Facebook deletion is permanent and takes 30 days to complete
When you delete your Facebook account, the company removes your profile, photos, posts, and messages from its servers. This process is not reversible. You have 30 days from the moment you request deletion to change your mind — if you log back in during that window, the deletion stops and your account stays active. After 30 days, Facebook permanently erases your data, though some information (like messages you sent to others) may remain in their inboxes.
Deactivation is different from deletion. Deactivating hides your profile temporarily but keeps your data on Facebook's servers. You can reactivate whenever you want. Most people who want to step away should deactivate first to see if they miss the platform. Deletion is the choice only if you are certain you will not return.
Key Takeaways
- Deletion takes 30 days to finalize, and you can cancel it by logging in during that window.
- You must use a computer or mobile browser to delete your account — the Facebook app does not have a deletion option.
- Facebook will ask you to enter your password and solve a security check before processing the deletion request.
- After deletion completes, you cannot recover your photos, posts, or messages, so download your data first if you need copies.
- Some third-party apps and websites that use your Facebook login will lose access once your account is gone.
How to delete your account on a computer
Open Facebook in a web browser and log in if you are not already. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner of the screen (next to the question mark icon). Scroll down and select Settings and privacy, then click Settings.
On the left side of the screen, click Deactivation and deletion. You will see two options: one to deactivate and one to delete. Click Delete account. Facebook will ask you to confirm your password and complete a security check (usually identifying friends in photos or entering a code sent to your email or phone). After you complete these steps, click Delete account again to confirm.
Your account will enter a 30-day grace period. During this time, your profile is hidden from other users, but you can still log in to cancel the deletion. After 30 days, deletion is final.
How to delete your account on a mobile phone
Open Facebook in a mobile web browser — not the Facebook app, which does not have a deletion option. Log in and tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then Settings.
Tap Deactivation and deletion. Select Delete account and enter your password when prompted. Complete the security check (photo identification or code verification). Tap Delete account to confirm. Your account enters the 30-day deletion window.
Download your data before deletion
Facebook stores years of your photos, videos, posts, and messages. Once deletion is final, you cannot recover them. If you want copies, download your data before you request deletion.
Go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Your information and permissions > Download your information. Choose the date range and media types you want (photos, videos, posts, messages, etc.). Facebook will prepare a file and send you a download link via email. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours depending on how much data you have. Download the file and save it to your computer or cloud storage before you delete your account.
What happens to your messages and tagged photos
When you delete your account, your sent messages disappear from your own inbox, but they remain in the inboxes of people you messaged. Those people will still see your old messages — they just will not be able to click your name to visit your profile.
Photos that other people tagged you in will stay on Facebook. Your name will no longer be attached to them, but the images remain. If you want those photos removed, you must contact the person who posted them and ask them to delete or untag you before your account deletion is final (within the 30-day window).
Apps and websites linked to your Facebook account
Many websites and apps let you log in using your Facebook account instead of creating a separate password. Once your Facebook account is deleted, you will lose access to those services unless you have set up a different login method.
Before you delete, go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Apps and websites. Review the list of connected apps and websites. For any service you still use, create a new password or link a different login method (like Google or Apple ID) so you can still access it after Facebook is gone. Remove access for apps you no longer use.
Canceling deletion during the 30-day window
If you change your mind within 30 days, simply log back into Facebook using your email and password. Your account will reactivate immediately, and deletion will be canceled. Your profile, photos, posts, and messages will all return to normal.
After the 30 days end, you cannot recover your account or any of its contents. Facebook will not restore deleted accounts under any circumstances, even if you contact their support team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my account from the Facebook app?
No. The Facebook mobile app does not have a deletion option. You must use a web browser on a computer or phone to delete your account. Open facebook.com in Safari, Chrome, or another browser, log in, and follow the deletion steps.
What if I forgot my password?
You will need your password to delete your account. Go to the Facebook login page and click Forgot password? Enter your email or phone number, and Facebook will send you a link to reset it. Once you have reset your password, you can proceed with deletion.
Will deleting Facebook delete my Instagram or WhatsApp accounts?
No. Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are separate accounts, even though Meta owns all three. Deleting your Facebook account will not affect your Instagram or WhatsApp. However, if you used your Facebook login to access Instagram, you will need to set up a different login method for Instagram before you delete Facebook.
Can Facebook restore my account after the 30 days are up?
No. After 30 days, deletion is permanent and irreversible. Facebook does not restore deleted accounts or recover deleted data under any circumstances. Make sure you download your data and cancel any connected apps before the 30-day window closes.
What happens to my Facebook Marketplace listings?
Your active Marketplace listings will be removed when your account is deleted. Buyers will no longer be able to contact you about items you posted. If you are in the middle of a sale, complete the transaction or cancel it before you delete your account.