. Your profile, posts, photos, and friends list will be exactly as you left them. There is no time limit on reactivation — you can reactivate a deactivated account years later.

Do my messages disappear when I delete my account?

Messages you sent to others stay in their inboxes. Messages others sent to you are deleted from your account, but recipients still have copies. If you want to preserve your messages, download your information before you delete.

Can I delete my account on the Facebook mobile app?

The deactivation and deletion options are not available in the mobile app in most regions. Use a computer or mobile web browser instead. Go to facebook.com, log in, and follow the steps in Settings.