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

Deactivation temporarily hides your profile, posts, and photos from other users. Facebook keeps your data and you can reactivate anytime by logging back in. Deletion removes your account permanently after 30 days. During that month, you can cancel the deletion by logging in again. After 30 days pass, Facebook deletes your information, though some data tied to messages you sent to others may remain on their accounts.

Most people choose deactivation if they might return later. Choose deletion if you want your account gone for good and do not plan to come back.

Key Takeaways

  • Deactivation hides your account but keeps your data; you can reactivate by logging in anytime.
  • Deletion removes your account permanently after 30 days, but you can cancel during that waiting period by logging in.
  • You can deactivate or delete through Settings on desktop or mobile, or through the app menu on your phone.
  • After deletion is final, messages you sent to others stay on their accounts, but your profile and photos disappear.
  • If you forget your password, you can still request account deletion through Facebook's help center.

How to deactivate your account on desktop

Open Facebook in a web browser and log in. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner and select Settings and privacy, then Settings. On the left side, click Deactivation and deletion. Choose Deactivate account and click Continue. Facebook will ask you to confirm your password and choose a reason for leaving. You can also choose whether to receive emails from Facebook. Click Deactivate to finish.

Your profile will disappear immediately. Friends will not see your name in their friend lists, and your posts and photos will be hidden. If you change your mind, log back in with your email and password anytime within the deactivation period, and your account returns to normal.

How to deactivate your account on mobile

Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then Settings. Tap Deactivation and deletion. Choose Deactivate account and tap Continue. Enter your password, choose a reason, and tap Deactivate.

The process is the same as desktop: your account hides immediately, and you can reactivate by logging in again.

How to permanently delete your account

Go to Settings and privacy, then Settings. Click or tap Deactivation and deletion. This time, choose Delete account instead of deactivate. Click or tap Continue. Enter your password and click or tap Delete account. Facebook will ask you to confirm again.

Your account enters a 30-day waiting period. During this time, your profile, photos, and posts are hidden from other users, but Facebook has not yet erased your data. If you log in during these 30 days, the deletion cancels and your account returns to normal. After 30 days pass with no login, Facebook permanently removes your account and all associated data.

What happens to your messages and photos after deletion

Messages you sent to other people stay in their inboxes and chat histories. Facebook does not remove your words from their accounts. However, your profile picture and name may appear differently — some users will see "Facebook User" instead of your name, depending on when they last viewed the conversation.

Photos and videos you posted on your own timeline disappear. Photos you were tagged in by others remain on their timelines and in their albums, but your name is removed from the tag. If you posted in groups or on other pages, those posts are deleted.

If you cannot remember your password

You can still request deletion even if you cannot log in. Go to Facebook's Help Center and search for "delete account." Facebook provides a form where you can request deletion by entering your email address or phone number. You will need to verify your identity through a code sent to your email or phone. After verification, you can request deletion, and the 30-day waiting period begins.

This process takes longer than deleting while logged in, so allow extra time if you have forgotten your login details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reactivate my account after the 30-day deletion period ends?

No. Once 30 days pass without logging in, Facebook permanently deletes your account and you cannot recover it. If you think you might return, deactivate instead of delete. You can always delete later.

Will Facebook delete my information from other people's devices?

No. Messages, photos, and posts you shared with others remain on their phones, computers, and accounts. Deletion only removes your account and profile from Facebook's servers, not copies others have saved or downloaded.

What if I deactivate but want to use Messenger?

Deactivating your Facebook account does not automatically deactivate Messenger. You can still send and receive messages through the Messenger app. If you want to stop using Messenger too, you must delete your account instead of deactivating it.

Does deleting my Facebook account remove me from Instagram or WhatsApp?

No. Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are separate accounts. Deleting your Facebook account does not affect your Instagram or WhatsApp accounts. You must delete each one separately if you want to remove all three.

Can I download my photos before deleting?

Yes. Before you deactivate or delete, go to Settings, click Your information, then Download your information. Facebook will prepare a file with your photos, posts, and messages that you can download to your computer. This process can take several hours or days depending on how much data you have.