Facebook gives you two ways to remove your account, and they work very differently

You can deactivate your account, which hides it temporarily but keeps all your data on Facebook's servers. You can also delete your account, which removes your profile, photos, posts, and messages — though Facebook keeps some information for legal and safety reasons. Deletion is permanent and takes about 30 days to complete. Deactivation is reversible: you can log back in anytime within that window and restore everything.

The choice depends on whether you might want to return. If you think you'll come back to Facebook in a few months, deactivation is safer. If you're done with the platform entirely, deletion is the right path.

Key Takeaways

  • Deactivation hides your account but keeps your data; deletion removes your profile permanently after 30 days.
  • To delete your account, go to Settings and Privacy > Settings > Deactivation and Deletion, then choose Delete Account.
  • Facebook keeps some data after deletion for legal reasons, including information needed to prevent fraud or respond to legal requests.
  • You cannot undo deletion after the 30-day window closes, so download your photos and messages first if you want to keep them.
  • Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp accounts are separate and will not be deleted when you delete Facebook.

How to delete your account from a computer

Open Facebook and click the downward arrow in the top right corner. Select Settings and Privacy, then Settings. On the left side, click Deactivation and Deletion. You will see two options: Deactivate Account and Delete Account. Click Delete Account.

Facebook will ask you to confirm your password and may ask you to solve a CAPTCHA. After you confirm, your account enters a 30-day deletion window. During this time, your profile will not be visible to other people, but you can still log in and cancel the deletion if you change your mind. After 30 days, your account and all associated data will be permanently removed.

How to delete your account from a phone

Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings and Privacy, then Settings. Tap Deactivation and Deletion. Select Delete Account and confirm your password.

The process is identical to the computer version. Your account will be hidden immediately, and the 30-day deletion window will begin. If you are using Facebook through a web browser on your phone instead of the app, follow the computer instructions above.

What happens to your data during the 30-day window

During the 30 days after you request deletion, your profile, photos, posts, and comments will not appear to other Facebook users. However, Facebook keeps your data on its servers during this period. If you log back in with your password, you can cancel the deletion and restore your account completely — your posts, photos, and friends list will all return exactly as they were.

After the 30 days end, Facebook begins removing your information from its active systems. Some data may remain in backup copies for a limited time, but it will not be accessible through Facebook. Facebook also keeps certain information permanently, including records of payments you made, reports you filed about other users, and communications with Facebook support.

Download your photos and messages before deletion

If you want to keep copies of your photos, videos, or messages, download them before you request deletion. Go to Settings and Privacy > Settings > Your Information and Permissions > Download Your Information. Choose the date range and data types you want (photos, videos, posts, messages, and more). Facebook will create a file and send you a download link, usually within a few hours.

This download includes everything you posted and all your messages. It does not include comments other people made on your posts or photos they tagged you in — those belong to the other users. If you want those, you will need to ask them directly or take screenshots before you delete your account.

What does not get deleted

Deleting your Facebook account does not delete your Instagram or WhatsApp accounts, even though Facebook owns both platforms. Those are separate accounts with separate logins. You will need to delete them separately if you want them gone.

Messages you sent to other people will remain in their inboxes even after your account is deleted. If you sent a message to a friend, that friend can still read it — it will just show as coming from a deleted account. Comments you made on other people's posts will also remain visible, though they will show your name as a deleted user.

If you change your mind during the 30 days

You can cancel deletion anytime during the 30-day window by logging back into your account with your email and password. Your profile, photos, friends list, and messages will be restored immediately. Facebook will not ask you to confirm or explain why you are returning — your account will simply reactivate.

After the 30 days end, you cannot undo the deletion. If you want to use Facebook again after that point, you will need to create a new account from scratch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else see my account during the 30-day deletion period?

No. Your profile, photos, and posts will not appear in search results or on other people's pages. However, Facebook still has access to your data during this time, and you can still log in yourself. The account is hidden from the public but not yet permanently erased.

Will deleting my Facebook account delete my Messenger account?

No. Messenger is a separate service. Your Messenger account will remain active even after your Facebook account is deleted, though your profile picture and name may change. To fully remove Messenger, you will need to delete that account separately through the Messenger app settings.

What if I forgot my password and cannot log in to delete my account?

Go to the Facebook login page and click "Forgotten password?" Enter your email or phone number. Facebook will send you a reset link. Once you reset your password, you can log in and follow the deletion steps. If you no longer have access to your email or phone number, contact Facebook through their help center for additional options.

Does deleting my account remove me from group chats?

Yes. After your account is deleted, you will be removed from all Facebook groups and group chats. Other members will see that you are no longer in the group, but your past messages will remain visible with your name shown as a deleted user.

Can I delete my account if I have an active marketplace listing or unpaid balance?

You can request deletion, but Facebook may delay the process if you have an outstanding balance from a purchase or ad campaign. Settle any payments first, then request deletion. If you have active marketplace listings, they will be removed when your account is deleted.