Facebook gives you two ways to remove your account: deactivation, which is temporary and reversible, or deletion, which is permanent
Deactivation hides your profile, posts, and friends list from other users, but Facebook keeps your data in case you want to reactivate within 30 days. Deletion removes your account entirely after 30 days, though Facebook retains some information for legal and operational reasons. Most people choose deactivation first because it's reversible; deletion is the right choice only if you're certain you won't want your account back.
The process itself takes minutes, but the 30-day waiting period is built in. During those 30 days, you can undo deactivation by logging back in. If you choose deletion instead, you cannot undo it after the 30 days pass.
Key Takeaways
- Deactivation hides your account temporarily and is reversible within 30 days; deletion is permanent after 30 days and cannot be undone.
- To deactivate, go to Settings and Privacy > Settings > Deactivation and Deletion, select Deactivate Account, and choose a reason.
- To delete permanently, use the same menu but select Delete Account instead, then wait 30 days for the deletion to complete.
- Facebook keeps some data after deletion for legal compliance and to prevent fraud, but your profile and posts are no longer visible to other users.
- If you have a Facebook Business Page, you must delete it separately before deleting your personal account.
How to deactivate your Facebook account
Deactivation is the gentler option. Your profile disappears from search results and your friends' lists, and nobody can see your posts or send you messages. But your messages to others remain in their inboxes, and Facebook keeps your data in case you return.
On a computer, go to the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner. Select Settings and Privacy, then Settings. On the left side, click Deactivation and Deletion. Choose Deactivate Account, then click Continue to Account Deactivation. Facebook will ask you to choose a reason and enter your password. You can also opt out of receiving emails from Facebook during the deactivation period. Click Deactivate to finish.
On a phone or tablet, the steps are the same: menu icon, Settings and Privacy, Settings, Deactivation and Deletion, then Deactivate Account. The mobile interface will guide you through the same prompts.
Once deactivated, you have 30 days to change your mind. Simply log back in with your email and password, and your account reactivates immediately with everything restored.
How to permanently delete your Facebook account
Deletion is irreversible. After 30 days, your account, profile, photos, and posts are gone for good. You cannot undo this action, so be certain before you start.
The process begins the same way: menu icon, Settings and Privacy, Settings, Deactivation and Deletion. This time, select Delete Account instead of Deactivate Account. Click Continue to Account Deletion. Facebook will ask you to enter your password and solve a security check to confirm you're human. Then you'll see a final warning that deletion is permanent. Click Delete Account to confirm.
Your account does not disappear immediately. Facebook takes up to 30 days to fully remove your data from its servers. During this time, your profile is hidden from other users, but if you log in, you can cancel the deletion and restore your account. After 30 days, cancellation is no longer possible.
What happens to your data after deletion
Facebook does not erase everything. The company retains some information for legal reasons, fraud prevention, and to comply with financial regulations. This includes transaction records if you made purchases through Facebook, and data needed to respond to legal requests.
However, your profile, posts, photos, and personal information are no longer visible to other users or searchable. Friends cannot see your account or access your messages. Third-party apps that connected to your Facebook account lose access to your data once deletion is complete.
Copies of your information may exist in backups for a limited time, but Facebook does not use these for any purpose after deletion. If you want a record of your photos and posts before deletion, you can download your information first using the Download Your Information tool in Settings.
Deleting a Facebook Business Page before your personal account
If you manage a Facebook Business Page, you must delete it separately before deleting your personal account. Facebook does not allow you to delete a personal account that is the sole admin of an active Business Page.
To delete a Business Page, go to the page itself and click Settings in the top menu. Scroll down to General and select Remove Page. Confirm the deletion. This action is permanent, so download any important information first if you need it.
Once the Business Page is gone, you can proceed with deleting your personal account using the steps above.
Downloading your information before you delete
If you want to keep copies of your photos, posts, or messages, download your data before deletion. Go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings. Click Your Information and Permissions, then Download Your Information. Choose the date range and data types you want (photos, posts, messages, etc.), then click Request a Download.
Facebook will prepare a file containing your data, usually within a few hours. You'll receive a notification when it's ready. The file is encrypted and can only be opened by you. Download it and save it to your computer or cloud storage before you delete your account.
What to do if you cannot access your account
If you've forgotten your password or can no longer log in, you can still delete your account. Go to the Facebook login page and click Forgotten Password? Follow the steps to reset your password using your email or phone number. Once you regain access, follow the deletion steps above.
If you no longer have access to the email or phone number linked to your account, Facebook's account recovery process can help. Visit the Find Your Account page and enter your name or email. Facebook will guide you through identity verification, which may take several days. Once your account is recovered, you can proceed with deletion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reactivate my account after 30 days?
No. After 30 days, deletion is permanent and cannot be reversed. Deactivation can be reversed at any time within the 30-day window by logging back in, but deletion cannot. Make sure you choose the right option before confirming.
Will my messages disappear from my friends' inboxes?
No. Messages you sent to others remain in their inboxes even after your account is deleted. Only your side of the conversation disappears from your own account. If you want to remove a specific message, you can delete it individually before deleting your account.
What if I have a Facebook account linked to other apps?
Apps that use "Sign in with Facebook" will lose access to your account once deletion is complete. You may need to create new passwords for those apps or link them to a different account. Check your connected apps in Settings before deletion to see which ones depend on Facebook.
Does Facebook delete my information from its servers right away?
No. The 30-day waiting period allows you to cancel deletion if you change your mind. After 30 days, Facebook removes your profile and posts from its systems, but some data may remain in backups for a limited time for legal and operational purposes.
Can I delete my account if someone else has access to it?
If you believe your account has been hacked, change your password immediately and review your login activity in Settings. Then proceed with deletion if you no longer want the account. If you cannot regain access, use Facebook's account recovery process to verify your identity before deletion.