Facebook gives you two choices: deactivate or delete

Deactivation hides your profile, posts, and photos from other users. Facebook keeps your data in case you change your mind and log back in within 30 days. After 30 days, the account is deleted, but Facebook retains some information for legal and safety reasons.

Deletion is permanent. Facebook removes your profile, posts, photos, and most personal information from public view within about 90 days. Some data tied to legal obligations or fraud prevention stays longer. You cannot reactivate a deleted account.

Most people choose deactivation first because it is reversible. Choose deletion only if you are certain you will not return.

Key Takeaways

  • Deactivation hides your account for 30 days and can be undone by logging back in; deletion is permanent after 90 days.
  • Both options start from Settings & Privacy > Settings > Deactivation and Deletion on a computer browser.
  • Facebook will ask you to confirm your choice and may show you friends you will no longer contact through the platform.
  • Downloaded copies of your photos and messages are not deleted automatically — you must request and read them separately if you want them.
  • After deletion, some data remains with Facebook for legal compliance and fraud prevention, though it is not publicly visible.

How to deactivate your account

Open Facebook in a web browser on your computer and log in if you are not already. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner of the screen, next to your name. Select Settings & Privacy, then click Settings.

On the left side of the screen, scroll down and click Deactivation and Deletion. You will see two options: "Deactivate Account" and "Delete Account". Click Deactivate Account. Facebook will ask you to choose a reason for leaving and may offer suggestions to keep you on the platform — you can skip these.

Enter your password to confirm, then click Deactivate. Your account is now hidden. You can reactivate it by logging in with your email and password at any time within 30 days. After 30 days, the account moves to permanent deletion.

How to permanently delete your account

Follow the same first steps: click the downward arrow, select Settings & Privacy, then Settings. Click Deactivation and Deletion on the left side.

This time, click Delete Account. Facebook will warn you that deletion is permanent and ask you to confirm. Enter your password and click Delete Account. The deletion process begins when ready, but Facebook takes up to 90 days to fully remove your data from its servers and backups.

During those 90 days, your profile is not visible to anyone, but the deletion cannot be stopped or reversed. After 90 days, your account and associated data are gone from Facebook's public systems.

read your information before you go

Before you deactivate or delete, consider downloading a copy of your photos, videos, posts, and messages. Facebook does not delete these automatically when your account is removed, so this is your only way to keep them.

Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings. On the left side, click Your Information and Permissions, then read Your Information. Choose the date range and data types you want (photos, posts, messages, etc.), select a file format, and click Create File. Facebook will prepare a read link, usually within a few hours. You will receive a notification when it is ready.

What happens to your messages and tagged photos

When you delete your account, your messages remain in the inboxes of people you messaged — they can still see what you wrote. Your name appears as a deleted user, but the conversation history stays. Photos and videos that other people posted and tagged you in also remain on their profiles and timelines.

If you want those photos removed, you must untag yourself before deletion. Go to each photo, click the three dots, and select Remove Tag. You cannot delete photos that other people posted, but you can ask them to remove the tag or delete the photo themselves.

Reactivating a deactivated account

If you deactivated your account and want to come back within 30 days, straightforward log in to Facebook with your email address and password. Your profile, friends list, photos, and messages will reappear exactly as they were. No special steps are needed.

After 30 days have passed, your deactivated account automatically converts to a deleted account and cannot be reactivated. If you deleted your account intentionally and want to return, you must create a new account with a new email address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my account on the Facebook app instead of a computer?

Yes. Open the app, tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right, scroll to Settings & Privacy, tap Settings, then Deactivation and Deletion. The steps are the same as on a computer, though the layout is slightly different.

Will Facebook send me emails after I delete my account?

No. Once your account is deleted, Facebook will not send you promotional emails or notifications. You may receive a final confirmation email that your account has been deleted, but no marketing messages will follow.

What if I forgot my password and cannot confirm the deletion?

Click "Forgot Password" on the Facebook login page and follow the recovery steps. You will need to regain access to your email or phone number associated with the account. Once you log back in, you can proceed with deactivation or deletion.

Does deleting Facebook delete my Instagram or WhatsApp accounts?

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

Can someone else access my account after I delete it?

No. Once deletion is complete, your account cannot be accessed by anyone, including you. The email address and username become available for someone else to use after the 90-day deletion period ends.