You can delete a Facebook group you created, or leave any group you've joined
If you manage a group, you can delete it entirely — this removes the group and all its posts, comments, and member list from Facebook. If you're a member but not the creator, you can only leave the group; the group itself stays active for other members. The steps are different depending on which situation you're in, and Facebook handles deletions differently on mobile and desktop.
Deleting a group you created is permanent. Facebook doesn't send the group to a trash folder or give you a waiting period — once you confirm the deletion, the group and everything in it is gone. If you're just looking to step back from a group without removing it entirely, leaving is the better choice.
Key Takeaways
- Only the group creator can delete a group; other members can only leave it.
- Deleting a group is permanent and removes all posts, comments, photos, and member records.
- To delete a group on desktop, open the group, click the three-dot menu, select Settings, scroll to Delete Group, and confirm.
- To leave a group on desktop or mobile, open the group, click the three-dot menu, and select Leave Group.
- If you're an admin but not the creator, you must make someone else the creator before you can leave.
How to delete a group on desktop
Open Facebook and go to your group. Click the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner of the group header (next to the search icon). A dropdown menu will appear with several options.
Scroll down in that menu and look for Settings. Click it. You'll land on the group settings page. Scroll all the way to the bottom of this page — you'll see a red button labeled Delete Group. Click it. Facebook will ask you to confirm: "Are you sure you want to delete this group?" Click Delete again to finish. The group is now gone.
How to delete a group on mobile
Open the Facebook app and navigate to your group. Tap the three-dot menu icon (usually in the top right). Scroll down and tap Settings. On the settings page, scroll to the bottom. You'll see Delete Group in red text. Tap it and confirm the deletion when prompted.
If you don't see the Delete Group option, you may not be the group creator — only creators can delete. If you're an admin but not the creator, you'll need to contact the creator or ask them to transfer ownership to you first.
How to leave a group you've joined
Open the group on desktop or mobile. Click or tap the three-dot menu icon. Look for Leave Group and select it. Facebook will ask you to confirm. Click or tap Leave. You're now out of the group and won't see its posts or notifications anymore.
If you're an admin of the group but not the creator, you may see a different message. Facebook requires you to assign a new admin or creator before you can leave. If you're the only admin and the creator is inactive, you can request to become the sole owner through the group settings, though Facebook's approval of this request depends on the group's activity and your role history.
What happens to the group after you delete it
When you delete a group, everything inside it disappears: all posts, photos, videos, comments, member list, and group description. Members will no longer see the group in their list, and the group's URL will no longer work. If someone tries to search for it by name, it won't appear in results.
Facebook does not archive deleted groups or send you a copy of the content. If you think you might want the group's posts or photos later, take screenshots or download them before you delete. There is no way to recover a group after deletion.
When you should delete versus leave
Delete a group if you created it and no longer want it to exist at all. This is the right choice if the group's purpose has ended, if it's inactive, or if you want to start fresh with a new group instead.
Leave a group if you're a member but didn't create it, or if you created it but want other members to keep using it. Leaving removes you from the group but leaves it intact for everyone else. If you're an admin and want to step back but keep the group running, transfer your admin role to another trusted member first, then leave.
Troubleshooting: Why you might not see the delete option
The Delete Group button only appears if you are the original creator of the group. If you're an admin but someone else created the group, you won't have the option to delete it. You can only leave. If you need the group deleted, contact the creator and ask them to do it.
If you created the group but the Delete Group button still doesn't appear, try refreshing the page or closing and reopening the Facebook app. If it still doesn't show up after that, the group may have restrictions in place — for example, some groups with thousands of members have additional safeguards. In that case, contact Facebook Support through the Help Center and describe what you're trying to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover a group after I delete it?
No. Deletion is permanent and immediate. Facebook does not keep deleted groups in a trash folder or recovery system. If you delete a group by mistake, you would need to create a new group from scratch and re-invite members.
What if I'm an admin but not the creator — can I delete the group?
No. Only the person who created the group can delete it. If you're an admin and want the group gone, you'll need to contact the creator and ask them to delete it. If the creator is no longer active, you can request to take over the group through Facebook's support process.
If I leave a group, can I rejoin it later?
Yes, if the group is public or if a member sends you an invitation. If the group is private and closed, you'll need someone inside to invite you back. If the group is secret, only members can see it exists, so you'd need an invite from someone who knows about it.
Will members get a notification if I delete the group?
Members will notice the group is gone when they try to access it, but Facebook doesn't send a specific notification saying "this group was deleted." They'll simply see that the group no longer appears in their list.
Can I delete a group if it has thousands of members?
Yes, the size of the group doesn't prevent deletion. However, very large groups sometimes have additional restrictions. If you're having trouble deleting a large group, check the group settings for any special rules, or contact Facebook Support for help.