Facebook gives you two ways to remove your account: deactivation and deletion
Deactivation hides your profile temporarily. Your name disappears from search, your messages and posts vanish from view, and friends cannot find you. You can reactivate anytime by logging back in — Facebook keeps your data intact for 30 days, then deletes it if you do not return.
Deletion is permanent. After you request it, Facebook waits 30 days before erasing your profile, photos, posts, and messages. If you log in during those 30 days, the deletion stops and your account stays active. After 30 days pass without logging in, the deletion completes and cannot be undone.
Most people choose deactivation if they want a break but might return. Choose deletion if you want your account gone for good and do not plan to come back.
Key Takeaways
- Deactivation hides your profile but keeps your data — you can reactivate by logging in anytime.
- Deletion is permanent after 30 days pass without you logging in, and Facebook will erase your photos, posts, and messages.
- Both options take a few clicks from your settings menu on a computer or phone.
- Some data tied to your account — like messages you sent to others — may stay on their accounts even after you delete yours.
- If you use Facebook to log into other apps or websites, those connections will break when your account is gone.
How to deactivate your Facebook profile
On a computer, click the downward arrow in the top right corner of Facebook, then 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 confirm your password and choose a reason for leaving. Click Deactivate to finish.
On a phone, tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the bottom right, scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then Settings. Tap Deactivation and deletion, choose Deactivate account, and follow the same steps as above.
Your profile will be hidden immediately. You can reactivate it anytime by logging in with your email and password.
How to permanently delete your Facebook profile
On a computer, go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Deactivation and deletion. This time, choose Delete account instead of deactivate, then click Continue to account deletion. Enter your password, then click Delete account.
On a phone, follow the same path: menu > Settings and privacy > Settings > Deactivation and deletion, then select Delete account.
Facebook will show you a 30-day countdown. During this time, your profile is hidden but your data still exists on Facebook's servers. If you log in even once, the deletion will cancel and your account will reactivate. After 30 days with no login, your account and all its contents are permanently removed.
What happens to your data when you delete
Your photos, videos, posts, and comments will be erased. Your profile picture and bio disappear. Messages you sent to other people will no longer show your name attached to them — they may appear as "Facebook User" or similar. Messages others sent to you will still be in their inboxes, but they will not see your profile when they click on your name.
If you used your Facebook account to log into other apps or websites — like Spotify, Instagram, or gaming platforms — those connections will break. You will need to create separate passwords for those services or log in using a different method.
Some information tied to your account may take longer to disappear from Facebook's systems. Backups and copies stored for security purposes may persist for a few weeks after deletion completes.
Before you delete: things to check
Download your information first if you want to keep copies of your photos or posts. On a computer, go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Your information and permissions > Download your information. Choose the date range and content type you want, then click Request a download. Facebook will email you a file within a few days.
Check if you use Facebook to log into other accounts. Search your email for "Facebook login" or "connected apps" to find services linked to your account. You will need to set up new passwords for those services before you delete, or you will lose access.
Tell people who need to reach you that you are leaving. Consider posting a final message with your email or phone number, or send direct messages to close friends and family with another way to contact you.
The difference between deactivation and deletion at a glance
| Deactivation | Deletion | |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Profile hidden, name not searchable | Profile hidden, name not searchable |
| Your data | Kept on Facebook's servers | Erased after 30 days |
| Can you undo it? | Yes, anytime by logging in | Only within 30 days by logging in |
| How long it takes | Immediate | 30 days |
| Permanent? | No | Yes, after 30 days |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reactivate my account after I delete it?
Yes, but only within 30 days of requesting deletion. If you log in during that 30-day window, your deletion request cancels and your account reactivates with all your data intact. After 30 days pass without a login, deletion is permanent and you cannot recover your account.
Will my friends still see messages I sent them?
Yes. Messages you sent to other people will remain in their inboxes, but your name will no longer be attached — they may see "Facebook User" instead. The content of the message stays, but the sender information changes.
What if I use Facebook to log into other apps?
Those login connections will break when your account is deleted. Before you delete, set up new passwords for any apps or websites that use your Facebook login — Spotify, Instagram, gaming platforms, and others. You can find linked apps in your Settings under Apps and websites.
Does deactivation delete my data?
No. Deactivation only hides your profile. Facebook keeps all your photos, posts, messages, and personal information on its servers. If you reactivate by logging in, everything returns exactly as it was. Your data stays until you either delete your account or Facebook deletes it after a very long period of inactivity.
How long does it take to delete my account?
The deletion process takes 30 days from the moment you request it. During those 30 days, your profile is hidden but not yet erased. If you do not log in during this time, Facebook permanently deletes your account and all its contents after the 30 days end.